THE BIG LAUNCH

GAMES REVIEWED!
OUR OPINION ON THE
NINTENDO SWITCH!

our Definitive Verdict ISSUE 2 | APRIL 2017

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2 Switch Player
 Welcome to
the second issue of
Patreon Supporter? Switch Player Magazine!
Those that supported the PRINT
version of this magazine received It’s finally here! Of course, I could be talking about
a FREE "Dog Tongue" sticker for the Nintendo Switch - but instead, I'm talking about
the Joy-Con grip by Nintendeal! our fabulous and long-awaited second issue of
Switch Player Magazine!
If you want to buy another
or didn't get the print version I’m kidding of course. By now, you’ll either have
you can get them from spent the last month exploring a vast and expansive
etsy.com/shop/nintendeal Hyrule, moving Joy-Con around like crazy folk, or
simply playing those launch titles in whichever way
you can. Then again, maybe you’ve been looking
frantically at various information and fretting over
whether you should buy Nintendo’s latest machine.
That’s assuming you can find one, of course!

Yes, the Nintendo Switch is finally here, and this

second issue of our magazine will explain a lot of
what we've experienced since launch. Packed into
even more pages than our debut issue, you’ll get our
definitive verdict on the hybrid system, as well as
reviews on many of the games released for it so far.

If that's not enough, we have even more features for

you - with the Daily Mirror’s Ryan Brown talking us
through the launch line-up, and Family Gamer’s Andy
Robertson looking at the child-friendly experiences
UNCOVERED! (and playing games with his little ones). We’ve also
got the Daily Star’s Meg Bethany Read in, as she
explains what she wants to see from a Nintendo
Switch version of Animal Crossing.

With hands-on features for many games that arrived

as we went to print, and a brief look at many more
still to come, there’s plenty of Switch related content
packed into this 60-page issue!

Additionally, we've listened to a lot of your feedback

from Issue #1, and hope that our minor tweaks and
adjustments will help you to enjoy this dedicated
Switch magazine even more! So - if you can - put
your Switch down, or maybe even hold off buying one
THE BIG LAUNCH
GAMES REVIEWED!
OUR OPINION ON THE for a little bit; in these pages you'll surely see what's
in store for the newest console on the block.
NINTENDO SWITCH!

our Definitive Verdict ISSUE 2 | APRIL 2017

This month's beautiful The Legend of Zelda: Paul Murphy

Breath of the Wild cover was designed by Executive Editor
Justin Paul. You can find more of Justin's @PMurphy1978
work at www.artbyjustinpaul.com

Switch Player 3
 Contents Inside
FEATURES
06 Nintendo Switch Review
12 Launch Verdict
14 A Switch in the Family
22 Frozenbyte Interview
24 Lizardcube Interview
52 Community Voice -
Nintendaan
54 A Look at Animal Crossing
56 The Switch and Nindies!

PREVIEWS
16 Splatoon 2
18 LEGO Worlds
19 Shakedown Hawaii
06 22 Frozenbyt
upcoming
20 Yooka-Laylee
21 Ultra Street Fighter II:
The Final Challengers

REVIEWS
26 The Legend of Zelda:
Breath of the Wild
32 1-2-Switch
34 Super Bomberman R 12 Ryan Brown gives us his thoughts
on the Switch's launch titles
36 Fast RMX
39 Vroom in the Night Sky
40 I Am Setsuna
42 Shovel Knight:
Specter of Torment
44 Snipperclips -
Cut it out, together!
46 Just Dance 2017
48 Blaster Master Zero

REGULARS
02 Patreon Stars
50 Directory
51 Downloadables
58 Next Time
59 At the Flagpole 14 FamilyGamerTV takes us through some
Nintendo Switch family time thoughts
e the newest issue of
COM
MUN
ITY

ce
voi

te tells us about the 24 Lizardcube talks about the remake 52 Nintendaan's impressions
Has-Been Heroes of Wonder Boy on the Switch on the Switch and its games

54 Meg Bethany Read gives

us her Animal Crossing
hopes for Switch

Review

26 Our Definitive Verdict 56

6 Switch Player
 AFTER WHAT SEEMS LIKE AN ETERNITY SINCE THE LATE SATORU IWATA
ANNOUNCED NINTENDO’S NEXT PIECE OF HARDWARE, WHAT WAS PREVIOUSLY
KNOWN AS THE NX IS FINALLY HERE. AFTER MONTHS OF EXCITEMENT, HYPE,
AND DISAPPOINTMENT, FOLLOWED BY MORE HYPE (REPEAT AD NAUSEUM),
THE SYSTEM IS NOW AVAILABLE AND QUITE LITERALLY IN GAMER’S HANDS. IT’S
ALSO THE FIRST TIME THAT I’VE GENUINELY BEEN EXCITED FOR A NINTENDO
SYSTEM IN MORE THAN A DECADE. HAS IT BEEN WORTH THE WAIT?

Switch Player 7
 What’s Included?

Opening your Switch box for the first time

you’ll be presented with the tablet and
the two Joy-Con, with the other bits and
pieces underneath. Also packaged with
the new handheld are a USB-C charger,
a dock for playing on the television, a
HDMI cable, and two little straps for
using the Joy-Con freehand. You also
get the Joy-Con grip, which can be used
as a more traditional (and somewhat
surprisingly, comfortable) controller.
This doesn’t allow your Joy-Con to
charge however, and you’ll need the
(sold separately) charge grip for that.

