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Video: Digital Foundry Gives Its Full Tech Analysis of Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is just hours away from release (as we publish this it’s actually already out in Japan / Australia / New Zealand), and it’s comfortably one of the most anticipated games of the year. We lavished it with praise in our review, and remarked that it’s a handsome game that also delivers some much appreciated 60fps gaming.

Of course, if you’re interested in the technicalities of what Nintendo’s done with the Switch title, Digital Foundry has you covered. The channel’s published its full tech analysis of Super Mario Odyssey, going into resolution, framerate and the differences between portable and docked play. Check it out below.

It’s interesting to see it all broken down, and shows that Nintendo had to work hard to produce a sizeable game at the desired framerate on the Switch. For our money visual compromises are worth it for smooth performance, but not all may agree.

In any case let us know what you think, and whether you’ll be diving into the adventure this weekend.

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Nintendo Earnings Predictions Anticipate Increased Switch Sales

The start of next week should be very interesting indeed, as Nintendo will reveal its Q2 financial results. After a rather uneventful set of reports for Q1 – and doggedly sticking to conservative Switch projections despite speculation otherwise – we could see Nintendo shift its sales targets for the year.

Once again analysts expect that to happen, and The Wall Street Journal (paywall) has pitched in with some projections based on data and trends. Some key points below.

  • Revenue is anticipated to be around ¥183 billion ($1.6 billion), which would be the highest Q2 figure since 2009.
  • A net profit of around ¥15.8 billion is expected, down on the equivalents from last year when Nintendo bolstered its figures through the sale of its stake in the Seattle Mariners MLB team.
  • Q2 sales of Switch hardware are expected to be around three million, which would be impressive for what is typically a quiet window (and would reflect Nintendo having increased supply). As a result it’s expected that the company will increase its current estimate of 10 million Switch hardware sales for the financial year.
  • Switch game sales for the reporting window are expected to be above 10 million, and some believe that Nintendo’s current yearly target of 35 million is ‘conservative’.

In truth we’ll only know once the official numbers arrive, as analysts have certainly been off the mark before. In general, however, it’s anticipated that there’ll be various positives for Nintendo to report. Nevertheless, the company’s share value on the Tokyo Stock Market took a dive of nearly 4% on 26th October, so we’ll also see how that balances out into next week. Beyond the Switch there’ll also be a big focus on estimates and expectations around the Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp app, currently out in Australia and due to have a global release in late November.

We’ll see what Nintendo reports on 30th October.

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Review: Super Ping Pong Trick Shot (Switch eShop)

With more games released every year, deciding which one to play next has become increasingly difficult. The complex progression systems and open world design commonly found in modern video games appear to have become a norm, even in some download titles. Sometimes the limitless nature of these types of games can become overwhelming, making it nice to occasionally play a title that is representative of a classic game from simpler times. A game that is perhaps easy to learn, hard to master and can be enjoyed within a few seconds, instead of requiring any long-term commitment.

In Super Ping Pong Trick Shot, what you see is what you get. This game – published by Starsign – and developed by Sims (both of Japanese origin) is a basic arcade title mixing the genres of action, sport, and simulation and even adding subtle puzzle elements in order to create an engaging skill shot game.

Anyone who considers themselves a trick shot master should find the content in Super Ping Pong more than satisfactory. Overlooking the bland visuals – consisting primarily of basic 3D shapes – the task is to fling a ball across a room and try to get it to land in a cup on the other side. The challenge mode – offering 80 unique levels – builds upon this simple concept over time. Eventually there are rooms filled with moving platforms, switches, blocks with special properties and other obstacles that make the main clear-cut objective progressively harder. This is not to forget that there are optional sub-objectives in each level, and that only so many attempts can be made until a stage must be completely restarted – resetting the angle of a shot back to the default position.

The physics in Super Ping Pong Trick Shot are sufficient. The ball bounces, rebounds off walls, and flies and floats through the air while using reasonably accurate physics. The launch speed of the ball depends on the level of the power gauge, while the angle of a shot can be adjusted and the camera can also be repositioned. By default, the camera perspective is a side-on view of each level. Later on obstacles, blockades, and even the cup may be out of sight from this perspective, encouraging you to swap to an angled viewpoint. The control options available here include basic button inputs along with gyro and touch controls. The motion control method isn’t bad, nor are the touch controls, but if you want a certain level of accuracy the button input is probably the best way to go.

