2K has released another free DLC update for NBA2K Playgrounds 2, bringing a nice selection of new content for players to enjoy completely free of charge. Lovely stuff.
The new DLC adds the 2019 NBA All-Star playground in Charlotte and a special Valentine’s Day playground, all ready for the big, romantic day next week. A host of new cosmetic outfit items themed around both of these playgrounds have also been added, and you’ll find dozens of new players to unlock, too.
If that wasn’t enough, the update also adds new daily challenges with in-game rewards, including a new item that can level up characters to Diamond, as well as a brand new unranked Championship Mode. As seems to be the norm these days, one final thing to mention is the update’s stability fixes and community-inspired improvements, which include the ability to see relevant player challenges in the pause menu. We love a good stability update here at Nintendo Life.
All of this new content is available right now in NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 on Nintendo Switch; you can grab the full game digitally from the Switch eShop, or physically from retailers such as Amazon or GAME.
Will you be getting stuck in to the new goodies? Tell us below.
’Merican Yo-kai have made their way to the YO-KAI WATCH 3 game and they’re rootin’ tootin’ troublemakers.
Speaking of troublemakers, in the town of BBQ, zombies run wild after dark and Nate must stop them in the all-new Zombie Night mode. If you’re too afraid of zombies, you can always find treasure by exploring randomly generated dungeons and discover the truth about the mysterious ruins hidden all across the continent with the Yo-kai Blasters T group.
Features:
Meet Hailey Anne and Usapyon as they solve cases as Yo-kai detectives in Springdale.
Explore the Western-inspired location, BBQ, where ’Merican Yo-kai run rampant.
Train up your very own Nyan, a cat like Yo-kai, in Build-a-Nyan.
For more information about the game, visit the official site.
As you may have already noticed in our Nintendo Download update earlier today, Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn has been treated to a demo today, giving players the chance to try the game out for themselves before committing to a purchase.
Acting as an enhanced version of Kirby’s Epic Yarn on Wii, this game transports Kirby into a world made of cloth and yarn, tasking players with unravelling enemies, unzipping secret passageways, and transforming into powerful vehicles along the way. Every stage from the original Wii version returns, but this 3DS-exclusive version packs in some new features, too.
There are new Ravel Abilities that power up Kirby in fun ways, a new collection of mini-games featuring King Dedede and Meta Knight, new furniture to personalise and decorate Kirby’s Pad, and a new ‘Devilish’ mode that adds an extra layer of challenge to each stage.
European fans can download the demo right now; it hasn’t arrived in North America at the time of writing, but we’re hopeful it’ll become available soon. If you want to check out the game and see how it plays, make sure to give it a go.
Are you a Kirby fan? Will you be cracking out the 3DS to play through the latest pink blob adventure? Let us know in the comments.
For those not in the know, Aragami: Shadow Edition is a third-person stealth game that casts you as a restless warrior who is blessed with the ability to control shadows, which must come in very useful at parties and social gatherings. You may have heard of this interesting title thanks to its release on other platforms, but it’s now the turn of the Switch to get in on the action.
As we’re so excited about the game’s upcoming Nintendo launch on 21st February, we reached out to Lince Works’ David León to find out a bit more about this upcoming Tenchu-style stealth-em-up for your edification…
For the uninitiated, could you please let us know what Aragami Shadow Edition is all about?
Aragami is a stealth game in which you play as an undead assassin with the power to control the shadows. Think of it as a sort of modern Tenchu, with cel-shading art style, and supernatural powers. While there are other stealth games out there, I believe there aren’t that many stealth games in 3D and featuring online, co-op multiplayer. Yes, you head that right! You can play the full story campaign in the base game and included story DLCs with a friend online.
On the topic of DLC, this version comes packed with content. Could you tell us a bit about that?
Aragami was originally released in late 2016. Since then, we’ve been adding new stuff to the game, the biggest one being the Aragami: Nightfall storyline. It’s a paid DLC (included in the Shadow Edition for Nintendo Switch) that adds hours of content, taking place just before the events told in the base game. You could say that Aragami: Nightfall is the prequel to Aragami.
In Aragami: Nightfall, you can choose between two new playable characters, Shadow Assassins Hyo and Shinobu, as they go after the mysterious ‘Alchemist’ in one last mission to bring back a long-lost companion.
As Aragami has been released on other platforms already, could you tell us a bit about the reaction to it at the time? Did it meet with your expectations, and were you able to factor any feedback into the Shadow Edition?