Design
One of the first things that grabs you
with the Nintendo Switch is just how
tiny everything is. Diminutive is a word
that I’ve not had much use for, but it’s
incredibly apt as almost every review
outlet around are also finding. The
Joy-Con are tiny. The Switch unit itself –
which is the tablet element, and all the
required components that are contained
in this module – is small. Even the plastic
dock bundled in the package seems very
tiny in comparison to normal hardware. if you plan on downloading games then
It’s all incredibly well packaged in an you’ll need to invest in a Micro SDHC/ an absolutely stunning visual display.
equally small box, and really gives the SDXC memory card to increase your Despite not being full HD in portable
aura of a high end product. Given that storage (up to 2TB). For reference, Breath mode (the ability to upscale to 1080p
this new hybrid system is retailing for of the Wild is a 13.4GB download; and on the TV is available), it really looks
£279.99, you’d expect that. although it’s vast in size compared to fantastic.
most, it gives a general indication of how
When all connected together, the system quickly that internal memory could be There are a few niggles with the design
is more long than it is big; it’s certainly gobbled up. Currently save game files are though, and one of them follows the
bigger than a PlayStation Vita and wider stored to the internal memory with no fact that the unit features a kickstand
(but shorter) than a Wii U gamepad. It’s way of transferring them over, so that’s for using the console in “Table Top”
also incredibly thin – perhaps not pocket- something to keep in mind as well. form. This kickstand is made of plastic,
sized, as many naysayers are suggesting, feels flimsy, and in use you tend to fear
but certainly portable. If being able to fit The system ships with a 4310 mAh 3.7 V it may break. It’s easily removable (and
in a pocket was a requirement for being lithium-ion battery, and official longevity replaceable) it seems, but you can’t
classified as portable, the whole thing in handheld mode varies from 2.5 to 6 help but look to solutions like the one
would have fallen apart at the Game Boy, hours. Using Breath of the Wild as the the Microsoft Surface uses with envy.
Game Gear and Atari Lynx era. Modern benchmark, Nintendo has said it’ll run Another issue is the flimsiness of the
day laptops, tablets and phablets would for around three. Obviously how bright cover for the game cards; it’s literally
also then be exempt… unless people are the screen is, the volume level, and the thin tabs of plastic securing this to your
trying to apply different rules. computational intensity of the game will console. I genuinely fear for the long term
affect this. life span of this likely often-used cover.
Nintendo haven’t revealed specifics for
the Nintendo Switch’s internals, but we It’s not often Nintendo have nailed the The dock also needs a mention here:
do know that it runs on a customised design of their hardware at the first it’s a slab of plastic with two external
NVidia Tegra chipset. We also know that iteration, but the Switch is one sexy USB slots, the lone outward ports
the system is more powerful than the machine, and it all feels so incredibly complimenting internal USB, USB-C, and
Wii U and the PlayStation Vita, but not premium. Despite weighing in at around HDMI connections. This thing is expected
quite at the same level as a standard 400 grams in its completed form, it never to retail for $60-$90 and essentially
PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. feels heavy as a handheld – and with the transfers the video signal to the TV. In
Joy-Con in the grip whilst playing on the complete contrast to the Switch itself,
Moving on to more specific specifications, TV it’s barely even noticeable. The unit the dock feels quite cheap – and there
the Switch is packed with 32GB of on has a 6.2 inch capacitive touchscreen are more than a few reports the dock
board storage – although only ~25.9GB with a resolution of 1280 x 720 with 237 is scratching screens, although it’s not
is available to you on first boot. As such, pixels per inch, which means that you get something that has affected me.

8 Switch Player
 Set-up and Accounts

Turning the device on for the first time you’ll

be prompted to connect the two Joy-Con
to the tablet; the now familiar finger snaps
echoing satisfyingly around you, and those
tiny controllers effortlessly – but solidly –
gliding along the rail and locking into place.
Any worries I had about removing or attaching
them instantly disappeared.

The system then prompted me to set the

date, time, language, and a nickname for
myself – all accompanied by incremental
audio prompts letting me know I was nearly
done. All taken care of, I was up and running
in less than ten minutes. Admittedly I had
no online functionality at the time of set up,
as when Nintendo sent this reviewer his The Switch uses friend codes for online play – There are no apps, internet browser, YouTube,
unit the day one patch had not yet gone live, despite suggestions that it wouldn’t, although Netflix, or other such programs currently
though subsequently I was able to easily link it isn’t as bad as before. If you have someone available – and no word on when many
my newly created account with my Nintendo else’s code you can enter it, and rather than will arrive. There’s also no Virtual Cconsole;
Network ID with no issues. The interface is exchange theirs too they simply need to although since it’s said that a Virtual Console
very basic, but also very fluid, clean, and easy approve the request. Nintendo will be rolling title will be part of the paid subscription, you
to navigate. Anyone that has spent time with out paid online later this year, and many can bet it’ll arrive at some point down the line.
the 3DS system will be happy to hear that! details are scarce.

Hybrid
How excited you’ll be for Nintendo’s
newest hardware will depend on many
factors, not least of all how you view it.
Nintendo’s eschewed marketing stance
places this new technology firmly on the
fence with a “unique” ability to be both
a handheld and a console in one; and
it really changes the way you can play.
Whether on a big screen session before
work/school/other before transferring
the play instantly to the handheld, or just
playing it free hand; the opportunities
to play are endless. 1-2-Switch is
essentially a game you can only play
docked or on tabletop mode whilst
Voez is the first handheld-only game so
games that work on all modes are not
guaranteed. We could see a wide range of
games with some specifically tailored to a
certain way of playing.

Me? I’m firmly in the camp that this is a

handheld and will be how I play most of
the time, save for party scenarios or late
night playing. The added convenience
of being able to play in other ways
enhances its worth, but for me it’s a
handheld/portable device first and
foremost and looking at it this way
greatly enhances it’s place in the market.

Switch Player 9
 The real beauty with how the Switch works is those little
detachable controllers, the Joy-Con. Despite the obvious
gimmicky nature, these little paddles slide on and off the
unit/Joy-Con Grip with ease and work really well. With
a great weight, balance and size – as well as cleverly
hidden “shoulder” buttons on the side, these controllers
are also designed to work well as two little controllers for
multiplayer gaming. Although no real substitute for a full
sized controller, it works very well for short sessions.

Built into the technology are motion controls, and as

such can operate in a similar manner to a Wii remote. It
also has a fabulous rumble system dubbed “HD Rumble”
which works incredibly well. Nintendo claimed that the
rumble is sensitive enough to detect multiple ice cubes
simulated within, and you’ll certainly get to test that
theory in titles such as 1-2-Switch: it definitely works,
and works well.

Of course, one of the more publicised are having, I can tell you that in over 70 As mentioned above, the miniature
elements of the Switch itself has been hours of playing I’m yet to experience controllers slide effortlessly into the
the reporting that the Joy-Con can it myself; though I play around three surprisingly comfortable Joy-Con grip, but
experience communication problems. meters from the TV, there’s a direct line the biggest issue with the grip is that it
It seems that the Bluetooth signal of sight between the docked unit and has no means to charge the controllers.
from the little controllers – the left in the controllers, and I tend not to play Instead, you’d have to shell out additional
particular – aren’t particularly strong, freehand. It is something to be aware of, cash to get the version with a USB port
and there’s further speculation that however – though it’s also notable that in it if you prefer (or need) to charge
distance, electrical interference, and even Nintendo currently regards the issue as separate.
human skin could cause the signal to within regular failure limits.
drop. While this is a problem that many The Joy-Con also lack a traditional D-pad,
so for those requiring something with
this input, you’ll need to get yourself
the Switch Pro controller. Retailing for
around £60+ RRP at the time of launch,
this is one of the finest controllers I’ve
ever used. Packing in all the functionality
found within the Joy-Con and having that
D-pad, it’s also important to mention that
the buttons on the Pro controller are also
slightly larger. I found that despite the
Joy-Con Grip being more than competent
for the job, this is a fabulous way of
playing too – so I tend to play the Switch
docked this way, leaving the Joy-Con
attached.

In terms of battery life, Joy-Con are said

to last for around 20 hours each and can
charge just fine through the unit when
docked. The Pro controller apparently
lasts for around 40 hours (!), and I am yet
to recharge it at the time of writing (even
though it’s been through some heavy
use).

10 Switch Player
 Games

Systems rarely ship with a complete

complement and variety of titles, but it has
to be said that the Switch’s launch line up
is less than stellar. Of course, Breath of the
Wild is no ordinary game – and the launch
also possesses some little gems in the form
of Snipperclips, Fast RMX, and Shovel Knight.
The system has over 150 games announced
already, and with a fusion of first party titles,
third party efforts, and an abundance of indie
developers all getting behind the system, it
won’t be long before the Switch has too many
games to play! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the next
big Nintendo release – though Arms, Splatoon
2, Fire Emblem Warriors, Xenoblade Chronicles
2 and Super Mario Odyssey are all expected
before the end of the year.

