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Insomniac Games is searching for our next great leader in our Story department. The Story Lead is responsible for the role of writing game narrative at Insomniac. This position ensures engaging story by leading a team of writers and narrative designers across multiple games. This role provides a critical component of the studios mission to create games that have a positive and lasting impact on peoples’ lives, by writing compelling stories and leading others to do the same.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Writes story treatments and dialogue that establishes the tone for a game
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• Directly supervises a team of Writers on various projects
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• Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent; or seven plus years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Shipped a AAA game in a writer role preferred
• Expert knowledge of Final Draft, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Photoshop and Illustrator a plus

If this is the role you have been looking for- we look forward to hearing from you. Please submit your application using the link provided and be sure to include one or more writing samples that showcase strong dramatic writing. Screenplays or teleplays that tell a complete story are preferred.

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Summary: Since switch-case statements are not a part of Python, you can use one of the following methods to create a switch-case construct in your code :

• Using a Python Dictionary
• Creating a Custom Switch Class
• Using if-elif-else Conditional Statements
• Using a Lambda Function

Problem: Given a selection control switch case scenario in python; how to find a replacement for switch statement since python does not have a provision for switch-case statements.

Overview: Before we discuss the solutions to our problem, we must have a clear picture of the switch-case statement itself. To understand the switch statements let us answer a few questions :

What is a switch statement?

In programming languages like C, C++, C#, Java, etc switch is a conditional statement used to test the value of a variable and then compare this value with several cases. Once the match case is found, the block of code defined within the matched case is executed. Let us have a look at the following flowchart to visualize the working principle of switch case:

switch vs if-else

In a program that needs a complex set of nested if statements, a switch statement is always a better and more efficient alternative in such situations. Following are some of the key factors which should be taken into consideration while deciding whether to use switch case or if-else statements in the code:

1. If the number of cases is more, then switch-case statements are always more efficient and faster than if-else.
2. Switch case statements are more suited for fixed data values whereas if-else conditionals should be used in case of boolean values.
3. Switch statements check expressions based only on a single parameter / variable value whereas if-else conditional statements can be used to test expressions on a range of values.

There are a few other factors governing the proper usage of the two statements. However, that is beyond the scope of this article, as we are going to focus on the replacements for switch statements in python in this article. Now that brings us to the next and probably the most important question.

Why does Python Not Have A “switch” Statement?

You might have been wondering all the while, why are we even proposing a solution for replacing the switch statement in python. Does python not have a “switch” statement?

The answer is NO!!! Python does not need one.

• Most programming languages have switch-case statements because they lack proper mapping constructs. While in Python, we have well-defined mapping constructs and you can easily have a mapping table in the form of a python dictionary.
• Furthermore, Python does not have a switch statement because none of the proposals that have been suggested so far have been deemed acceptable.

#Note

Guido van Rossum says, “Some kind of switch statement is found in many languages and it is not unreasonable to expect that its addition to Python will allow us to write up certain code more cleanly and efficiently than before.” So this might indicate that in the future we might find that the switch statement is implemented in Python, though it is quite unlikely to happen anytime soon. (But the future is full of unpredictabilities!!!)

Now that we have an overview of the switch-statement, let us find out the alternatives for switch statements that can be used in python.

Solutions

Let us discuss how we can create alternatives to switch cases and ask the user to select an option for the operation they want to perform. Based on the users’ choice the output shall be displayed. Here’s a sample output of what we want to achieve:

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division Enter your choice: 1

Enter 1st Number: 500

Enter 2nd Number: 2000

Answer = 2500

So without further delay, let the games begin!

Method 1: Using A Dictionary

A dictionary in python stores items in the form of key-value pairs such that a certain value maps to a specific key. Let us have a look at the following code to understand how we can use a dictionary as an alternative to switch case and solve our problem (Please follow the comments to get a better grip on the code):

# The default case when no case matches

def default(a, b): return "Invalid Entry!" def switch(option, a, b): # create the dictionary and switch-cases / choices return { '1': lambda a, b: a + b, '2': lambda a, b: a - b, '3': lambda a, b: a * b, '4': lambda a, b: a / b, }.get(option, default)(a, b) # User Menu Prompt

print('''

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division ''')

# Accept User Entry

choice = input("Enter your choice: ")

x = int(input("Enter 1st Number: "))

y = int(input("Enter 2nd Number: "))

# Pass Values Entered by User to evaluate and then Print the output

print(switch(choice, x, y))

Output:

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division Enter your choice: 1

Enter 1st Number: 15

Enter 2nd Number: 50

Answer = 65

Things to remember:

• get() is an in-built function in python which returns the value for a specified key.
• lambda is a keyword in python which is used to define an anonymous function inside another function.