Aragami launched in October 2016 in a complete but flawed state. Performance was not that good, and there were plenty of bugs we hadn’t caught until after the game was released. During 2017 and 2018 we kept updating Aragami to add new features and fix any major issue that was reported to us. A few months ago, Aragami was relaunched on Xbox One to some extremely positive reviews, and on Steam it has more than 3,000 reviews, delivering a ‘Very Positive’ average; so we are confident Aragami is a great game.
What challenges did you face with porting the game to the Switch?
As Miyamoto says, ‘a delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad’. We were forced to delay the release of Aragami for Switch back in Autumn, since we quickly noticed that we needed some extra months for the game to feel as good, or even better, than its other console counterparts. Aragami, as a 3D game with a big usage of light and shadows, is not a GPU-friendly game. It took a huge effort on behalf of Lince Works and Stage Clear Studios to make it run flawlessly on Nintendo Switch, but I believe we achieved it.
What has the process been like working with an external company to assist with the Switch port?
Since both Lince Works and Stage Clear are based in Spain, it was really easy to help each other with technical struggles and achieve a port quality that rivalled any other console version. We didn’t simply hand out the game to somebody else; instead, we frequently travelled to the Stage Clear offices to work side-by-side, and kept daily Skype meetings to coordinate efforts. I believe this constant communication really helped the port.
What other stealth games did you look to for inspiration when you began first working on Aragami?
Tenchu is the first one that comes to mind. It was one of my first games on PlayStation One, and I’ve always wondered why no other studio has taken the reins on the ‘ninja game’ genre. That’s probably how Aragami was born, as the answer to all those players that wanted a new stealth game that felt both challenging and fast.
The art style within the game is quite striking. What inspirations did you draw from with this?
The character design has some Journey vibes, with its glowing scarf and diegetic HUD. Japanese mythology and culture were also a clear inspiration, since most of the team grew up watching Anime shows like Dragon Ball, Ranma 1/2, and Yu Yu Hakusho. In any case, we wanted to create a world of our own, and I believe it ended up having influences from both Asian and western cultures, giving it a unique identity. I think that has proven to be one of the charms of the game, and its characters.
How much freedom does the player have in choosing how to tackle the objectives?
Aragami is a story-driven game. That means it has a scenario structure tied to a linear storyline, but with the caveat that each scenario is designed as an open playground. That means that you usually can find shortcuts and plenty of ways to reach your objectives. Players can also decide if they want to kill every guard in their way, or do a full ‘pacifist’ run. Both ways are totally feasible, and even encouraged.
Can you tell us a bit about how the Shadow Techniques work within the game?
As I was saying, players can have very different playstyles. We label aggressive players as ‘Oni’ players, and the sneakier players as ‘Ghost’. The pacifist players use a ‘Kami’ playstyle. That means that there’s a skill tree of abilities divided by aggressive and stealthy or pacifist skills. For example, you could unlock an ability that lets you place a trap on the battlefield that swallows your targets into an abyss; or you could unlock an ability that turns you invisible for a few seconds. To unlock skills you must find hidden Shadow Scrolls through the game, which also act as a diary of sorts, telling you details about the backstory and world of Aragami.
Could you tell us a little more about online co-op mode?
You can set up a Multiplayer Lobby and let any friend join your party. In the base game, you can play the full story campaign with another Aragami at your side. You can customize your Aragami from a set of skins that are included in the Shadow Edition. In Aragami: Nightfall, two players can play the full campaign together as the old and stoic Hyo and the female assassin Shinobu. Being a stealth game, communication is essential if you want to succeed, since a failed stealth attempt will trigger an area alarm that will also affect your partner.
Do you have any closing words for our readers?
Even if you are not a fan of stealth games, Aragami has the proper mix of challenge and action to introduce new fans to the genre. We have put a lot of love on this version of Aragami, and I truly believe Aragami will be a solid and unforgettable experience on Switch. I hope that you enjoy Aragami on Switch as much as we enjoyed developing it. Thank you!
Thanks to David for his time. Aragami: Shadow Edition lands on the Nintendo Switch on 21st February.
Battlloon is just weeks away from bursting onto the Nintendo Switch scene, setting its rubbery sights on a 28th February release date.
This one has you gathering up to four friends for an almighty balloon battle (hence the Battlloon name, you see). You’ll be choosing from six different characters and propelling foes into the spiked walls of each arena, with other dangers like balloon-eating fish, meteors, and massive bombs causing you even more trouble.