Are you are looking for a new system for Breath of the Wild would be that game. With Otherwise, it’s a resounding yes from me. As
either at home, on the go, or even both? the best part of 150 titles inbound already, a predominantly handheld focused gamer, the
Do you have money burning a hole in your a mix of classic Nintendo First-party, some Switch is almost everything I’d want from a
pocket? Can you see games that you’ll enjoy token third-party, and a whole host of exciting portable console, and it has the added bonus
playing from the launch and upcoming indies, there is plenty to keep you occupied. of doubling up as a system I can play on the
line-up? If you answer positively to these TV as well. It has a few little niggles on the
questions, then undoubtedly yes. Nintendo If you own a Wii U then the question becomes whole and certainly feels that it’s been rushed
aficionados that fall into this bracket will no a little more difficult. Is it worth shelling out out, but with the promise of some spectacular
doubt already have one, but I cannot sing the £340+ to play the game on the Switch when games and the return of split screen party
praises for the hardware and its potential you can just play it on the Wii U? That’s a fun, I’m fully on board. Are you?
enough. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the hard sell to make. The Wii U is not going
Wild is such an amazing experience, and to continue to get big-name titles (and the
arguably one of the best launch titles that a writing is on the wall for it), but if it’s only
console has ever seen. No console is worth Zelda that appeals to you then you might be
buying just for one game, but if there was better off waiting for now.

Switch Player 11
 RYAN IS A FULL-TIME GAMES JOURNALIST,
AND HE WRITES ABOUT GAMES FOR THE
DAILY MIRROR AND OTHER VARIOUS
OUTLETS. WE ASKED HIM TO TELL
Ryan Brown US WHAT HE THOUGHT ABOUT THE
@Toadsanime NINTENDO SWITCH'S LAUNCH LINE-UP.

When I first thought about writing this piece, I expected it However, with days remaining before the
to be coming at a completely different angle. I expected to Switch hit stores, my outlook changed somewhat.
be telling how, in spite of this being a magazine focused
on the Nintendo Switch, you should expect to sometimes Here in the UK, 19 titles were released on the Switch at
see harsh criticisms of the consoles, its games and launch, many of which were announced mere hours before
Nintendo's business decisions. launch. Thanks to the easily-accessible foreign eShop
stores, that number is vastly improved with the likes of
Whilst you should certainly still anticipate balanced Disgaea 5, I Am Setsuna and Puyo Puyo Tetris available on
opinions in this mag, this piece in particular is in no way as day one.
critical as I originally anticipated it to be.
Many will still criticise this Switch launch line-up, and
You see, from January into late-February, I was one of the they're not wrong in doing so - unless you're a big Zelda
many people voicing concerns over the Switch's launch fan, putting money down on a new console for what
line-up. I considered it to be weak - at the time, the is otherwise still mostly ports right now may not be
line-up consisted of Zelda (also available on the Wii U), worthwhile - but for me, those few extra additions at
1-2 Switch (something I still believe should have been a launch make all the difference.
bundled title) and only a few ports.

12 Switch Player
 SWITCH
PLAYSTATION 4
XBOX ONE
WII U
WII

By comparison, the PlayStation 4 launch had The Wii U failed, in my opinion, because its marketing
26 games, the Xbox One had 22 games, failed. Its name confused consumers and its message was
and the Wii U had 31. As for the Wii? Well, all wrong. Those of us who have worked at retail stores in
the Wii had 20 games available at launch, the past will be all to aware of customer confusion over
and I'd argue the options then were even the console - parents typically saw it as a re-model of the
weaker. Bar the bundled-in Wii Sports, Wii.
the Twilight Princess port, and perhaps Red
Steel, it was practically barren. The Switch, as most of us can agree, has been marketed
excellently so far. Its line-up may not be the best in the
Seeing as the Wii still managed to sell more than world, but it's not out of the ordinary, and it's the overall
100 million units in its lifetime, it's clear to me console message and future releases that will determine
that the actual line-up of titles at launch is its worth.
not an indicator of success. We don't yet know
whether the Switch will be a commercial success, If you've bought a Switch already, I sincerely hope you're
or to what level if it is, but what we do know is that enjoying it and are looking forward to the likes of ARMS,
the way a console is marketed at launch is vastly Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Mario Odyssey.
more important. If you've yet to buy one, I hope you're looking forward to
getting it when the library fills up a bit later on in the
The Wii succeeded because its marketing campaign, year - and, of course, I hope you enjoy many of the launch
aimed at the family market, was executed games reviewed in this very magazine!
wonderfully and the console saw a steady release of
games. The PlayStation 4 has succeeded for almost the
same reasons, except for that it targeted a more 'hardcore'
gaming market.

Switch Player 13
 FamilyGamerTV
familygamer.tv
@FamilyGamerTV

Experts, avid gamers, and Nintendo In the palm they fit well and have an charge while you play, but we simply
faithful are largely unanimous about ergonomic feel. You do need to get haven’t given charging the Joy-Cons
the Switch’s launch. Review scores used to the offset of buttons and two thoughts. They are always
and even early sales make this one of stick, but again this soon becomes charged and ready to go, even after
the most successful new consoles in familiar. long play sessions.
Nintendo’s history.
Getting the Switch out of the box and The battery of the main unit isn’t
The bigger challenge for the Switch set-up is also a revelation. I’m used to amazingly long - but when I tested
is beyond these familiar shores - a good few hours of downloading and it against our iPad Minis and
to those who don’t follow gaming updating and loading and installing PlayStation Vita, the Switch more
closely, but enjoyed discovering the (and then often more updating), but than held its own. We’ve invested in
Wii with the family. It’s that long-tale the Switch was good to go in a matter a battery charger for when we go on
that will determine how successful of minutes. long journeys and can’t plug into the
the Switch is seen to be in the future. mains, but so far haven’t needed to
There was a snappy system update use it.
We’ve had the Switch in our family for and around ten minutes to configure
almost a month now, and there are the Wi-Fi and parental controls, I should mention the games. If you
some surprising things about it - and but after that it was super quick. haven’t heard about the sheer epic
the games - that give it a great shot Families will also appreciate that nature of The Legend of Zelda: Breath
at connecting to that wide audience. games load quickly too. On the Wii U of the Wild you must have given the
we were used to waiting for games internet up for Lent. It’s already being
The hardware itself was the first to get started — in fact I could make touted as game of the year, and with
surprise. Not only is the main unit a cup of tea in the time Lego City good reason. We’ve been playing it in
more diminutive and portable that Undercover took to load, but the our family - each with different save
I had expected, but it also offers a Switch gets you playing really quickly. files - and it’s been fascinating to see
range of ways to play for different just how different our paths through
family members. Whether you want This may sound like a small thing the game have been. It's also been a
to deal out Joy-Con halves to play but when children of various ages lot of fun helping each other out and
Bomberman R, dock them in the Joy- are itching to play, reducing the talking Zelda strategy over breakfast.
Con grip for Skylanders Imaginators, amount of time waiting makes a big
or even attach them to the screen to difference. Also good in this respect Snipperclips is more of a surprise.
play Zelda on the loo (not that I would is that the Joy-Con controllers charge I’d not heard a lot about this before
ever do that you understand), there’s when they are attached to the screen. getting the Switch, but it is a lot
something for everyone. You no longer to you have to scurry of fun. With a simple paper-craft
around looking for batteries when you aesthetic, the game challenges
The Joy-Cons are small and this will want to play some Bomberman R. players to work together to snip
irk some I know, but this really hasn’t each other and solve ingenious and
been a problem for us - even for I had expected to invest in the devious puzzles. As a parent I’ve loved
those of us with out-sized man mitts. premium controller grip that lets you seeing my two competitive boys come