I would strongly recommend you to go through these articles for an in-depth understanding of lambda and python dictionary functions and their usage:

1. Link to learn about Python Dictionaries.
2. Link to learn about Python Lambda Function.

If you are not comfortable with the usage of get() and lambda, I have a solution for you too. Have a look at the following code which might be a little lengthier and more complex in terms of time and memory usage but is certainly easier to grasp :

# Addition

def choice1(x, y): return x + y # Subtraction

def choice2(x, y): return x - y # Multiplication

def choice3(x, y): return x * y # Division

def choice4(x, y): return x / y def switch(option, a, b): try: # create the dictionary and switch-cases / choices return { '1': choice1, '2': choice2, '3': choice3, '4': choice4, }[choice](x, y) except KeyError: # Default Case return 'Invalid Entry!' # User Menu Prompt

print('''

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division ''')

# Accept User Entry

choice = input("Enter your choice: ")

x = int(input("Enter 1st Number: "))

y = int(input("Enter 2nd Number: "))

# Pass Values Entered by User to evaluate and then Print the output

print("Answer = ", switch(choice, x, y))

Output

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division Enter your choice: 2

Enter 1st Number: 20

Enter 2nd Number: 10

Answer = 10

Method 2: Creating A Switch Class

Another workaround to use switch cases in our programs is to create a class with basic switch-case functionality defined within it. We can define each case within separate functions inside the class.

Let us have a look at the following program to understand how we can create a switch-case class (As always, I request you to read the comments within the code to get a better grip):

class SwitchCase: def case(self, option, x, y): default = "Invalid Entry!" # lambda invokes the default case # getattr() is used to invoke the function choice that the user wants to evaluate return getattr(self, 'choice' + str(option), lambda x, y: default)(x, y) # Addition def choice1(self, x, y): return x + y # Subtraction def choice2(self, x, y): return x - y # Multiplication def choice3(self, x, y): return x * y # Division def choice4(self, x, y): return x / y # Default Case def default(self, x, y): return "Invalid Entry!" # creating the SwitchCase class object

switch = SwitchCase()

# User Menu Prompt

print('''

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division ''')

# Accept User Entry

option = input("Enter your choice: ")

x = int(input("Enter 1st Number: "))

y = int(input("Enter 2nd Number: "))

# Pass Values Entered by User to evaluate and then Print the output

print("Answer = ", switch.case(option, x, y))

Output

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division Enter your choice: 4

Enter 1st Number: 24

Enter 2nd Number: 4

Answer = 6.0

Method 3: A Quick Fix Using Lambda Function

Though this method might not be the best in terms of code complexities, however, it might come in handy in situations where you want to use a function once and then throw it away after the purpose is served. Also, this method displays how long pieces of codes can be minimized, hence this method makes a worthy entry into the list of our proposed solutions.

var = (lambda x, y, c: x + y if c == '1' else x - y if c == '2' else x * y if c == '3' else x / y if c == '4' else 'Invalid Entry!') # User Menu Prompt

print('''

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division ''')

# Accept User Entry

option = input("Enter your choice: ")

x = int(input("Enter 1st Number: "))

y = int(input("Enter 2nd Number: "))

print(var(x, y, option))

Output

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division Enter your choice: 4

Enter 1st Number: 500

Enter 2nd Number: 25

20.0

Method 4: Using if-elif-else

Sometimes it is always better to follow the standard programming constructs because they provide us the simplest solutions in most cases. Using the if-elif-else might not be the exact replacement for a switch case but it provides a simpler construct and structure. Also, it avoids the problem of KeyError if the matching case is not found.