With all of this in consideration, Super Ping Pong Trick Shot becomes more enticing the more it is played. As basic as the premise is, there is a simple satisfaction when acing a level. Sure, you could be off slaying monsters in some extensive fantasy role-playing game world, but this is a quick and fun fix that encourages players to have another go. A lot of the shots don’t always require the player to follow the guidance of a level, either. In certain stages the ball can just be launched up high instead, and with a bit of luck will often fall into the cup. Fluke shots can work out better if a calculated approach does not suit the mood of the player at the time.

Additional content prolonging the life of this trick shot game includes a score attack mode and a head-to-head mode. Score attack gives players a number of shots to set the highest score possible on a level, whilst the head-to-head mode has two players taking aim at a single cup to see who can earn the most points within 60 seconds. Both players can use items to give them the competitive edge; items like paint cover up the opponent’s gauge and one other power-up allows players to throw multiple balls at once. Together, these two modes are much the same as the challenge mode.

Supporting the shot taking is a limited soundtrack that appears to be made up of a handful of songs. Although not the same level of quality, the smooth and soothing tracks are in some cases reminiscent of the puzzle title Art of Balance. Another aspect of the title that is not particularly impressive is the menu design and in-game overlay. In the game menus there are instruction windows all over the place, and within a level there are too many overly large icons and text boxes. Even the pause menu goes overboard with an excessive amount of text and options. If the user interface was reworked and the visuals were improved – maybe adding some patterns and colourful backdrops – this game might have left a better impression from a visual standpoint.  

Conclusion

Don’t be fooled, Super Ping Pong Trick Shot is entirely and unabashedly all about trying to get a ball to land in a cup. What it sets out to do, it does right. It’s not particularly exceptional in any way, however the basic concept is addictive enough to overlook the bland visuals and clustered user interface. The range of levels to play across multiple modes and the inclusion of both touch-screen and gyro control options are an added bonus. If you want a game that you can enjoy in short bursts in between time consuming titles, Super Ping Pong Trick Shot will do the job. Don’t expect it to work wonders, just enjoy its simplicity for what it is. 

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We Could See Another 3D Mario Game On Switch, According To Yoshiaki Koizumi

Super Mario games are a highlight of any Nintendo console cycle, with titles like Super Mario 3D World, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Sunshine providing players with hours of enjoyment over the past few decades.

However, as the years have progressed and development commitments have lengthened, we’re typically seeing a single mainline 3D Mario game per console generation (Super Mario Galaxy 2 being the notable exception). That means in statistical terms at least, the Switch is about to get its only 3D Mario outing in the form of Super Mario Odyssey.

However, Nintendo’s Yoshiaki Koizumi doesn’t think this is a “hard and fast rule” which has to be adhered to: 

I’m obviously considering lots of things for the future. In terms of Super Mario Odyssey and whether there would be a sequel, the first game hasn’t even come out yet so it’s very tough to say at this stage whether there would be a sequel or not. I’m first and foremost just hoping that Super Mario Odyssey is a success. And secondly, yeah, with the Nintendo Switch lifecycle again it’s very early — who knows how things will turn out? As you say, in the past maybe there’s been one 3D title per hardware generation on average, but I wouldn’t say that that’s a hard-and-fast rule that would have to be adhered to.

Do you think we’ll see another 3D Mario adventure on Switch? Or would you prefer it if Nintendo did another 2D Mario outing in the New Super Mario Bros. sub-series? Let us know with a comment.

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Nintendo Download: 26th October (Europe)

Another Nintendo Download Update is live in Europe, and it’s a big one. In addition to Mario’s notable arrival on Switch we have a whole lot of other tempting options, along with the usual DLC add-ons and discounts. Let’s get to it!

Switch Retail Downloads

Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo, €59.99 / £49.99) – A huge release for the Switch, as Mario returns to the ‘sandbox’ approach that helped establish his three-dimensional credentials. It’s a sizeable and incredibly inventive adventure, while also supporting co-op and offering an ‘assist mode’ for those that need a helping hand. Cappy certainly transforms the game and we gave it top marks in our Super Mario Odyssey review. Available from 27th October.

Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon (Koei Tecmo, €59.99 / £49.99) – This action RPG series is perhaps rather niche outside of Japan, but it’s a welcome addition nonetheless to the Switch retail scene. It’s had some mixed reviews on the PS4, for example, but we’ll endeavour to check it out on Switch. Available from 27th October.

Just Dance 2018 (Ubisoft, €59.99 / £49.99) – The popular series (we assume) continues with this latest entry, including over 40 tracks at launch on the cartridge and over 300 more through ‘Just Dance Unlimited’.