14 Switch Player
together and work (with only occasional sure if we’ll see it spread to care homes afternoon — something that might not
shouting) together on the game. like Wii-Sports Bowling, but it certainly have happened without the app.
has some of that DNA.
Skylanders Imaginators was another I would like to see the stats and time
surprise for us. We’d already played It’s easy to overlook as a triviality, but in limits be tied to different users. Currently
much of the game on the Wii U and had actually 1-2 Switch is as revolutionary as my twelve hours with Zelda on Saturday
expected the Switch version to be an the PlayStation Move powered Johann somewhat dwarfs the kids’ two hours
upscaled re-release of this, however Sebastian Joust was before it. Simply a day. Maybe we’ll see these features
Activision have really embraced the because the action happens in the room appear in a future update.
Switch’s portable nature to create rather than on the screen, it’s a video-
what (for my family) is the definitive game that’s as much fun to watch as it is Perhaps the best sign of how well the
Skylanders experience. Not only has it to play. There’s a real sense of theatre to family has taken to the Switch is how
done away with the need for a plastic many of the challenges, and the detailed quickly it’s become part of family life.
USB portal (you use the right Joy-Con feedback of how each player performed It’s already the first device on in the
to scan in Skylanders), but you can also does away with the frustrating morning, and has been the subject of
store a whole bunch of characters on the vagueness of many similar Kinect games. many drawings and animations — and
system for when you are out and about. even the creation of their own Lego Mario
It’s a clever move that shows just how The crown jewel for parents is the Switch unboxing video.
different of a console the Switch is. Parental Control app. Not only does this
make it simple to set and control access It’s still early days, and we need to try
1-2 Switch has been the other hit with to older content, but it also shows you more games to really know how much
our family, but not how I expected. Rather what the kids have been playing. I hadn’t longevity the Switch can sustain, but
than it being the kids who embraced realised my son had got so into Zelda already the pattern of play in our house
the silly challenges and creative use of until I saw the report on my phone while is reminding me of when we first played
Joy-Cons, it’s been us parents and grand- running errands around town. This led the Wii.
parents who’ve played this most. I’m not to us playing the game together for the

youtube.com/watch?v=T6Rqaf9lMrg youtube.com/watch?v=f76MTy3DXEo

Switch Player 15
 Globfairle
Test
As I sat down to play the first round of up for a new player; especially if you’ve movement. The entirety of my actual play
Splatoon 2‘s recent global testfire event, I already gotten some practice in with time was smooth and seamless, and at
admit – I didn’t quite know what to expect Breath of the Wild. Sure, it doesn’t work times I was even uploading videos to
experience-wise. There are some games quite the same – but in a few minutes I YouTube while playing; something that
that are easy to read from a very short bit was circling and motioning without usually cripples my chances for quality
of explanation or gameplay video, but extended mental effort, and that was all online gameplay. People like tweeter @
while I had seen Splatoon played before I that mattered to me. If you prefer to turn octobyte_ – who have the tools to
wasn’t someone who had any real-world or tune the motion controls that option measure such things – are reporting that
experience under my belt. A veritable was there as well, but I only tried it to the tick rate (how often it sends and
virgin, I was going in – tool in hand – with make sure it worked. Spoiler; it did. receives data) is much lower than most
no idea what to do. games of its sort at 12.5Hz, while @
As for the content of the testfire, we were Wario64 (among others) tried tethering to
Within the first few minutes, and after allowed two obstacle-laden maps – The confirm that it doesn’t use much data at
the quick tutorial, I was covering the map Reef and Musselforge Fitness – and one 130-150MB/hour. Maybe that’s where
in ink… but while I was expecting to be mode by the name of Turf War. The map the special sauce in this one is hinted at,
running around and attacking like I would choice was random (it did not alternate), but either way it’s clear that the quality of
in any multiplayer shooter, this game and lobbies were four-on-four with a the connected experience was fantastic.
seemed a bit slower at first glance. I was mandatory wait until the lobby filled up
simply not used to the mechanics of the – which meant that at times (i.e.; the But what about the actual gameplay,
two forms, and the most of my first map nighttime testfire rounds, or at the end of right? Well that’s yet another positive
was spent wasted as I wasn’t quite the sessions) you were booted back to aspect in my opinion, as my bad self was
attune to the idea of using your team’s the main menu after waiting two or more able to pick it up and get involved in all
ink trails to move fast and rebuild ink in minutes for nothing. Aside from that little the right ways. Over the course of my six
squid form. Time, ink, and lives were lost “quirk” of the system however, the hours in playtime, I tested out the four
to the learning curve that match – but it entirety of my playtime appeared to be weapons and their special attacks –
only took a few before I was accustomed simply flawless. figuring out just how the pieces of this
to the hook, strategizing and moving up puzzle come into play, and why there is
the result page on a regular basis like the Not once did I get kicked from a game no “perfect weapon” in the process. I
others. that managed to make it to the after- found that while all the choices were
lobby stage, and there was no choppiness indeed very different (okay, maybe the
I found that while Splatoon 2‘s mechanics to the way that the game moved when Splattershot and Splat Dualies are close),
might be jarring for a moment, even with playing against other players – either in they’re also limiting in their own unique
the motion controls it’s quite easy to pick frame rate or connected player ways. Some weapons fire quickly and
unload ink like it’s going out of style –
with very little fine control, and others are
very sparing and use ink both wisely and
precisely. For example, the Splat Dualies
are more geared towards a combative
barrage of ink blobs from a distance;
while on the other hand, the Splat Roller
is more conducive to painting large areas
quickly and taking out enemies close-up.
Both of these can put you at a
disadvantage to each other when in
direct competition, though both are very
useful in upping those points.

While we’re on the weapon choices, I

should probably outline them for you – as
they’re not as simple as a one-pump-
chump. They all have primary, secondary,
and special uses which can be quite
different from each other as well.

