Category: Nintendo News

Nintendo News

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Take The Scares With You As Nightmare Boy Hits Switch This Month

Nintendo Switch continues to prove itself as the place to be in 2018 as The Vanir Project’s nightmarish platformer Nightmare Boy gets a handheld release date. Best of all, you’ll be able to spook up a storm in less than a fortnite with the monster mash hitting the Switch eShop on 16th January.

This Spanish-made indie takes that well-worn Metroidvania template (because, let’s be honest, you’re not a cool 2D platformer these days if you don’t have open-ended level design) and sprinkles in a horror-inspired nightmare setting, giant bosses and a consequence-based system that sees the gameworld drastically transformed by NPCs and their actions.

So if you’re in the mood for a scary romp in 2D, you’ll be able to download Nightmare Boy from 16th Jan with a £8.99/$8.99 price tag. Suitably spooked by this Spanish indie? Share your horror stories below… 

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NBA Playgrounds Ups Its Game With New Enhanced Edition Update

With NBA 2K18 now patched into fine form, it’s finally time for Switch’s other basketball experience to get its due with a nice new update. So now we have NBA Playgrounds Enhanced Edition, which bundles together all the game’s free post-launch content, adds in 100 new players and a brand new three-point shooting mode.

The addition of all those new NBA stars (including legends such as Tim Duncan, Julius Erving, Steve Nash and Manu Ginobili) and a new mode should help make NBA Playgrounds seem like a more attractive package, but it’s the mechanical improvements we’re interested in. Developer Saber Interactive has confirmed the game’s previously exploitable rebound system has been revamped, although we hope the game’s repetitive card packs – something that stuck out in our original review – have been sorted as well. 

There’s good news if you’ve already purchased NBA Playgrounds in its original form, with Saber Interactive confirming you can now access the Enhanced Edition for free. However, this new edition is a separate game, so you’ll need to download the new one and delete the old version to access it. All your saves will be automatically converted, so make sure you don’t wipe those in the process. If you’re heading onto the court for the first time, grab your shorts quick because it’s currently 50% on the Switch eShop at £8.99/$8.99 for a limited time.

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Review: Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King (Switch eShop)

The Legend Of Zelda-inspired adventure that is Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King follows the adventures of Lily, a noble Knight Of The Rose tasked with saving the Kingdom of Blossom from eternal darkness. You’ll need to traverse five challenging dungeons while solving puzzles, using special weapons, items and abilities and slaying every monster in sight. The unique twist here is that the story is actually being narrated by her grandfather, while Lily and her sibling listen intently by the fire. And, just like every grandchild out there, the two kids can’t stop breaking the immersion by interrupting their elder.

A story within a story may not sound like the most imaginative concept, but what it does is provide the game with a certain level of flexibility. This method of narration makes the game’s storytelling and gameplay more dynamic – with choices as to how the adventure plays out occasionally left up to the player. Do you want to fight a mob of archers or take on a group of bandits? That’s for you to decide. This requirement to make decisions acts as an inventive way of keeping aspects of the game fresh and the player invested. It’s also used as a way of linking every element within the game together.

With this approach to storytelling in mind, what remains is a game heavily inspired by a well-known series. Yet it rarely comes across as a cheap knock-off. It’s the lovingly-crafted universe that gives this title its own sense of identity. It draws on key components of the Zelda series – including the dungeons, special items, weapons, heart containers, elements of adventure, boss battles and puzzles – and uses this template to create a similar yet fresh experience.  Other familiar aspects are interaction with townspeople, breaking pots and buying items from vendors around the game world.

Inventory management is nothing out of the ordinary – swapping between the necessary items with a few simple button presses. There’s also a world map doubling as a dungeon map when necessary and noting points of interest, and then there’s the log book keeping you informed about Lily’s adventure. Save points are presented in the form of portal stones (which can also be used to teleport) and ensure the overall challenge provided by the game remains balanced. There are a number of recognisable weapons such as a sword (enabling Lily to perform Link’s trademark spin attack) and shield, and then special items to unlock (including bombs and a bow). The boss battles typically encourage you to utilise specific weapons. The usual methods to take down these enemies range from throwing bombs to repeatedly slashing a target.

As well constructed as the entire package is it does lack a certain level of refinement that makes the Zelda series so fantastic. Intentional as the imitation may be, there’s not quite the same level of charm or intrigue. This can be pinned on the storyline – which simply isn’t as engaging as it potentially could be. Ultimately, the story behind a story along with the abrupt and stilted nature of the narration from time to time detracts from the immersion – even if it does promote dynamic game design.