This is the Police (Nordic Games, €29.99 / £24.99) – A strategy and adventure game set in the crime-ridden city of Freeburg. You assume the role of Police Chief Jack Boyd – voiced by Jon St. John (Duke Nukem) – and have to tackle a wide range of crimes, assigning officers to certain jobs and facing numerous moral dilemmas along the way. The ultimate aim is to raise $500,000 in 180 days, but you can choose to do that in any way you wish.

Switch eShop

The Mummy Demastered (WayForward, €19.99 / £17.99) – Sure to be tempting with Halloween around the corner. Forget the questionable movie, this promises “a 16-bit-inspired battle against the undead in a 2D, nonlinear, action-packed adventure”. We loved this in our The Mummy Demastered review.

Splasher (Plug In Digital, €14.99 / £12.99) – A colourful and fast-paced platformer, you use various inks and resources to ‘splash’ walls and surfaces in order to traverse environments and tackle enemies. Along with the standard mode there are also Time Trial and Speedrun options with online leaderboards, too, so the most talented players will have a chance to show off. We’ll let you know what we think in a review.

Moon Hunters (Kitfox Games, €13.49 / £8.99 until 2nd November, then €14.99 / £9.99) – Quirkily described as a “co-operative personality test RPG”, you create your own legend and explore a mystical Mesopotamian-inspired world that’s different every time you play. It supports up to four players locally and this Switch iteration includes the Eternal Echoes DLC. We’ll take the test and bring you a review.

Violett (Forever Entertainment, €8.99 / £8.09 until 6th November, then €9.99 / £8.99) – A title actually released in ‘remastered’ form way back in December 2013 on Steam (PC); it’s a point-and-click title that certainly strives the catch the eye with its visuals and art design. We’ll point out whether it’s worth a purchase in a review.

Time Recoil (10tons, €13.99 / £11.99) – Another top-down twin-stick shooter from the Finnish developer, In this one killing the baddies triggers time slowdown, and additional kills extend the slowdown period and charge a special move. The more the player is able to kill the more powerful the special move becomes, all the way to a full time freeze. We’ll take our time and let you know what we think in a review.

Knight Terrors (Nicalis, €2.99 / £2.69) – This budget title offers simple controls but arcade-style challenge; you have to dodge dangers and also destroy any creatures that come your way. It offers a bit of simple fun for Halloween, as we explain in our Knight Terrors review.

Zombie Gold Rush (Amazing, €4.99 / £4.49) – This one sees you jumping into various cars and shooting down waves of zombies from a top-down perspective, collecting a whole lot of cash in the process. Screenshots of the game suggest that you will be able to upgrade your vehicles in a garage, spending the gold you earn to do just that, and it would also appear that leaderboards will be present to showcase your highest scores. We’ll get into gear for a review.

Mutation Nation (HAMSTER, €6.99 / £6.29) – Another beat ’em up to consider, and an ACA Neo Geo release that didn’t previously arrive in its more basic form on the Wii Virtual Console. It’s pretty simple; Ricky Jones and Johnny Hart (could they be even more ’90s, we do wonder) come down “the hood” to clean up mutated freaks off the streets, fist-in-the-face style.

Switch DLC

Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition: Stranger Things Skin Pack (Mojang, €2.99 / £2.39)

Nights of Azure 2 – Preorder Bonus Pack (Koei Tecmo)

Nights of Azure 2: Special Costume, Yuri Kozukata’s Outfit (Koei Tecmo, free and only available until 26th January 2018)

LEGO Worlds: Monsters Pack (Warner Bros., €3.99 / £3.29)

Infinite Minigolf: Hangar 37 (Zen Studios, free)

Nintendo Switch Halloween Sale

Disgaea 5 Complete (NIS America, €49.99 / £41.66 until 2nd November, normally €59.99 / £49.99)

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (Yacht Club Games, €19.99 / £17.99 until 2nd November, normally €24.99 / £22.49)

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment (Yacht Club Games, €7.99 / £7.19 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Cave Story+ (Nicalis, €26.99 / £24.29 until 2nd November, normally €29.99 / £26.99)

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ (Nicalis, €35.99 / £32.39 until 2nd November, normally €39.99 / £35.99)

Axiom Verge (Thomas Happ Games, €16.19 / £13.49 until 2nd November, normally €17.99 / £14.99)

Snake Pass (Sumo Digital, €9.99 / £7.99 until 2nd November, normally €19.99 / £15.99)

Thimbleweed Park (Terrible Toybox, €16.99 / £12.74 until 2nd November, normally €19.99 / £14.99)