16 Switch Player
 Kyle Wakeling
@teflontactics

The first weapon you’re offered in the

Splatoon 2 global testfire is the by one of two of these players, but I was of the weapons very easy to jump in and
Splattershot. It’s a fast-firing, single pretty useless with this one. The use as a new player. While some were
barreled machine gun that can empty secondary mode for the Splat Charger is more useful for protecting and covering
your ink in just a few moments, and it’s pretty good however, and acts like both a area – like the Splat Roller, others were
an easy first time choice for those looking timed and proximity ink grenade; toss the good for taking area forcefully with quick
to get into the action. Aside from its splat bomb, watch it blink, and wait for covers (at the cost of ink) when you do –
primary mode however, the secondary the boom. I was only able to bust out the like the Splat Dualies. They’re all deadly
usage is actually a giant ink splat in the special for this one once, but it’s a with a practiced hand however, and I
form of the burst bomb – though it uses laser-like penetrating shot that will take don’t feel like the game is unfair if you’re
an excessive amount of ink (it’s indicated out enemies through walls and at a proficient in any of these options. That
on your ink meter how much you need). distance. Ouch! could change as we see how people
Finally, there’s a special attack that only exploit the quirks of the system, but I
activates once a certain amount of points The final equip we were able to play with never cried “nerf it” – not once.
have been gathered in a single life; it in the testfire was the Splat Dualies.
activates an ink-based Tenta-Missile They’re a rapid-fire two gun solution, that Instead, I simply played happily through
(rocket launcher with lock-on) launch will have you coating enemies or surfaces all of the six testfire hours; getting better
with this load-out. with quickness and the possibility for for the most part, but fumbling as one
distance. That said, it’s one of the does when places up against unseen
Weapon number two is the Splat Roller, weapons you need to hit the enemy challenges and new worlds. I made some
and it’s kind of unique in that it offers multiple times with to take them out; so incredible kills, took lots of land under my
very little in the way of distance attacks it’s not ideal either. The secondary attack colour, scored nearly 2000 points a few
in its main usage. The Splat Roller is good here is a suction bomb, which sticks and times, and even had a round where I only
for efficiently and thoroughly covering a goes off with a timer for an insta-splat in died once (a personal best). I basked in
large swath of ground with ink. It lays out range. Finally, the special is the inkjet the glory that was Splatoon 2 – and
a blocky pattern of in ink front of you, and jetpack – which launched you into the air though it was neither the full thing, nor
lasts a fair amount of time between for floating attacks from above. While it quite what I was expecting it to play out
charges – but its secret weapon is that leaves you open with nowhere to hide, it like, it was absolutely an experience that
it’s an insta-kill on any squid kid you also allows you to insta-kill anyone you has won over some attention from my
happen to touch directly. Aside from its hit from the air, and it flings you back to wallet.
main usage, it also allows you to fling a its activation point once it runs out.
narrow stream of paint when in the air; a Take my money Nintendo, the withdrawal
move that seems quite deadly in its own Aside from the Splat Charger, I found all is already kicking in…
rights. The secondary option here is a
curling bomb, and it bounces about like a
timed (and one-hit-lethal) grenade when
you let it go. Finally, the special attack
isn’t quite like the others, as it has the
player jump up into the air for a
Splashdown – which is a fancy word for a
ground-pound-like splat that acts as an
insta-kill over the immediate area.

The third equip on the roster is the Splat

Charger, and by far it’s the hardest to use.
In the form of a sniper-rifle, this weapon
is deadly to anyone caught in your path
– but it’s also not that easy to accomplish
in practice. I’m sure a team-based event
where players can coordinate would
change that drastically, but as a
“disconnected” part of a team you need
to be crazy good to pull it off. I was killed

Switch Player 17
 PREVIEW LEGO Worlds

Do you love LEGO? Do you think a LEGO-styled

version of Minecraft would be incredible? If
you answered yes to one - or both - of those
questions, then you should definitely keep
your eye out for LEGO Worlds. It will unleash
upon your hybrid console the ability to create
almost anything you can imagine in an open
world representation filled with virtual Danish
plastic bricks. With LEGO Worlds and the Switch,
anything is possible - even taking the game on
the go!

LEGO Worlds has recently released on the

PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and although
it's confirmed for a Nintendo Switch release,
development only
started early this year.
We could be waiting for
this one a while, but rest
assured; it's coming.

PUBLISHER DEVELOPER
Warner Bros TT Games

NA: TBC
AT A GLANCE EU: TBC

18 Switch Player
PREVIEW Shakedown Hawaii

If you played Retro City Rampage - Brian Provinciano's

homage to the 8-Bit era of games and movies, then you'll
definitely want to look at Shakedown Hawaii; his 16-
Bit follow-up. Launched FIRST on the Switch as a timed
exclusive, our blurb says " Shakedown Hawaii parodies big
business and the white collar crimes that go alongside.
Build your empire, monopolize the markets and collaterally
re-zone the island's destructible
sandbox."

Are you excited for this one? We are

too!
PUBLISHER DEVELOPER
Vblank Vblank
Entertainment Entertainment
NA: April
AT A GLANCE EU: April

Switch Player 19
 PREVIEW Yooka-Laylee

It was teased a little earlier this year, but now it's confirmed; the
spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie is headed to the Nintendo
Switch! This game is a 3D platformer where you control two
characters - a chameleon named Yooka and a bat called Laylee - as
they embark on their quest from Shipwreck Creek to the halls of
Hivory Towers. Only these two can work together to beat the devious
Captain B and his dastardly plan to absorb the world's books for
profit, and you're the puppet-master that'll get them there.

Are you ready to take a ride down Nintendo 64

lane? Yooka-Laylee is headed our way "as soon
as possible" according to the developers, so
keep an eye out!

PUBLISHER DEVELOPER
Team 17 Playtonic Games

NA: TBC
AT A GLANCE EU: TBC

20 Switch Player
 Ultra Street Fighter II:
PREVIEW The Final Challengers

If you are a fan of fighting games and grew up

in the 1990's, there's a good chance you played a
version of Street Fighter II - or have at least heard
of it. One of the more surprising announcements
for the Nintendo Switch is yet another new
version of Capcom's classic fighter, which is set
to add exclusive gameplay content alongside
the new characters "Evil Ryu" and "Violent Ken."
Combining classic visuals and the newer art, Ultra
Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers could just
be the most definitive version of Street Fighter II,
and the best part of all is
that it's headed our way.

Who wants to fight?

PUBLISHER DEVELOPER
Capcom Capcom

NA: 26th May

AT A GLANCE EU: 26th May

Switch Player 21
 FROZENBYTE ARE A FINNISH GAME DEVELOPER, PROBABLY
BEST KNOWN FOR THEIR WORK ON THE TRINE SERIES
OF ACTION/PUZZLE PLATFORMERS. THEIR CURRENT
Frozenbyte
frozenbyte.com PROJECT IS HAS-BEEN HEROES FOR THE NINTENDO
@Frozenbyte SWITCH, SO WE HAD A CHAT WITH THEM ABOUT IT!