Let us have a look at the following code to understand how we can use the if-elif-else conditionals to solve our problem:

def func(choice, a, b): if choice == '1': return a + b elif choice == '2': return a - b elif choice == '3': return a * b elif choice == '4': return a / b else: return 'Invalid Entry!' # User Menu Prompt

print('''

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division ''')

# Accept User Entry

option = input("Enter your choice: ")

x = int(input("Enter 1st Number: "))

y = int(input("Enter 2nd Number: "))

print("Answer = ", func(option, x, y))

Output

Press 1: Addition

Press 2: Subtraction

Press 3: Multiplication

Press 4: Division Enter your choice: 1

Enter 1st Number: 500

Enter 2nd Number: 2000

Answer = 2500

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed how we can replace the switch case statements in our python code using python dictionary mapping or by creating a class or by applying a quick fix using a python lambda function. Having said that, the best way to implement switches in python is to use a dictionary that maps the key and value pairs.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and after reading it you can use an alternative to switch-case in your code with ease. If you find these discussions and solutions interesting then please subscribe and stay tuned for more interesting articles in the future!

Where to Go From Here?

Enough theory, let’s get some practice!

To become successful in coding, you need to get out there and solve real problems for real people. That’s how you can become a six-figure earner easily. And that’s how you polish the skills you really need in practice. After all, what’s the use of learning theory that nobody ever needs?

Practice projects is how you sharpen your saw in coding!

Do you want to become a code master by focusing on practical code projects that actually earn you money and solve problems for people?

Then become a Python freelance developer! It’s the best way of approaching the task of improving your Python skills—even if you are a complete beginner.

Join my free webinar “How to Build Your High-Income Skill Python” and watch how I grew my coding business online and how you can, too—from the comfort of your own home.

Join the free webinar now!

Apple AirPods Pro are on sale for $199 during Staples’ latest sale, but odds are this deal will sell out soon.

Top AirPods Pro deal

Apple hardware deals

© WayForward

Update (Sat 12th Sep, 2020 11:00 BST): Pre-orders have now opened for the Limited Run Games Shantae line.

You can get a Mega Bundle including everything for $388, the Game Boy Color game, a Collector’s Edition, the original Shantae on Switch, Shantae: Risky’s Revenge and much more. Head over to the LRG website to pre-order now.

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is also getting a reprint (by XSEED), and there are various other goodies as well, like a slipcover.

---

Original article (Thu 3rd Sep, 2020 04:30 BST): A while ago, during the Limited Run Games E3 replacement event, the company announced the original Shantae game along with Shantae: Risky’s Revenge would be receiving physical releases.

Shantae will be re-released on the Game Boy Color and is also receiving a Nintendo Switch release, while Risky’s Revenge is going straight to the hybrid platform.

Next week, on 11th September, all three of these games will be available to pre-order. There’ll be collectors and standard editions available. Of course, the fancier and more expensive versions come with a lot of extra goodies. Here’s a look:

© LRG

© LRG

© LRG

Will you be adding any of these physical releases to your own video game collection? Leave a comment below.

Coming off the back of its previous game, Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight, Bombservice’s Minoria feels like a natural evolution in many ways. It’s a fast-paced Metroidvania with a sharp focus on aggressive combat, but also contains many staple tropes of the genre, including collectable items, hidden passageways, and unlockable abilities. Fans of the studio’s previous games, and indeed Metroidvanias in general, will definitely get a kick out of this one.

You play as Sister Semilla, a badass, sword-wielding nun who, alongside her companion, Sister Fran, must travel the ruins of the Kingdom of Ramezia to free the kidnapped Princesses from the heretic witches. It’s a pretty cool setup, and the game ultimately weaves flavours of religion and faith into its narrative, but never goes too far into these aspects to risk alienation. It’s a rather bleak game overall, and the dark tone is a stark contrast to the more vibrant Reverie Under the Moonlight.

The gameplay is rather typical of a Metroidvania, though it’s definitely a step up from titles like Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night in terms of its combat. You start off with rather basic attacks, but the fluidity of the combat is really impressive. You feel incredibly powerful right from the start, and this is bolstered by an effective parry manoeuvre that, if utilised correctly, allows you to counter-attack with fearsome speed and aggression, taking down most regular enemies in one swoop.

Boss battles are particularly impressive, and while you will come across huge, intimidating beasts, we found the simple, one-on-one showdowns with the game’s witches to be the most fun and rewarding. These are tough fights, and you’ll need to call upon all of your abilities to triumph, including the dodge roll, parry ability, and limited doses of healing incense to recover from damage. As you progress, you will gain additional combat abilities, and even some magic attacks to assist you, but the game never allows you to become complacent, and we love it for that.