Setting Blossom Tales further apart from the title it idolises is the design of puzzles and the layout of the dungeons. While it does an impressive job recreating and merging various ideas seen in older games of this type and reworking them, it doesn’t have quite the same level of polish as you may have previously experienced. Some areas drag on, and a number of puzzles become predictable over time. There are definitely a lot of switches to activate and doors to unlock as well and environments aren’t always laid out as efficiently as they could be. Enemies can occasionally seem overwhelming, too. Apart from these minor problems, in terms of the gameplay, it’s one of the better Zelda alternatives on the market.

The artwork in Blossom Tales is what you might imagine a remake of particular retro games to look like. There’s the familiar top-down perspective with bright and colourful pixel backdrops filling every inch of the screen. Each environment in the game has stunning light effects and is filled with intricate detail. The downside in this department is the character art. Lily’s design is rather bland yet everything else from rats to monsters look fine. Apart from this, the animation is lively and this is all further enhanced by a compelling soundtrack channeling themes of heroism and adventure. It admittedly does become a tad repetitive from time to time, but you can’t fault its ability to capture a certain level of nostalgia. 

Conclusion

Judging a game on its own merits is very important. However, when a title happens to borrow just about every aspect of its design from an iconic game series, it’s hard not to acknowledge. Claims could be made that a game like this is nothing more than a shameless clone, but thankfully in the case of Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King, the developer has intentionally crafted it with a sense of love and admiration of classic Zelda games. While it’s not as flawlessly executed as the series it draws inspiration from and it doesn’t add anything particularly groundbreaking, it’s still a heartfelt tribute to the earlier entries in Nintendo’s long-running series. 

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Scratch That Metroidvania Itch As Quirky RPG Feudal Alloy Heads For Switch

Ever wanted to swing a sword as fish in a robot suit? Well, we’re going to make your day right here and now with news that side-scrolling RPG Feudal Alloy will be making its way to Nintendo Switch. This 2D RPG – which casts you in the metal boots of Attu, a medieval-style robot with a fishbowl for a head – embraces that classic, Metroidvania open-ended level design and fills it with bosses, side-quests and all manner of items to help customise your plucky robo farmer-turned-hero.

It’s being made by Czech indie studio Attu Games and will feature a, “dynamic action-combat system with swords, grenades, dodges and other special attack moves.” So expect plenty of action when it slices and dices its way onto Nintendo Switch in Q3 2018.

What do you guys make of Feudal Alloy’s cartoon style and Metriodvania mechanics? Yay or nay? Let us know in the comments! 

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Nintendo Download: 4th January (North America)

It’s the first week of new releases in 2018, so Nintendo Life has gathered today all the latest incoming games, demos and slices of DLC coming to Nintendo Switch, 3DS and Wii U in North America. This week, we’ve got another dip into the ACA Neo Geo vault; a selection of indies with racing, picture puzzles and dodgeball in mind; and who could forget Kirby and the new demo for Kirby Battle Royale on 3DS.

Switch eShop

ACA Neo Geo King Of The Monsters (HAMSTER, $7.99) – With up to six giant monsters to choose from, battle other kaiju and cause wanton destruction across Japan in this Neo Geo classic.

Grand Prix Rock ‘N Racing (EnjoyUp Games, $7.99) – Race with up to three other friends, realistic physics, an isometric POV and lots of rock and/or roll.

Pic-a-Pix Deluxe (Lightwood Games, $7.99) – This Switch version of this popular puzzle game includes 300 new conundrums, 2-4 player co-op and more.

Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure DELUXE (Game Swing, $7.99) – This co-op adventure combines dodgeball,a ’70s-style setting and a slew of crazy and colourful bosses.

3DS eShop

Kirby Battle Royale – Demo Version (HAL Laboratory, Free) – Compete against three friends (or AI, if you’re perpetually lonely) and battle to see who is the greatest Kirby! The demo should give you a good taste for the mini-game silliness offered by this latest 3DS title.

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

Bit quiet on the North American front this week, but expect the new releases, demos and DLC to flow come next Thursday. What are you guys playing this week? Let us know below!

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Nintendo Download: 4th January (Europe)

It’s the first Nintendo Download update of the new year, with the European line-up offering some intriguing options on the Switch eShop, in particular. In addition there’s some DLC and a nice batch of discounts to consider, so let’s get to it.

Switch eShop New Releases

Grand Prix Rock ‘N Racing (EnjoyUp Games, €7,99 / £7.19) – Get ready for some speed with your family and friends.

Pic-a-Pix Deluxe (Lightwood Games, €7,99 / £6.99) – Solve puzzles with a friend – or the whole family – with co-op play for up to 4 players using any combination of controllers.