Hello Frozenbyte! Can you tell us a little beens, retired and worn out and with for pause that you can use at any point,
bit about your studio and how you got only two members the original group left to give yourself time to think about
into developing games? – the warrior, Crux, and the monk-mage your next move and cast spells more
That’s quite a long story but it all started Metacles. They’re joined by a young rogue efficiently.
out with two high-schoolers who wanted by the name of Tam on the daring quest!
to make games many years ago. Our Will there be any differences between the
CEO Lauri and Senior Programmer Juha Players control three characters during Switch version and the other formats?
founded the company back in 2001. They the journey, and must use a combination Gameplay/content-wise the game is
started making games basically at home, of melee attacks and powerful spells in identical on all platforms, and if you put
then moved the company into a garage order to defeat the incoming onslaught any of the console’s controllers in your
and so on… eventually releasing our first of enemies in their path. The game has hands it plays pretty much exactly the
game Shadowgrounds back in 2005. a huge pool of 300 spells and 200 items same, but the buttons are just named
Since then we’ve made a number of other that are all randomized on each run, differently.
games, with the Trine series being the along with the enemies and regions. It
most well-known of the bunch. has permadeath, so you’ll die a lot, but On Switch we have the HD Rumble
beating the boss fights will allow you to for spells, and you have the ability to
You are currently working on Has-Been progress on a bigger scale. continue the game on the go in portable
Heroes. Can you tell us a little bit about / tabletop mode due to the hybrid nature
what it is? The game is a mixture of real time and of the console - which is pretty cool!
Has-Been Heroes is a roguelike game turn-based strategy. How does that
of strategy and action, where a band of work? What made you want to develop the
heroes are on a quest to take the King’s It runs real time, but automatically game for the Switch? How have you
twin princesses to a faraway academy. pauses after each melee attack you make found developing for the Switch?
The heroes used to be legendary in order to allow for lane swaps between It was something we thought about even
champions but are now a bunch of has- characters. There is also a toggle button when the only thing we knew about the

22 Switch Player
platform was the codename NX. Once abilities, where to swap your heroes next Are there any games coming out for the
it was revealed, we thought Has-Been etc. Switch that you are interested in or you
Heroes would be a great fit for the Switch. think look amazing?
Players control three heroes on three Zelda is looking like a must-buy! I
Development has gone well, the Switch lanes, and use melee attacks and spells haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but I’m
has been a pleasure to work with, and to destroy the incoming enemies. You pretty sold based on what I’ve seen.
we’re very impressed with how well- need to keep in mind the cooldowns of
thought out everything has been from a the different abilities, how many hits, What's next for Frozenbyte?
developer perspective. and how much damage the heroes make Has-Been Heroes and Nine Parchments
compared to enemy stamina and health, are coming out this year, and we’re also
What games would you say have inspired as well as what spells to use and in which working on some other projects that we’ll
development of Has-Been Heroes? order, and which enemies to prioritize. reveal more about at a later time.
A lot of roguelike games like FTL, Binding
of Isaac, and those types of titles have Spells, for example, have very cool effects Finally, if you have to choose just one,
been an initial inspiration, although the when combined together, e.g. water what is the Switch to you? A handheld
gameplay in Has-Been Heroes is quite spells with wind creates ice, fire with that you can plug in or a console you can
different. lightning makes an explosion and so on. take out?
There are 300 different spells in the game, If I had to choose just one, that’s pretty
We mainly wanted to create something and the ones you get are random on each tough but I think I’m mostly going to play
challenging that you could sink a lot of run, so you need to adapt your strategy it in handheld mode.
time into, but still be able to play in short every time you play!
bursts.
When you first start out with Has-Been We would like to thank Frozenbyte
What gameplay will gamers encounter Heroes, the controls will take a few - and in particular Kai - for their
when playing Has Been Heroes? minutes to get used to, but once you’ve time with this interview. Has-Been
There’s definitely a lot of strategy got those figured out the game starts Heroes is out now and we will have
involved, thinking about your next moves, flowing faster and faster and you’ll be a review for you in the next issue!
what enemies to target and with what thinking several moves ahead.

Switch Player 23
 WONDER BOY: THE DRAGON'S TRAP IS A REMAKE OF THE
1989 CLASSIC TITLE, AND IS COMING TO THE NINTENDO
SWITCH SOON. WE CAUGHT UP WITH LIZARDCUBE'S
Lizardcube
lizardcube.com FOUNDERS - OMAR CORNUT AND BEN FIQUET - TO
@lizardcube FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT.

Hello Lizardcube! Can you tell us a little You are currently working on Wonder The game is a complete remake of
bit about your studio and how you got Boy: The Dragon's Trap. Can you tell us a Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap which
into developing games? little bit about what it is? was originally published by SEGA for the
Omar: Hello, and thanks for having Omar: The Dragon’s Trap is part of the Master System. How did you get around
us! Lizardcube was formally founded classic Wonder Boy/Monster World to this version?
at the end of 2015 by Ben Fiquet and series which was popular on the Master Omar: Well the reason we are doing it is
I. We are based in Paris. We actually System and Mega Drive/Genesis. This because we love that game! Love is hard
started working on the game earlier than episode originally released in 1989, and to explain, but we think the game is still
that, but starting the company was us it is mostly an action/exploration game fun and relevant. It is such a classic for
transitioning to working on it full-time. but combines various types of gameplay. retro Sega players and we are happy to
It is among the earliest “Metroidvania” bring it to a larger audience!
I’ve personally been working in games type of game. It was particularly popular
since early 2000. I’ve worked on games with players at the time, and is also a Ben: It is a brilliant game, considered by
such as Evil Twin (Dreamcast) for the game that is still resonating for many. many as one of the best master system
earliest, Soul Bubbles (NDS) along with You start the game as Wonder Boy in games. But mainly, we loved it so much
Ben, Pixeljunk Shooter (PS3), Tearaway his regular Hu-Man form, but quickly get as children that we wanted to share with
(PS Vita), etc. cursed and turned into a half-human as much people as we could.
half-lizard character. The game revolves
Ben: Hi, I’m Ben working as the art around you chasing exotic dragons and Will there be any differences between
director of Lizardcube. Omar being a getting turned into new animal forms. the Master System version and this new
super multi-talented programmer is Each form has different abilities and version?
officiating as the tech director. We both allows you to explore the game world. Omar: We are aiming at making an
come from very different backgrounds, accurate remake so the game will be
but manage to blend together for a long Ben: Also, art wise, I wanted to have structured and mostly be the same
loved project which is Wonder Boy. something who feels traditional and as the Master System version. We are
lively. This is why the game is fully however adding various new secrets
I have been working in Art and Animation hand drawn animated and filled with a (which I can’t reveal!) and a Hard mode.
for more than a decade, sometimes painterly look.
working on video games ( Soul Bubbles)
but mainly comics and animation.