After a balloon has been popped, they come back as mischievous ghosts that can create even more havoc and take home the winning crown. Life as a battling balloon sounds bloomin’ hard.
Features: · 2-4 player Local Multiplayer · Simple but Deep and engaging battles · 6 different types of fun playable characters · Retro-like pixel art and 8bit sounds.
No pricing has been set for the title just yet, but it won’t be long before we can enjoy the frantic action for ourselves. It’ll be available directly from the eShop when it launches later this month.
So, what do you think? Will you be downloading this one ready for your next friend gathering? Let us know with a comment below.
Stuttgart-based publisher Strictly Limited Games has revealed that it will be releasing two physical editions of R-Type Dimensions EX on Switch later this month.
R-Type Dimensions EX contains both R-Type I and R-Type II in one lovely shoot ’em up package, both of which are regarded as being up there with the most influential games of the genre. Players must save the universe from the evil Bydo in their spaceship and, across a total of 14 levels, shoot their way through the Bydo-contaminated worlds alone. In a nice touch, you can switch between the original, retro 2D graphics and the completely reworked 3D mode at the touch of a button. We described last year’s digital release as a “top-notch” package in our review, so feel free to give that a read for more info.
As well as a standard physical release, the game will be treated to a fancy Collector’s Edition, with pre-orders going live from Strictly Limited Games’ store from 24th February. The Collector’s Edition is limited to just 2,000 copies and will cost €49.99; the standard physical release will receive 3,000 copies and will be priced at €24.99.
Specific details about the Collector’s Edition haven’t been shared just yet, although Strictly Limited’s last Switch collector’s release, for Velocity 2X, came with a soundtrack CD, an artbook, and a poster.
Have you already played this one on Switch? Would you like to add a physical copy to your collection? Tell us below.
Turn-based RPG Doom & Destiny – the self-described ‘Flying Spaghetti-Fantasy Adventure’ – drops onto the eShop tomorrow. A farcical take on the old-school JRPG formula, your party of four friends encounter all the classic things you’d expect to find on a perilous top-down adventure – dragons, elves, monsters, er.., spaghetti – and you’ll likely come across a host of nods and winks to games and characters of old.
Although it’s been seen on various platforms over the years, this is the first time it’ll grace a Nintendo console. The official blurb highlights a comprehensive list of figures including:
– 20 hours of story and 20 hours of extra adventure – 100 levels of experience and nerdy customization – Choose your nerdy leader to apply special bonuses to your party – More than 200 special powers and spells – More than 300 enemies – More than 500 items between potions, chips and weapons – More than 700 locations, – More than 10,000 lines of crazy dialog – The one and only Epic Flying Spaghetti Monster!!!
That last entry aside, everything seems to be present and correct for a sterling retro adventure.
You’ll be able to grab this one for yourself for £10.49 / $11.99, directly from the Switch eShop.
It was warmly received on other platforms, so will you be downloading this one on your Switch come Friday? As always, let us know your thoughts.
Nape Games and Jandusoft are prepping their action side-scroller V.O.I.D. for release later this month (the 28th, to be exact). Offering the choice between two characters, they promise different gameplay depending on your character’s abilities that recalls the classic platforming action of the 8 and 16-bit eras, but updates it with new mechanics and fresh ideas.
According to the offical press release, the Earth itself is at stake (it’s always getting itself in trouble):
PLOIDS are the evolution of the human race by merging technology with its DNA. Our planet is invaded by a race from another galaxy, which destroys everything it touches to become thus with absolute power.
After some time, a group of Ploids decides to take action and return the peace. To achieve this, Alpha and Omega must travel through time to eras of ancient land, in order to obtain sacred stones that will give him the necessary power to defeat the invaders. Some of the ancient epochs are feudal Japan, the ice age, the medieval era or among others. What he does not know is that the invaders tried to get those holy stones before him! … In addition, time threatens to collapse, and only you can connect to the PLOIDS to save the Earth!
It goes on to mention time travel, retro passwords and ‘more than 50 levels’. Sounds lovely, then, and the game certainly looks the part, as you can see from the screens below:
Have you had your fill of pixel-y platformers? Think there’s always room for a little retro-flavoured treat? Let us know if this tickles your fancy in the comments.
City of Brass is all about greed. Naturally, you love pilfering shiny and sparkling trinkets, but just how close will you tread into the unknown to sate your desire for wealth? Will your avarice help break an age-old curse and claim limitless riches, or condemn you to an eternity of torment? It’s an intriguing premise, and one that fits the oft-used roguelike template like a freshly-stolen glove. City of Brass takes that tantalising prospect, wraps into a mythical Arabian shell and leaves it for the taking on Nintendo Switch.