ACA NEOGEO KING OF THE MONSTERS (HAMSTER, €6,99 / £6.29) – In this classic Neo Geo game players choose from one of the six monsters available, and battle their way across Japan in order to claim the title of strongest monster. As we found in our review when it landed on the Wii Virtual Console back in 2008, it’s not the most amazing game.

Switch eShop Preorder

The Escapists 2 (Team17 Digital, €19.99 / £19.99, Pre-order from 4th Jan, available to download on 11th Jan) – Bust out anywhere, with anyone on the Nintendo Switch. Team up with another inmate for local two player split-screen mode, taking a Joy-Con each to either team up to break out, or work against one another to determine who’s the quickest convict to make an escape.

Special Offers

Nintendo Switch

  • NBA Playgrounds – Enhanced Edition (Saber Interactive Incorporated) now €9,99 / £8.99 until Sun 14th Jan, normally €19,99 / £17.99
  • 1-2-Switch (Nintendo) now €34,99 / £27.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €49,99 / £39.99
  • ARMS (Nintendo) now €47,99 / £39.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €59,99 / £49.99
  • Flip Wars (Nintendo) now €6,99 / £6.29 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €9,99 / £8.99
  • Super Beat Sports (Harmonix) now €11,99 / £10.79 until Mon 8th Jan, normally €14,99 / £13.49
  • Spellspire (10tons) now €7,99 / £7.19 until Wed 10th Jan, normally €9,99 / £8.99

Wii U

  • Mario Kart 8 (Nintendo) now €29,99 / £24.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €59,99 / £49.99*
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Nintendo) now €17,49 / £13.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €24,99 / £19.99*
  • Nintendo Selects: Mario Party 10 (Nintendo) now €17,49 / £13.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €24,99 / £19.99*
  • Super Mario Maker (Nintendo) now €19.99 / £17.49 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €39,99 / £34.99*
  • Super Mario 64 (Nintendo) now €4,99 / £4.49 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €9,99 / £8.99*
  • Spy Chameleon (EnjoyUp Games) now €2,49 / £2.24 until Thu 1st Feb, normally €4,99 / £4.49

Wii U (Wii Download)

  • Kirby’s Adventure Wii (Nintendo) now €13,99 / £12.59 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €19,99 / £17.99*
  • Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo) – €9,99 / £8.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €19,99 / £17.99*

Nintendo 3DS

  • Animal Crossing: New Leaf – Welcome amiibo (Nintendo) now €27,99 / £24.49 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €39,99 / £34.99*
  • Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (Nintendo) now €31,49 / £27.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €44,99 / £39.99*
  • Mario Kart 7 (Nintendo) now €31,49 / £27.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €44,99 / £39.99*
  • Metroid: Samus Returns (Nintendo) now €31,49 / £27.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €44,99 / £39.99*
  • Miitopia (Nintendo) now €27,99 / £24.49 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €39,99 / £34.99*
  • Picross 3D: Round 2 (Nintendo) now €24,49 / £20.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €34,99 / £29.99*
  • Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (Nintendo) now €27,99 / £24.49 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €39,99 / £34.99*
  • Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS (Nintendo) now €27,99 / £24.49 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €39,99 / £34.99*
  • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (Nintendo) now €31,49 / £27.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €44,99 / £39.99*
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (Nintendo) now €13,99 / £11.19 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €19,99 / £15.99*
  • Tomodachi Life (Nintendo) now €27,99 / £24.49 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €39,99 / £34.99*
  • Dillon’s Rolling Western: The Last Ranger (Nintendo) now €6,99 / £6.29 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €9,99 / £8.99*
  • Fallblox (Nintendo) now €5,59 / £5.03 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €7,99 / £7.19*
  • Pocket Card Jockey (Nintendo) now €3,49 / £3.14 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €6,99 / £6.29*
  • Pullblox (Nintendo) now €4,19 / £3.77 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €5,99 / £5.39*
  • Tank Troopers (Nintendo) now €3,99 / £3.59 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €7,99 / £7.19*
  • Dragon Sinker (KEMCO) now €6,99 / £6.29 until Thu 18th Jan, normally €9,99 / £8.99
  • Sssnakes (EnjoyUp Games) now €1,97 / £1.77 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €2,99 / £2.69

* My Nintendo members only

DLC / Add-On Content

Nintendo Switch

  • NBA Playgrounds – Unlock Roster (Saber Interactive Incorporated) – €9,99 / £8.99
  • NBA Playgrounds – Hot N Frosty (Saber Interactive Incorporated) – €9,99 / £8.99
  • Pic-a-Pix Deluxe: Pic-a-Pix Colour (Lightwood Games) – €3,99 / £3.49

Other

Wii U (Wii Download)

  • Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo) – €9,99 / £8.99 until Thu 11th Jan, normally €19,99 / £17.99

Nintendo Switch

  • WWE 2K18 Digital Deluxe Edition (2K, Bundle) – €64,99 / £57.99 previously €89,99 / £79.99

That’s everything for this week – let us know what you’ll be downloading in the comments below.