24 Switch Player
What made you want to develop the What gameplay will gamers encounter So that’s pretty soon. We are working on
game for the Switch? How have you when playing Wonder Boy: The Dragon's narrowing down the release data right
found developing for the Switch? Trap? now.
Omar: We think it is a perfect fit for Omar: The game combines action,
the Switch because this is the sort of platforming and exploration. It also Finally, if you have to choose just one,
game that Nintendo players love most. sometimes feels a little RPG-ish. what is the Switch to you? A handheld
Developing for the platform has been that you can plug in or a console you can
very smooth and pleasant! Ben: And you can fight big Dragons !!! take out?
Omar: Hard question! It is really a
FDG Entertainment are publishing Are there any games coming out for the continuum. If I really had to choose, I
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, Switch that you are interested in, or you would say it is a handheld that I can plug
which will also be coming to the Switch. think look amazing? in. For me being a handheld is a superb
It's touted as a "spiritual successor" to Omar: My personal favourite from the thing.
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap. Are line-up is Snipperclips! I’m also eagerly
you familiar with the game and what are waiting for Mario Odyssey. Ben: A console I can play in my bed or
your thoughts on it? at work, few sessions at a time. This is
Omar: We are of course familiar with the Ben: I’m waiting for Zelda and Mario, exactly what I needed.
game, in fact the team at Game Atelier but everybody who is buying a Nintendo
and us know each others, and we are console is waiting for those. I think there
both in Paris! It’s really cool that two will be a good chunk of indie games that
different games evolving around the might really be good to play on Switch. We would like to thank both
classic licence are coming almost at the I’m probably gonna buy The Binding of Omar and Ben for their time with
same time. As their game is sort of an Isaac again. this interview, and also Jessica
homage to The Dragon’s Trap, we are fro DotEmu for arranging it!
super eager to play it ourselves! When can we expect to see Wonder Boy: Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
The Dragon's Trap on the Switch? Any will be out on April 18th. Are you
plans for a retail release? looking forward to playing it?
Omar: The game will be out this Spring.

Switch Player 25
 The Legend of Zelda: Written by
REVIEW Breath of the Wild
Kyle Wakeling
@teflontactics

I have never been a Zelda fan. Before Breath

of the Wild, I’ve never owned a copy of the
game on any platform (nor have I ever beaten
any significant portion of it). I have played
some of the older ones in passing, but I’m
talking pre-Gamecube era stuff as it’s been
that long since I’ve owned a Nintendo
console. What I’m trying to say is that I’ve
never really spent much time with Link or
the princess, and as such
I’m coming at the series
like a newbie – with
no fan roots or
nostalgia to
draw on.

26 Switch Player
I tell you that now however, because I So without giving away anything past Speaking of areas, the land you’re free to
want you to know why you should trust the premise, there lies your long term explore is a large and complex place. You’ll
me when I say that this is very easily one mission; fight Calamity Gannon, save find grassy fields, swampy marshes, sand-
of the best games I’ve ever played. The Zelda, and restore the land to its final swept deserts, snow-covered mountains,
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a glory. This mission – like most of the and lava-filled pools on your travels – all
masterpiece, and if for some reason you game – is yours to take on as you will, of these places holding their own unique
need a primer before picking it up I’m and you can rush there with four hearts variations of enemies, habits, tactics, and
here to lay it all out for you. This is one and a tree branch if you like. That said, collectibles. You’ll inevitably stumble across
game you don’t want to miss, and it all I doubt that’ll get you far without some everything from lone enemies riding around
starts with an amnesia-ridden champion champion-tier skills (or a miracle), but you on horseback, to giant area-roaming
that has been sleeping for a very long have the option should you so choose! enemies, or even parties of monsters
time. sleeping around a fire. There are towns,
Instead, I recommend exploration ruins, towers, shrines, mazes, unique
As the game starts, our hero Link – which should quickly yield some features, and stables all over – and it’s your
awakens in a special location somewhere health-bestowing consumables, a job to find and explore them all. Learning
in Hyrule. Then – only moments after (weak) weapon, a conversation with a through exploration is going to be the
the game opens – you’re given control non-player character, and a nice fire to only way you’ll be able to prepare for what
and allowed to roam free. It’s here in this sit beside and pass the time. Abilities comes next, and man is there a lot to see.
simple “have at it” moment that your like cooking, paragliding, riding animals,
adventure begins, and it’s right here in and more will become apparent with a Aside from the geographical bits, the bits
the first few moments of running around little (okay – sometimes a lot) of messing that are more looks than function, and the
that you start to realize just how vast (in around, but the beauty of it all is that the self explanatory bits, are the towns, towers,
every sense of the word) this open world game opens up as your own ingenuity shrines, and stables. These are the most
is. and perseverance do. prominent features on the map, and they’re
also some of the most important places in
Simply by looking around with your Soon, you’ll even realize that things in the the game.
spyglass (a quick click of the left world can have effects beyond what you
stick) you’ll begin to notice that the expect at a glance. You can light arrows The towns are often home to shops.
sprawling land of Hyrule is not a or wooden weapons ablaze on a nearby These non-player character owned
free and prosperous place. Instead, fire for free burn damage, you can attract establishments usually include an armory,
it’s undergoing an all-out attack of two enemies with different motivations a general store, and an inn – but may
gargantuan proportions as our ultimate and have them fight it out to the death, also include a dye shop, a jeweler, a or
enemy has infected the world with his or you can even use the time-stop rune various stands depending on the location.
sinister power. For over a hundred years to make freezing effects last longer. The Additionally, towns often include statues
this enemy has controlled the powerful world of Breath of the Wild is bound by that you can pray to for additional hearts or
Divine Beasts which roam the land, and a lot of the same rules you might expect stamina, cooking stations (a cauldron over a
he regularly summons a blood moon to from real world physics, so it’s best to fire-pit) where you can combine ingredients
re-populate it with monsters. Haunting think like an action movie choreographer into new items with new effects, and even
Hyrule Castle, the bad-ass Calamity and use what you’ve got. Likewise, it’s some characters with missions for you to
Gannon has nearly taken over; the only good to keep an eye out for possibilities take on. Towns are where it’s happening a
thing stopping him is the princess for whenever you enter a new area. lot of the time, so keep an eye out for them.
which the game is named.

Switch Player 27
 There are brand new amiibo
figures which have some
great BOTW unlocks. We got
the team at amiibo Alerts to
tell us little bit about them! LINK ARCHER LINK RIDER
Spawns a chest which can contain Spawns a chest which could have
a special bow, as well as food a unique saddle, as well as food
to help you on your journey! for recipes/recovery. You could
also get a unique weapon!