Graphically, we’re a bit torn on the overall art design. Stepping away from the pixelated graphics of the Momodora series, the game takes on a more 2.5D approach, and although it runs smoothly enough for the most part, we did notice a few dips in frame rate here and there. Additionally, there’s a distinct lack of variety in the environment design and enemy design, and if you don’t refer to the game’s map system frequently enough, you’ll easily get lost within the rather samey corridors and chambers.

Minoria is a great Metroidvania that we’d hate to see slip under the radar amongst the more well-known titles like Bloodstained and Hollow Knight. It’s not quite as feature-rich as some of the other titles in the genre and will only last roughly 5 hours or so, but the combat is so impressive, that we’d urge you to check it out.

It’s been another crazy week in Nintendo Land, with the announcement of a brand new Zelda game on Switch and more rumours of Nintendo diving into the world of 4K, but enough about that – let’s talk about our weekend gaming plans.

Members of Nintendo Life have done just that below, and we’d love for you to join in via our poll and comment sections. Enjoy!

Gavin Lane, features editor

Despite a near-total lack of free time, I’ve had a real hankering this week to dip into a big RPG-style game. Looking through my Switch, I’ve got Octopath Traveler and Fire Emblem: Three Houses sitting practically untouched, and either would scratch the itch very well.

Otherwise I’ll be pottering around in Animal Crossing, as usual. I’ve totally ignored my island’s star rating since launch but, at the behest of Isabelle, I only had to pick up a bunch of items left lying around (mainly surplus DIY recipes and timber I’d stashed in my designated ‘Lumber Region’) to achieve 5-star status. Result! Following a minor (well, major for me) waterscaping project, my island is starting to look more like a natural paradise and less like a fish tank-filled warehouse.

Ryan Craddock, news editor

This week I managed to fill one of the glaring holes in my Nintendo collection by picking up a NES with Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3 (the seller also threw in Ikari Warriors for free, which was nice). It’s in absolutely wonderful condition and I plan on trying to fight my way through the original Super Mario Bros. this weekend.

I’ve also got into taking photos of my collection and have started up a new Instagram to show it all off and get more enjoyment out of new finds. As such, I might also take some time to pick out some old, quirky items and get some decent snaps to post at a later date. You’re very welcome to follow me and join in the fun if you’d like (shameless promotion, I know). Have a good one, folks!

PJ O’Reilly, reviewer

Hello. This weekend I’m going to be greedily tucking into the smorgasbord of excellent Indie titles that have been served up on the eShop of late. I’m already hard at work on the superb Paradise Killer – if you love completely bonkers detective games this one’s a must-play – as well as the hilarious Lair of the Clockwork God and very pretty Hotshot Racing.

I’ve also grabbed Moonlighter from the current sale – I’ve only heard good things and it’s 68% off at the moment so why not – and am preparing for my annual Dark Souls playthrough, a ritual I’ve been indulging in for what feels like several hundred years now. Have a good weekend whatever you’re playing and stay safe out there!

Liam Doolan, news reporter

It’s been another exciting week for Nintendo fans with the announcement of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, so this weekend – in celebration – I’ve decided it’s time to return to Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition. I was originally playing this game alongside Fire Emblem Warriors and well… it didn’t really work out in the end. I wouldn’t advise trying to play two Musou-style games at once.

One other game, or should I say collection, I’m looking forward to returning to over the next few days is Super Mario All-Stars via the Switch Online SNES library. I’ve been playing through Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, which I admittedly haven’t touched since the 25th Anniversary Edition was released on the Wii. And last, but not least, I’ll be playing the original Super Mario Land via the 3DS Virtual Console – just because I can. Happy gaming, everyone!

Austin Voigt, contributing writer

This weekend, I’ve got Zelda on the brain. The announcement of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has me so pumped up, I’ll pretty much just be playing every Zelda game I have over the weekend. The Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time, A Link to the Past, Majora’s Mask, Link’s Awakening, Breath of the Wild, Twilight Princess… I could go on forever. I’m so dang excited! This is exactly what I needed to tide me over until the sequel to Breath of the Wild comes out. And I think Nintendo knew that.

As always, thanks for reading! Make sure to leave a vote in the poll above and a comment below with your gaming choices over the next few days…