GoNNER (Raw Fury, €8.49 / £7.64 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Bulb Boy (Bulbware, €5.59 / £5.03 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £7.19)

Phantom Trigger (TinyBuild Games, €7.49 / £6.74 until 2nd November, normally €14.99 / £13.49)

SEVERED (Drinkbox Studios, €11.99 / £10.79 until 2nd November, normally €14.99 / £13.49)

Dark Witch Music Episode: Rudymical (Flyhigh Works, €7.20 / £6.29 until 2nd November, normally €8.00 / £6.99)

Graceful Explosion Machine (Vertex Pop Inc, €10.39 / £7.99 until 2nd November, normally €12.99 / £9.99)

BUTCHER (Crunching Koalas, €7.99 / £7.19 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Lichtspeer: Double Speer Edition (Crunching Koalas, €7.99 / £7.19 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Rocket Fist (Bitten Toast Games, €7.99 / £7.19 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Robonauts (QubicGames, €9.99 / £8.99 until 12th November, normally €14.99 / £13.49)

I and Me (Ratalaika Games, €8.99 / £8.09 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Switch eShop Demo

Piczle Lines DX (Rainy Frog, free)

3DS eShop

Worcle Worlds (Lightwood Games, €8.99 / £7.99) – From a studio that specialises in word games, this looks like a potentially fun spin on the genre. You shoot balls into bubbles to form words in order to clear letters off the screen, with bonuses for multipliers and speed being of the essence. Ten game worlds are promised along with a Battle Mode for local and online play.

Halloween Night Archery (Petite Games, €1.99 / £1.79) – The name pretty much says it all, as this is a themed archery title as you aim to hit targets at various distances.

3DS DLC

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond The Myth: New Explorers 4 (Koch Media, €1.99 / £1.79)

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond The Myth: New Explorers 5 (Koch Media, €1.99 / £1.79)

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond The Myth: Wizardly Experience Quest (Koch Media, €1.99 / £1.79)

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond The Myth: Wizardly Fortune Quest (Koch Media, €1.99 / £1.79)

Culdcept Revolt – Hopping Toad (NIS America, free)

3DS Halloween Sale

Dr Kawashima’s Devilish Brain Training (Nintendo, €19.99 / £16.66 until 2nd November, normally €29.99 / £24.99)

Luigi’s Mansion 2 (Nintendo, €15.99 / £12.79 until 2nd November, normally €19.99 / £15.99)

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (Nintendo, €29.99 / £26.66 until 2nd November, normally €44.99 / £39.99)

Yo-kai Watch (Nintendo, €27.99 / £24.49 until 2nd November, normally €39.99 / £34.99)

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (NIS America, €7.49 / £6.74 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Record Breaker (NIS America, €19.99 / £17.49 until 2nd November, normally €39.99 / £34.99)

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked (NIS America, €10.49 / £8.99 until 2nd November, normally €34.99 / £29.99)

3D Altered Beast (SEGA, €2.49 / £2.24 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games, €19.99 / £17.99 until 2nd November, normally €24.99 / £22.49)

Terraria (505 Games, €14.99 / £12.74 until 9th November, normally €19.99 / £16.99)

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (Konami, €3.49 / £3.14 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest (Konami, €2.79 / £2.49 until 2nd November, normally €3.99 / £3.59)

Castlevania (Konami, €3.49 / £3.14 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Castlevania: The Adventure (Konami, €2.09 / £1.88 until 2nd November, normally €2.99 / £2.69)

Gargoyle’s Quest (Capcom, €2.79 / £2.49 until 2nd November, normally €3.99 / £3.59)

Gargoyle’s Quest II: The Demon Darkness (Capcom, €3.49 / £3.14 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Ghosts ‘n Goblins (Capcom, €3.49 / £3.14 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Avenging Spirit (Jaleco, €2.09 / £1.88 until 2nd November, normally €2.99 / £2.69)

Alchemic Dungeons (CIRCLE Entertainment, €4.00 / £3.99 until 9th November, normally €5.00 / £4.99)

Fairune (CIRCLE Entertainment, €1.99 / £1.99 until 9th November, normally €2.99 / £2.99)

Parascientific Escape – Crossing at the Farthest Horizon (CIRCLE Entertainment, €4.00 / £3.99 until 9th November, normally €5.00 / £4.99)

Petit Novel Series – Harvest December (CIRCLE Entertainment, €7.99 / £7.93 until 9th November, normally €11.99 / £11.89)