While its sand-swept streets and shining towers may remind you of musical numbers and cartoon flying carpets, we can guarantee this is no Disney-themed adventure. The titular city is a nightmarish metropolis filled with treasure, traps and monsters in equal measure. With only a Castlevania-style whip and a bladed weapon to your name (and an unhealthy thirst for silverware), this first-person roguelike sets you a simple task: reach the centre of the city. Any riches you find on the way are yours… if you can survive long enough to spend them.
Every time you enter one of its districts, the layout is randomly changed so you’re always on the back foot. Should you die – and you will, more often than not – you’ll keep your XP (accrued from defeating enemies and collecting treasure) but lose all your coinage. The key is to know when and where to spend your cursed cash. Scattered throughout the city’s courtyards, corridors and dungeons you’ll find lamps and the genies that lurk within. Each one offers a select number of buffs to buy, if you have the coin to trade.
Each one – complete with their own unique honorific moniker – functions in a similar fashion to the vending machines from the BioShock games. Some will grant you an extra heart of life, others will increase your speed and some might even outfit you with some nasty implements of death-dealing destruction. Augmentation and experimentation play a big part of City of Brass’ gameplay loop, with randomised bottles imbuing you all manner of powers and transformations. One might freeze all enemies in the vicinity – ideal for making quick progress to the end of that district – while another might turn you into a defenceless chicken.
You can even select a number of Burdens and Blessings from the main menu in order to adjust the difficulty of each procedurally-generated run. Enemies can be made less aggressive, your own damage output increased or the number of traps reduced. Inversely, you can halve the time limit ticking away in the background, activate enemy respawns or plunge the city into perpetual night (making traps and foes far harder to see when entering a new area). Doing so will force you to forgo an entry on the leaderboard with your time and gold haul, but it does add in some considerable replay value for those looking to make a playthrough easier, or far more challenging.
If the first-person perspective, danger-filled labyrinthine maps and setting depicting a utopia fallen into ruin wasn’t enough of a clue, it probably won’t surprise you to learn the studio behind this plucky indie, Uppercut Games, has filled its ranks with developers with experience on both BioShock and BioShock 2. And while the titular metropolis doesn’t come close to imitating the atmospheric grandeur of Rapture, City of Brass makes up for it with the sheer creativity you can unleash when traversing its map, and in combat. This is where the real fun begins.
Your whip (which comes in multiple, collectable varieties) can set off traps from a distance or smash vases, boarded up doorways and other sun-baked detritus. It can even be used to pull items towards you with a press of ‘L’. In combat, you can flick your whip and take an enemy’s legs out from underneath them, slap away their weapon or crack them in the face to temporarily daze them. You can pull enemies into floor traps, whip nearby fire braziers or lamps to cause them to explode, and more. There’s even the option to briefly swap your sword for an explosive vase for some makeshift firework action. It’s reminiscent of Bulletstorm’s rewarding push/pull mechanic, and makes combat as fun as it is intense.
Those procedurally-generated maps can sometimes be hit-and-miss, as with all games that rely on a randomised element. More often than not, you’ll get a map that’s filled with hidden chambers laden with traps or open courtyards with enough cover to take out fire-launching archers, but you’re going to have to contend with some that seem determined to kill you with unblockable dervishes or meagre treasure drop rates. Still, grabbing all that loot will take you back to the good old days of Thief (although a little more overt support for stealth wouldn’t have gone amiss).
Conclusion
While some of its procedural generation can sometimes make for an unnecessarily challenging experience, City of Brass more than makes up for it with the sheer creativity you can have exploring its Arabian Nights-themed maps. With genii to imbue you with wacky powers and the ever-tantalising need to collect more gold (as well the option to compete with others via the leaderboards), Uppercut Games has produced one of the most entertaining roguelikes to swing onto Nintendo Switch. And you can throw ghost chickens. What more do you need?
Once again, the European Nintendo Download was so huge, we simply couldn’t fit everything onto a single page. The main reason for this is a new ‘Play Together’ sale, in which a whole collection of multiplayer games have been discounted for a limited time.
There are some seriously great offers in here, with lots of games we’d recommend picking up in a heartbeat. If you don’t want Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for £33, we can’t help you.
Here are all the offers you’ll find in one, large, handy list:
