These two classic titles originally launched on the Dreamcast and are beloved by countless gamers – but sadly Sega has decided that only the PS4, Xbox One and PC are capable of hosting them. At the time of writing, Sega hasn’t started that the double pack is Switch-bound.
We can’t see any technical reason why the Switch couldn’t join the party, but we’re no experts. If we could be slightly optimistic for a second, perhaps Nintendo wants to reveal the Switch version itself during a Direct broadcast?
How do you feel about Ryo and company skipping Nintendo’s console? Will you just play it on one of the other formats instead? Tell us by petting kittens and playing old arcade games in the comments section below. Oh, and watch out for sailors.
During a live Twitch presentation in Tokyo this morning, Sega announced that a download-only selection of 15 titles under the name SEGA AGES will be making their way to Switch in the summer.
These include company mascot platformer Sonic the Hedgehog, Thunder Force 4, Phantasy Star and more to be announced. Reports suggest that emulation experts M2 – who handled the 3D Classics range on 3DS – are in charge of these ports, so expect quality.
It’s unclear if these will be retro only, or whether the company will deliver more recent titles.
In addition, the NES and SNES mini will have a new friend, as a cute, downsized version of the Mega Drive was also announced. It’s not currently known if this console is based on the AtGames hardware Sega spoke about importing into Japan recently, but externally, the system seems to be all-new.
What do you think? Any legacy SEGA titles you’d particularly like to see on Switch? Where does this leave Virtual Console? Do you want to relive that bitter SNES, Mega drive rivalry in miniature form?
As Wii U production was drawing to a close at the end of 2016 in preparation for the arrival of the Nintendo Switch the following year, a game named Octocopter: Super Sub Squid Escape was released on the platform via the eShop. Drawing inspiration from the likes of the Kururin series, the gameplay was relatively simple yet surprisingly captivating. Like many other developers in recent times, TACS Games has now released an updated version entitled Octocopter: Double or Squids on the Switch eShop, with the revised name acknowledging the game’s all-new local multiplayer mode.
If you perhaps overlooked this the first time round, Octocopter places you in control of an underwater vessel that has a giant brightly-coloured octopus attached to it. The result of this tussle is an on-going interference with the submarine’s navigational systems, sending it into an endless spin. Together, the unlikely duo must now escape the deadly depths. It’s this back story that powers the game’s core mechanic, with your role to make the best of this situation by guiding the octopus-sub through each level to safety.
The game layout consists of a series of worlds containing multiple levels and boss battles. Although the levels on offer are maze-like in design, a lot are still relatively linear due to the boundaries in place – with the requirement to travel from the start to the finish. The challenge here is simply the navigation of the spinning octopus-sub. It only takes a short time to learn how the game operates, but travelling through each level requires some patience and a lot of precision.
As the sub is always rotating, moving along a path while avoiding environmental obstacles and enemies can become quite an ordeal, though somehow always remains entertaining. The hardest part about this task is the fact there are only three heart containers – meaning the squid-sub can only take so many hits before it’s sent back to the start of the level or the most recent checkpoint. Simply making contact with a wall or touching an enemy will deduct a heart point. Fortunately, the checkpoints in each level replenish any empty heart containers.
The design of each level normally requires you to manoeuvre the submarine through tight corridors and spiralling pathways. With long-winding levels, and a sub that is always revolving, to succeed you’ll have to perfectly time movement and angles in order to make it through any twirling pathways. Failure to pass through a section at exactly the right time or angle will result in your sub sinking to the bottom of the sea. Thankfully, there are a few ways to increase your likelihood of success – with the ability to move and spin the vessel faster to make it through any difficult to navigate sections. You’ll learn more as you work through the early stages of the game thanks to the inclusion of a helpful yet non-invasive tutorial system.
Occasionally rocks will hinder your progress, requiring you to fire a missile in order to clear the area – another ability that you learn about early on. Hitting a target as you might have guessed can be problematic when you are always spinning. Further down the track, you’ll encounter additional enemies like sea snails and need to make use of rubber buoys – allowing you to change the direction the sub is spinning (from clockwise to counter-clockwise or vice versa). This mechanic becomes essential in latter stages as certain pathways can only be passed through while spinning in a particular direction.
In each level, there are medals up for grabs (and an increased amount compared to the original release). To earn these medals you’ll have to perfect your run on each stage by cutting down your completion time while taking as little damage as possible and collecting every crystal. Just finishing a level can often be tough, so medals really add an extra layer of accomplishment.
Changing the pace from time to time are boss battles. While they might feel a bit too easy, especially in some of the earlier worlds, they are still welcomed none-the-less. Each one will have you facing off against a large oversized sea creature, ranging from narwhals to stingrays with each face-off comparable to classic boss battles, seen in past generations of games. Each battle typically requires you to hit a specific weak point on the boss, while avoiding threats such as tentacles popping up out of the sand. The dynamics of these battles change if you’re playing with other players. All of a sudden you’ll find yourself working together to take down the boss.
In addition to playing alongside friends and family while taking on the bosses, you can also play through the entire game together. The local split-screen multiplayer for up to four players is arguably the biggest selling point of Octocopter on the Switch. It doesn’t feel like a mode that’s been forcefully tacked on, either. It’s as simple as picking up a joy-con (or utilising one of the various other control configurations) and jumping in on the action. You can work together, but really, the aim in this is to race to the finish line before your opponent. Smart design decisions by the developer means you can’t have any physical clashes with your opponent, but you can still affect their experience as you are both playing on the same level. If you shoot an enemy, collect a crystal or deal damage to a boss, any multiplayer opponents will either benefit or be disadvantaged depending on your specific action. Putting down the controller in this mode is tough; as you are constantly spurred on to compete. It really is a blast.
The performance, sound and visuals add to overall the package. The Switch version of the game runs well in both the single and multiplayer modes. Undocked the experience is just as satisfactory – it certainly feels superior to the Wii U version. The load times have also been drastically improved and the controls feel super-smooth. The presentation of the title compliments the top-down perspective. The improved camera angles also help – with the 3D visuals highlighting rays of sunlight reflecting off the waves above, seaweed swaying in the underwater currents and glimmering crystal rock formations. There are also other visual spectacles including explosions and bubbles rising to the surface as well as new and improved animations. The game looks sharper on the Switch because of these touch-ups. The sound is a just as fitting for a deep sea adventure – with music that is filled with mystery and intrigue, and in many cases reflective of the depths below.
Conclusion
Octocopter: Double or Squids is still just as enjoyable as it was when it was originally released on the Wii U. With a number of updates that improve the overall experience and the inclusion of multiplayer, original owners who did enjoy it the first time round have a great excuse to buy it again. For first timers, what’s on offer here is a relaxing yet oddly exhilarating deep sea speed runner that will put your navigational skills to the test while encouraging you to improve each run. The new local split-screen multiplayer for up to four players is also fantastic, as we really don’t see enough of this in modern games nowadays. Either way, it’s worth taking Octocopter for a spin.
Jolly news for Megami Tensei fans today as Tom and DDSTrans have announced the release of a complete English translation patch for Super Famicom 1995 exclusive Last Bible III.
This was the first entry in the series released on a home console, with the previous two games having graced the humble Game Boy Colour also exclusively in Japan. This JRPG sports some common Megami Tensei series features like the ability to capture monsters and have them as part of your team.
The setting is much closer to classic medieval-fantasy JRPGs however, making the actual game look remarkably close to the late 16-bit entries of Dragon Quest. The actual plot is lighter than the main series, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that from the game’s initial prologue.
This will be the first time Western Super Nintendo fans will be able fully enjoy yet another epic JRPG that, until now, has remained tucked away in the Land of the Rising Sun. The translation patch can be used along with the original Super Famicom cartridge on the RetroN 5 or Retro Freak.
The superb Wii U title Jotun: Valhalla Edition is headed to Switch, according to a listing on the European eShop. The release date for this reheated version is April 27th.
We awarded the Wii U version a whopping 9/10 back in 2016, and had this to say:
From the Icelandic voice over that plays as you read the plight of Thora to the painterly vistas of Norse hell and the trials, tribulations and boss battle in between, it is an artful title that marries slick and simple game play with poignant storytelling in a way few games can. The less you know about it going in the more grandiose the experience will be; yet if you must know something, know that Jotun: Valhalla Edition is definitely worth your time.
Will you be picking this one up on Switch? Unleash your viking fury in the comments section to tell us, and the wider world.
We all know that the Switch doesn’t have a built-in achievement system, and the debate over whether or not it would benefit the console will likely go on for some time, but this news throws a very interesting addition into the mix.
Microsoft and Mojang have confirmed that, once the game’s Bedrock update has gone live, players will be able to earn achievements tied to Xbox Live by playing the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Thanks to this Bedrock update, Minecraft is being united across a whole bunch of platforms, with achievements and other features such as cross-platform play being available across all supported versions.
The achievements for the Nintendo Switch version of the game were first spotted by content creator Patrick Mata, who tweeted the following image.
It’s nice to see Microsoft and Nintendo allowing this to happen, and perhaps presents more questions as to why Sony refuse to take part in cross-platform fun. Either way, if you have an Xbox Live account, and you have Minecraft on Switch, you’ll finally be able to earn some achievements – just not in the way you ever imagined!