Tappingo (CIRCLE Entertainment, €1.99 / £1.99 until 9th November, normally €2.99 / £2.99)

Squids Odyssey (The Game Bakers, €5.19 / £3.99 until 2nd November, normally €12.99 / £9.99)

Aqua Moto Racing 3D (Zordix AB, €3.99 / £3.59 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £7.19)

Brave Dungeon (Inside System, €3.99 / £3.59 until 9th November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Bird Mania 3D (Teyon, €0.49 / £0.44 until 2nd November, normally €0.99 / £0.89)

Crazy Chicken Pirates 3D (Teyon, €0.99 / £0.89 until 2nd November, normally €1.99 / £1.79)

Crazy Chicken: Director’s Cut 3D (Teyon, €0.49 / £0.44 until 2nd November, normally €0.99 / £0.89)

Governor of Poker (Teyon, €2.49 / £2.24 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Heavy Fire: Black Arms 3D (Teyon, €2.49 / £2.24 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Heavy Fire: Special Operations 3D (Teyon, €2.49 / £2.24 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Mini Golf Resort (Teyon, €2.49 / £2.24 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £4.49)

Ocean Runner (Teyon, €1.49 / £1.34 until 2nd November, normally €2.99 / £2.69)

Robot Rescue 3D (Teyon, €1.49 / £1.34 until 2nd November, normally €2.99 / £2.69)

Football Up Online (EnjoyUp Games, €1.99 / £1.79 until 23rd November, normally €3.99 / £3.59)

New Nintendo 3DS Halloween Sale

Castlevania: Dracula X (Konami, €5.59 / £4.99 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £7.19)

Super Castlevania IV (Konami, €5.59 / £4.99 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £7.19)

Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (Konami, €5.59 / £4.99 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £7.19)

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Nicalis, €13.49 / £12.14 until 2nd November, normally €14.99 / £13.49)

3DS HOME Themes

Super Mario Odyssey: World Trekking (LAUNCH SALE) (Nintendo, €0.99 / £0.89 until 24th November, normally €1.99 / £1.79)

BOXBOY! 2.5th Anniversary (Nintendo, €1.99 / £1.79)

Hello Kitty and Mimmy (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89)

Cute Hello Kitty Pastel (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89)

Kitty kisses and hearts (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89)

Hello Kitty: Into the stars (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89)

Maggie and Bianca Rock Style (Rainbow, €0.99 / £0.89)

Astoria, Rose and Joy (Rainbow, €0.99 / £0.89)

Wii U Retail Download

Just Dance 2018 (Ubisoft, €49.99 / £39.99)

Wii U DLC

Minecraft: Wii U Edition: Stranger Things Skin Pack (Mojang, €2.99 / £2.39)

Wii U Halloween Sale

Bayonetta 2 (Nintendo, €34.99 / £27.99 until 2nd November, normally €49.99 / £39.99)

Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water (Nintendo, €34.99 / £27.99 until 2nd November, normally €49.99 / £39.99)

Pandora’s Tower (Nintendo, €13.99 / £12.59 until 2nd November, normally €19.99 / £17.99)

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (Capcom, €13.99 / £12.59 until 2nd November, normally €19.99 / £17.99)

Project Zero 2: Wii Edition (Nintendo, €13.99 / £12.59 until 2nd November, normally €19.99 / £17.99)

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Nintendo, €6.99 / £6.29 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Devil World (Nintendo, €3.49 / £2.44 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £3.49)

Gargoyle’s Quest II: The Demon Darkness (Nintendo, €3.49 / £2.44 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £3.49)

Ghosts ‘n Goblins (Capcom, €3.49 / £2.44 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £3.49)

Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (GBA) (Capcom, €4.89 / £4.40 until 2nd November, normally €6.99 / £6.29)

Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (SNES) (Capcom, €5.59 / £3.84 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £5.49)

Super Castlevania IV (Konami, €5.59 / £3.84 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £5.49)

Castlevania (Konami, €3.49 / £2.44 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £3.49)

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest (Konami, €3.49 / £2.44 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £3.49)

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (Konami, €3.49 / £2.44 until 2nd November, normally €4.99 / £3.49)

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (Konami, €4.89 / £4.40 until 2nd November, normally €6.99 / £6.29)

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance (Konami, €4.89 / £4.40 until 2nd November, normally €6.99 / £6.29)

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (Konami, €4.89 / £4.40 until 2nd November, normally €6.99 / £6.29)

Castlevania: Dracula X (Konami, €5.59 / £3.84 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £5.49)