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Creator Of The Starforce Pi Is Working On Something Nintendo-Related

The Starforce Pi is one of the most exciting developments in the world of retro hardware, but it’s still not yet available to buy. Marcel J. de Haan – the man behind the project – has experienced issues in finding a suitable manufacturer for mass production and has recently declared that he’s going to do everything in-house.

It’s not all bad news however, as de Haan has also confirmed that he’s working on a Nintendo-related project:

Besides the Starforce Pi, I am just having a little fun modding old consoles (MegaDrive, DreamCast, 6-button Genesis arcade stick, bunch of GameBoys) and I even have a very cool brand-new build in the making. Not going to tell you what it is yet, but it’ll be Nintendo based.

When quizzed on Twitter, de Haan elaborated further:

Now for the really bad news. It’s a one-off, like the gorgeous tabletop Neo Geo he created not so long ago:

We don’t doubt that it will be utterly amazing, but knowing that we won’t be able to actually own whatever it is makes us sadder than it probably should.

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Nintendo Boasts Of Continued Third Party Support For Switch

We’ve just got word from the Big N that the Nintendo Switch has become the fastest-selling home video game system of all time in the U.S. While this is obviously amazing news, this line in the press release about upcoming third party support really stood out to us:

This year, Nintendo Switch owners can look forward to Nintendo-published games like Kirby Star Allies, Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2 and a new game starring Yoshi. Fans can also expect continued support from major publishers such as EA, Activision, Ubisoft, Capcom, SEGA, Take 2 and Bethesda, plus a growing catalog of quality content from indie developers.

Which games those third parties could realistically consider porting to the Switch is another matter, but older games like Red Dead Redemption seem like likely candidates. Here are some of the key franchises from each of those publishers for your consideration:

  • EA – FIFA, Madden, Star Wars, Battlefield
  • Activision – Call of Duty, Overwatch, Destiny
  • Ubisoft – Assassin’s Creed, Tom Clancy, Rayman, The Crew, Watch Dogs
  • Capcom – Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Street Fighter
  • SEGA – Sonic, Persona, Yakuza
  • Take 2 – NBA, WWE, Mafia, BioShock, GTA (Rockstar), Red Dead (Rockstar)
  • Bethesda – Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Dishonored, Evil Within

Let us know what you think of this continued third party support for Switch with a comment below.

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Nintendo Switch Is The Fastest Selling Console In US History With 4.8 Million Units Sold

Nintendo Switch had an amazing 2017 – racking up some impressive sales figures over in Japan in the process – and it’s continuing that positive trend this year, too. It’s already overtaken PlayStation 2’s Japanese year one sales, and now Nintendo has revealed the little hybrid hardware that could has become the fastest selling console in the United States… ever!

With 4.8 million units sold that’s one amazing achievement for Switch before its first year has even come to a close. The title was previously held by Wii, with its mightily impressive 4 million units sold. 

Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s President and COO, said:

Fans across the country have experienced the joy of playing their favorite games at home or on the go. Now that many more people have received Nintendo Switch systems for the holidays, we look forward to bringing them fun new surprises in 2018 and beyond.

So Switch is starting 2018 with some big milestones, and we can’t wait to see what the next few months bring. Are you a Switch owner based in North America? What games sold you on the system? 

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Xeodrifter Is In Development For The Switch

A few years back, Renegade Kid—now Atooi—started a project for 3DS that was initially meant to be a demake of Moon, but it quickly spiraled into something more original. The brief, delightful metroidvania Xeodrifter was born, utilizing the layer hopping of Mutant Mudds in a new type of game. Since then, the game has been ported to numerous platforms, and it seems now that another one is due to join that list soon.

Atooi recently posted a Tweet showing Xeodrifter running on Switch hardware, with a message promising “more intel soon.” Hopefully we’ll be seeing this one on the Switch sooner rather than later; it’ll make a nice companion piece to the recently released Mutant Mudds Collection on the eShop. This is likely one of the three games the company was referring to for a 2018 release, but that still leaves another two which are still under wraps. Perhaps Treasurenauts will finally finish development this year?

What do you think? Will you be getting this for Switch? What other games would you like to see from Atooi? Share your thoughts in the comments below.