Running from the 14th to the 15th April at Bellesalle Akihabara in Tokyo, Sega Fes 2018 is an event scheduled to host a variety of Sega-related goodness which will be livestreamed for those of us living too far away. We weren’t expecting any major announcements or news to come from the event, but a tweet posted from Sega’s official Twitter accounts today suggests otherwise.
Teasing a “huge announcement” – with the word ‘huge’ in capital letters, no less – the tweet promises to reveal something that we will not want to miss.
Of course, the only question that remains is what this announcement could possibly be? Will we finally see the new Sonic Racing game? Shenmue HD? A Dreamcast Mini? Sonic & Knuckles Enjoy A Moderately Relaxing Evening On The Beach? Any of these are possible (except one).
Let us know what you’d like to see, and whether you’ll be watching the stream yourself, in the comments below.
Flyhigh Works has just broadcast a Flyhigh Express video in Japan, and while it is obviously aimed at that particular region, there are a few titles which will be coming to the west as well.
The first new game is Samurai Defender, which was previously released on the 3DS. This tower defence game is set in the Warring States era of Japan and is due in May.
The second new game is Lanota, a music title by Noxy Games which “blends intuitive and stylish rhythm gameplay with dynamic beats and a rotating play area”.
Flyhigh also reconfirmed the release of Fairune Collection, and revealed that Deemo is getting more free content in the form of Version 1.2; three song packs will add another 14 songs to the ever-expanding roster.
The tease was indeed true; the million-selling Football Manager series is coming to Switch – in fact, it launches today on the eShop.
Publisher Sega has confirmed the news, as well as revealing that Football Manager Touch 2018 has been jointly developed by Sports Interactive and Hardlight. The game has a unique interface which uses the touchscreen or the Joy-Con, and even includes the 3D engine for match action.
Here’s the PR:
Sports Interactive and SEGA® Europe are delighted to announce a major landmark in the history of the Football Manager series, the immediate release of Football Manager Touch 2018 on the Nintendo Switch™ as a digital download from the Nintendo eShop.
Football Manager is the most realistic, in-depth and immersive football management simulation in the world. Putting you in the hot seat of any club in more than 50 countries across the world, Football Manager allows you to take on the role of a real-life gaffer: you decide who plays and who sits on the bench, and you’re in total control of tactics, team talks, substitutions and pitch-side instructions.
FM Touch has been fully optimised for the Switch with a bespoke user interface and a customised control system that takes full advantage of the system’s various controller input options, including support for both the touchscreen and Joy-Con™ controllers. This gives fans a unique Football Manager experience that can be played on the move or docked at home and enjoyed on the big screen.
In addition, FM Touch on Switch will offer a fully-fledged single-player experience including the series’ acclaimed 3D Match Engine – the first time that the 3D engine has been playable on a home console.
“This is a milestone release for Football Manager,” says Sports Interactive’s Studio Director, Miles Jacobson. “This is our first console release in a number of years but it is also our most innovative release of Football Manager Touch to date thanks to the various control methods we’ve included that gives everyone a way of playing Football Manager that suits them.”
Football Manager Touch 2018 for Switch has been co-developed by Sports Interactive and sister game development studio Hardlight (the team behind Sonic Dash and Sonic Jump).
“It’s been a huge technical achievement to bring Football Manager to the Switch but, as a studio, we’ve embraced the unique design opportunities that the console offers,” adds Jacobson. “Thanks to the support we’ve had from Hardlight throughout the development process we’ve been able to create a Football Manager experience that is just as immersive and enjoyable whether you’re managing on the move during your commute or playing it on your TV.”
Are you ready to lose your life to Football Manager all over again?
Mango Protocol has announced Agatha Knife, a dark and satirical narrative adventure game launching on Nintendo Switch on April 26th.
Agatha is a seven year old insomniac torn between her friendship with animals and her love for eating steaks and sausages. Stumbling across religion, Agatha realises it could be just the tool she needs to quash the animals’ fear of death, and undertakes the challenge of creating a new religion of her own, Carnivorism.
Your job is to help Agatha convince the animals that the sacrifice of their flesh is the secret to eternal happiness (a very controversial narrative, indeed) as you explore the game’s fully hand-crafted art and dark humour. The game is said to contain around 6-8 hours of gameplay, and will support both traditional controls and touchscreen input. It was actually released on Steam last year and has received very positive user reviews.
Agatha Knife is now available to pre-order with a 17% discount on Nintendo eShop in America ($9.99, regular price $11.99), and the very same pre-order discount will be available in Europe and Australia starting 14th April.
Will you be joining Agatha in her quest? Let us know your thoughts down below.