Darksiders II (THQ Nordic, €9.99 / £7.99 until 2nd November, normally €49.99 / £39.99)

Darksiders: Warmastered Edition (THQ Nordic, €7.99 / £5.99 until 2nd November, normally €19.99 / £14.99)

Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games, €19.99 / £17.99 until 2nd November, normally €24.99 / £22.49)

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Nicalis, €13.49 / £12.14 until 2nd November, normally €14.99 / £13.49)

Super Meat Boy (Blitworks, €12.60 / £11.70 until 2nd November, normally €14.00 / £13.00)

Trine 2: Director’s Cut (Frozenbyte, €8.49 / £6.99 until 16th November, normally €16.99 / £13.99)

Trine Enchanted Edition (Frozenbyte, €6.49 / £5.49 until 16th November, normally €12.99 / £10.99)

Year Walk (Simogo, €3.49 / £3.14 until 2nd November, normally €6.99 / £6.29)

Don’t Starve: Giant Edition (Klei Entertainment, €4.75 / £4.28 until 2nd November, normally €13.99 / £12.59)

Lone Survivor: The Director’s Cut (Curve Digital, €2.39 / £1.99 until 2nd November, normally €11.99 / £9.99)

Family Tennis SP (Shin’en Multimedia, €3.74 / £2.99 until 16th November, normally €4.99 / £3.99)

Nihilumbra (BeautiFun Games, €4.49 / £3.49 until 2nd November, normally €8.99 / £6.99)

Extreme Exorcism (Ripstone, €6.49 / £4.99 until 2nd November, normally €12.99 / £9.99)

Shadow Puppeteer (Snow Cannon, €7.49 / £6.74 until 2nd November, normally €14.99 / £13.49)

Slender: The Arrival (Blue Isle Studios, €2.24 / £1.59 until 2nd November, normally €8.99 / £6.39)

Terraria (505 Games, €14.99 / £13.49 until 9th November, normally €19.99 / £17.99)

Unepic (Unepic fran, €3.99 / £3.59 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

How to Survive (505 Games, €3.49 / £3.14 until 2nd November, normally €13.99 / £12.59)

Ziggurat (Milkstone Studios, €7.50 / £6.00 until 2nd November, normally €15.00 / £12.00)

Flight of Light (Crystalline Green, €4.00 / £3.50 until 2nd November, normally €8.00 / £7.00)

Gear Gauntlet (Crystalline Green, €4.99 / £3.99 until 2nd November, normally €9.99 / £7.99)

Totem Topple (Crystalline Green, €2.50 / £2.25 until 2nd November, normally €5.00 / £4.50)

Super Destronaut 2: Go Duck Yourself (Petite Games, €1.59 / £1.43 until 2nd November, normally €1.99 / £1.79)

Bird Mania Party (Teyon, €0.99 / £0.89 until 2nd November, normally €1.99 / £1.79)

Zombie Defense (Teyon, €3.99 / £3.59 until 2nd November, normally €7.99 / £7.19)

Rock ‘N Racing Off Road (EnjoyUp Games, €2.99 / £2.69 until 23rd November, normally €5.99 / £5.39)

Darts Up (EnjoyUp Games, €0.99 / £0.91 until 23rd November, normally €2.49 / £2.29)

99Seconds (EnjoyUp Games, €0.99 / £0.91 until 23rd November, normally €2.49 / £2.29)

A.C.E. – Alien Cleanup Elite (Nitrolic Games, €2.75 / £2.46 until 15th November, normally €5.00 / £4.49)

Candy Hoarder (Nitrolic Games, €0.81 / £0.76 until 15th November, normally €1.49 / £1.39)

Citadale (Nitrolic Games, €2.75 / £2.46 until 15th November, normally €5.00 / £4.49)

Citadale: The Legends Trilogy (Nitrolic Games, €4.66 / £3.98 until 15th November, normally €8.49 / £7.25)

Gravity+ (Nitrolic Games, €3.56 / £3.23 until 15th November, normally €6.49 / £5.89)

Mortar Melon (Nitrolic Games, €2.75 / £2.46 until 15th November, normally €5.00 / £4.49)

Plenty of Fishies (Nitrolic Games, €2.75 / £2.46 until 15th November, normally €5.00 / £4.49)

Rorrim (Nitrolic Games, €2.75 / £2.46 until 15th November, normally €5.00 / £4.49)

Aqua TV (Extra Miles Studio, €0.94 / £0.79 until 2nd November, normally €4.70 / £3.99)

Breakout Defense (nuGAME, €4.90 / £4.90 until 23rd November, normally €7.00 / £7.00)

Maze Break (nuGAME, €4.90 / £4.20 until 23rd November, normally €7.00 / £6.00)

Plenty to choose from this week – let us know what you’ll be downloading in the poll and comments below.

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November’s Games with Gold Are Full of Action and Adventure

Welcome to another month of Games with Gold! With a mix of racing, adventure, and platforming challenges, Xbox Live Gold members are sure to have a blast via November’s Games with Gold on Xbox One and Xbox 360.

Available starting on November 1, the arcade racer Trackmania Turbo comes to Xbox One followed by the fantastic adventure game Tales from the Borderlands. Then on Xbox 360 — and Xbox One through Backward Compatibility — enjoy the critically-acclaimed classic platformer Nights into Dreams and the adventure-filled first-person shooter Deadfall Adventure.

All games will only be available for a limited time as part of Games with Gold, so get Xbox Live Gold today to get in on the action.

Trackmania Turbo
Do you have what it takes to post the fastest lap time? With four gorgeous environments, multiple difficulty levels and 200 tracks, there’s a ton to see and do. There’s also the unique Double Driver mode in which two players control the same car! And let’s not forget the excellent soundtrack that reacts to your driving style.

Tales from the Borderlands
Play all five episodes in this hugely entertaining comedy adventure taking place in the Borderlands universe. Play as both Rhys, a cyber-enhanced dope, and Fiona, an ambitious con-woman, who are thrown together by fate as unlikely partners in their quest for incredible riches. Naturally, plenty of complications like bad guys, gang warfare, betrayal, revenge, explosions (so many explosions) stand between you and riches you can only imagine.

Nights into Dreams
The renowned classic platformer Nights into Dreams returns to Xbox! Save the land of Nightopia from Wizeman the Wicked by gathering orbs to unlock stolen emotions and battle his powerful minions. With enhanced graphics, leaderboards, and levels from Christmas Nights, this beloved title is better than ever.

Deadfall Adventures
Become an adventurer, travel the world, and hunt for treasure in Deadfall Adventures. The year is 1938, and you’re James Lee Quatermain, son of the renowned adventurer, escorting Agent Jennifer Goodwin to recover an ancient artifact in an Egyptian temple. In this first-person action-adventure game, immerse yourself in the lost world of Mayan ruins, forbidden cities and the deserts of Egypt.

Read more about our Games with Gold program here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire for all the latest news on Xbox.

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Video: We Unbox The Super Mario Odyssey Switch Bundle With A Little Help From Cappy

If there’s one thing Mario’s known for, it’s jumping. If there’s one thing Mario’s dress sense is known for, it’s red. That’s no doubt the logic Nintendo had when creating the special Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Switch bundle, and Nintendo UK was even kind enough to send one over to us so we could show it off to your faces.

We had this planned as a traditional unboxing, but the recording was somehow infiltrated by two special guests – Mario and Cappy! The results, as you might imagine, were hilarious.

Make sure you watch to the end, as we’re offering the chance to win some amiibo signed by none other than Charles Martinet himself, the voice of Mario. Swish, right? Keep your eyes on the Nintendo Life Twitter account over the next few days to find out how!

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Nintendo Download: 26th October (North America)

It’s Nintendo Download Update day, and this one is arguably one of the biggest of the year. We have Nintendo’s main man making his full ‘main game’ Switch debut, of course, while there are also a number of rather tempting download options on the table. Let’s get to it.

Switch Retail Downloads

Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo, $59.99USD) – A huge release for the Switch, as Mario returns to the ‘sandbox’ approach that helped establish his three-dimensional credentials. It’s a sizeable and incredibly inventive adventure, while also supporting co-op and offering an ‘assist mode’ for those that need a helping hand. Cappy certainly transforms the game, and we gave it top marks in our Super Mario Odyssey review. Available from 27th October.

Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon (Koei Tecmo, $59.99USD) – This action RPG series is perhaps rather niche outside of Japan, but it’s a welcome addition nonetheless to the Switch retail scene. It’s had some mixed reviews on the PS4, for example, but we’ll endeavour to check it out on Switch.

Monopoly (Ubisoft, $39.99USD) – One of the first games Ubisoft actually announced for the Switch, it’s now finally ready to make its entrance. Yep, it’s virtual Monopoly, though you can also customise rules and play shortened Special Goals games if you or the system’s battery are running out of time. Available from 31st October.

Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers (GameMill Entertainment, $39.99USD) – Previously on 3DS, this beat ’em up-style title takes various IPs from the famous network and mashes them up into one adventure; it can be tackled solo or in local co-op. Available from 31st October.

Monster Jam: Crush It! (GameMill Entertainment, $39.99USD) – Based on the PS4 and Xbox One title from 2016, this chaotic racer features more than 30 maps covering forest, desert, winter and farm environments. You’ll also find 84 skill challenges and 12 “authentic” events. There are also 6 officially licensed Monster Jam stadiums included, if you’re keen on that kind of thing. Available from 31st October.

Switch eShop

Poi: Explorer Edition (PolyKid, $29.99USD) – A game “inspired by the cheerful classics of 3D platforming”, this particular edition also includes an unlockable soundtrack and digital artbook, new outfits, Joy-Con motion controls and support for HD Rumble. You can see the first 20 minutes with developer commentary right here.

Splasher (Plug In Digital, $14.99USD) – A colourful and fast-paced platformer, you use various inks and resources to ‘splash’ walls and surfaces in order to traverse environments and tackle enemies. Along with the standard mode there are also Time Trial and Speedrun options with online leaderboards, too, so the most talented players will have a chance to show off. We’ll let you know what we think in a review.

Moon Hunters (Kitfox Games, $14.99USD) – Quirkily described as a “co-operative personality test RPG”, you create your own legend and explore a mystical Mesopotamian-inspired world that’s different every time you play. It supports up to four players locally and this Switch iteration includes the Eternal Echoes DLC. We’ll take the test and bring you a review.

Violett (Forever Entertainment, $9.99USD) – A title actually released in ‘remastered’ form way back in December 2013 on Steam (PC); it’s a point-and-click title that certainly strives the catch the eye with its visuals and art design. We’ll point out whether it’s worth a purchase in a review.

Time Recoil (10tons, $13.99USD) – Another top-down twin-stick shooter from the Finnish developer. In this one killing the baddies triggers time slowdown, and additional kills extend the slowdown period and charge a special move. The more the player is able to kill the more powerful the special move becomes, all the way to a full time freeze. We’ll take our time and let you know what we think in a review.

King Oddball (10tons, $4.99USD) – You take control of a boulder (the King of boulders it would seem) with the aim of using your ridiculously long tongue to lick up other, smaller boulders, before launching them at tanks and helicopters. Despite sounding like something we’ve made up for the world’s earliest (or latest) April Fools article, the game is very much real and actually looks like a whole lot of fun. Available from 30th October.

Zombie Gold Rush (Amazing, $4.99USD) – This one sees you jumping into various cars and shooting down waves of zombies from a top-down perspective, collecting a whole lot of cash in the process. Screenshots of the game suggest that you will be able to upgrade your vehicles in a garage, spending the gold you earn to do just that, and it would also appear that leaderboards will be present to showcase your highest scores. We’ll get into gear for a review.

Mutation Nation (HAMSTER, $7.99USD) – Another beat ’em up to consider, and an ACA Neo Geo release that didn’t previously arrive in its more basic form on the Wii Virtual Console. It’s pretty simple; Ricky Jones and Johnny Hart (could they be even more ’90s, we do wonder) come down “the hood” to clean up mutated freaks off the streets, fist-in-the-face style.

Switch eShop Demo

Piczle Lines DX (Rainy Frog, free)

Heroes of the Monkey Tavern (Monkey Stories, free) – Available from 31st October.

3DS eShop

Creeping Terror (Aksys Games, $8.99USD) – 3DS owners don’t entirely miss out on spooky releases, as this one has you exploring an “abandoned mansion deep in the forest” while trying to survive being hunted by a beast.

Worcle Worlds (Lightwood Games, $9.99USD) – From a studio that specialises in word games, this looks like a potentially fun spin on the genre. You shoot balls into bubbles to form words in order to clear letters off the screen, with bonuses for multipliers and speed being of the essence. Ten game worlds are promised along with a Battle Mode for local and online play.

Halloween Night Archery (Petite Games, $1.99USD) – The name pretty much says it all, as this is a themed archery title in which you aim to hit targets at various distances.

New Nintendo 3DS eShop

GALAXY BLASTER CODE RED (RCMADIAX, $1.49 / $1.99CAD) – A basic shooter in which you try to hold off various foes descending from the top of the screen.

As always Nintendo of America wants you to browse the eShop and check out the official sales and deals website for discount details.

There are some big choices this week – let us know what you’ll be downloading in the poll and comments below.