As for towers, they’re sort of like scouting items to pad your inventory. Stables are There are sections for melee weapons,
locations. Climbing them (which is often a good place to stop when you’re far from bows and arrows, shields, armor (clothes),
much easier said than done) will allow anything else, and though they aren’t materials (including raw food and other
you to sync up and receive a piece of the fast-travel enabled they will look after non-weapons), food (including cooked
map – but only the topography. Towns, any animals you happen to leave there items and elixirs), and finally key items.
shrines, and other landmarks will not be (hint, hint). Those first three categories have the
noted on the map until visited, so be sure option of equipping or dropping their
to head for them if you scout them from With all these locations to visit, it items, while the fourth is equip only
up high. Oh, and did I mention they’re fast might seem like the game could be a (armor). Key items have unique options,
travel enabled? They are! ;D bit overwhelming – and it can be. That while food of any sort can be eaten, and
said, the developers have provided you non-food materials can be held – which is
Moving on to shrines, it’s good to see a very good way of keeping track of your useful for dropping the items, or cooking.
them sort of like trials – and their missions and duties via an adventure
completion can earn you spirit orbs. log. This adventure log is actually a menu Mentioned previously (in passing),
Four of these orbs will allow you to which provides a list of all the missions cooking is an action that allows you to
pray to one of those statues (found in you’ve been given (completed or not turn materials into more useful forms
the towns) for either an extra heart or ), along with a list of your recovered by using either a lit cauldron or an open
extra stamina, so completing shrines is memories. It’s split into main (story), fire (for non-combination items). Lit
a good way to gather your strength for shrine, and side quests – with memories cauldrons will give you the option to
the ultimate goal. As for the way shrines all bunched into a fourth column. Here “cook” and will allow you to combine up
are presented, there are a few; with the you’ll be able to recall information about to five held items into a dish or elixir,
ones I’ve been able to differentiate being given quests you’ve yet to complete, while an open flame will simply cook
trials of mental ability (puzzles), trials of and check on past exploits to make sure individual (raw) foods to bring out their
fighting skill (versus a guardian), or simply they’re done (or remembered in the case inherent properties. Cooking food
as reward centres for completing a rather of memories). It’s sort of like a to do list, can bring out its healing, stamina-
daunting task or venture on the map. The but it also lists things that have already generating, or element-protecting
best thing about finding a shrine isn’t the come to pass. properties – so cook often and
immediate pay-off however, as unless wisely in order to enhance the
you’re hitting four orbs the real pay-off is Also very important is the pickup properties of your items.
that you now have another location for inventory. This grid-based list of It’s worth noting that
fast travel. everything you have on your person will you can only add one
include anything you’ve picked up
Finally, there’s the stables – which are in the game, be it clothing or the
sort of like a micro-town if we’re talking multi-tool like Sheikah Slate.
about function. While you won’t find any
statues or armories at the stables, you Darin Harr
will find a rather friendly fellow with a big @realdern
backpack full of stuff he’s willing to sell.
You’ll also find a place to lay your head,
a place to cook, usually a mission The Legend of Zelda: Breath of
or two (via the non-player Zelda Informer the Wild has been a wild ride
characters), and zeldainformer.com since March 3rd. At the time of
some @ZeldaInformer this writing, I've long since "beat"
the game, but I am overwhelmed
by the amount of content Breath of

Specialist
the Wild still has to offer. I mean this
in the best way possible. I was slightly
saddened when I had beaten the game,

View as usually this means the experience is

over. This simply isn't true for what is
most likely my game of the year for 2017.

28 Switch Player
 You should also check
out various other amiibo
figures, especially the 30th
Anniversary Zelda ones, Wolf
Link and the Zelda-themed
Smash Bros. ones to see
what else you can get!

ZELDA BOKOBLIN GUARDIAM

This chest could contain Generates a chest which Spawns a chest which contains
the Hylian Shield (AKA contains Bokoblin-based ancient weapons and items.
best shield in the game) as weapons, as well as more There's also the chance you'll
well as recovery items! nourishment items! get Ancient Arrows!

status effect to any cooked dish (and Ah yes, the weather. In Breath of the venture in Breath of the Wild; it’s just
Link himself) however, so don’t waste Wild, the cold or hot – when not prepared that packed with possibilities.
ingredients trying to make the ultimate – will nip at your health, and carrying
food as it simply doesn’t exist. around metal objects in thunderstorms As for the controls, they’re fairly
(or wooden objects in the extreme straightforward in use. Your top right
The only other abilities and limitations heat) can be dangerous. You must stay trigger (R) is the button you’ll use for
of note have to do with how you get vigilant as you explore, and exploration throwing things – including weapons and
around the world. Stamina will rule your is basically the entire basis for the game bombs, while your bottom right trigger
consecutive exertions (like swinging a so that’s a 24/7 sort of gig. That said, (ZR) is utilized in shooting an arrow with
weapon, running, or climbing), while your this isn’t the kind of game you’ll feel is your bow. As for the top left trigger (L),
hearts and your armor will rule your being unfair – and you’ll soon be either it’s there to activate your chosen Sheikah
ability to exist without status effects in upgraded or trained into staying alive. Slate rune. The bottom left trigger (ZL)
the various environments. As previously The sheer adventure of it all is enough however, is your lock-on. Both right
noted, stamina and hearts are upgraded to guarantee that small advancement trigger actions are hold-enabled for
through the completion of shrines – towards the end, in one way or another. increased effectiveness, while the left
with four shrines equal to one of those trigger actions are simply click to activate.
items upgraded by one step. Stamina Speaking of adventure, this isn’t your
upgrades at five or so chunks to a “full typical open world playground, and The left controller’s face buttons (the
unit,” while hearts upgrade one you’ll often find yourself coming across awkward D-Pad) are mostly relegated to
full heart at a time (each having new bits by accident. This is one of the quick selection menus. The left button
two halves). Keeping an eye on, biggest charms of the way the systems lets you choose a shield, while the right
upgrading, and understanding how and environments have been meshed deals with swords. As for the up button,
much leeway these two variables together, and even at eighty or more it lets you choose between your (up to)
offer if up to you and where you’re hours in – as I was when I finished the six runes – while the down button simply
at in the game; but these (along main goal – there are always new things makes Link whistle. The right controller’s
with the weather and your around every corner. Abilities, small face buttons are your action buttons
armor) are things you must tricks, little things, and even one-off however, and you’ll use them to jump,
always worry about. surprises lay littered throughout every swing your weapon, sprint, and act – that
last one only available when prompted.

There is little to no hand- are warranted, because - as with any it shouldn't impact your gameplay much
holding, a common complaint open world adventure - it can be hard at all. While undocked, Breath of the
regarding the last canon to fill it with content amusing enough Wild tends to perform even better on the
console Zelda game, Skyward to keep exploration fun. Put away these handheld unit, with pixel density showing
Sword. The story, which can be concerns. The climbing and paragliding off the stunning views on the 720p
explored in any order you wish mechanics have been so brilliantly screen. I played about half of the main
(I won't go into detail about that executed that exploration is indeed a quest this way.
because of spoilers), is my favourite great activity to keep yourself occupied
Zelda story of all time. Veterans of with, and because of the game's 120 I can confidently say that in my opinion,
the series won't be disappointed in Shrines, you'll be hard pressed not to run Breath of the Wild is the best Zelda
the game's main "dungeons," and into any along the way. title to date. It is definitely my favorite
the mini-dungeon-like Shrines are game of all time, dethroning Astro Boy:
very enjoyable to conquer. Bosses at Visually, I very much enjoy Breath of the Omega Factor for Game Boy Advance,
the end of dungeons and around the Wild. On the Nintendo Switch, the game and Team Fortress 2 for PC. Combining
over world are unique and threatening, runs at 900p with 30FPS while docked, the story, visuals, gameplay, and more,
although a tad simplistic at times. however there are frame rate drops Breath of the Wild comes about as close
here and there. The scenery is "breath"- to perfection as any game can be. If I
Concerns regarding how much content taking, and I did not mind the fact this had to come up with a number, I would
is in Breath of the Wild's gigantic world game misses the standard 1080p mark; cautiously give this game a 10/10.
 Finally, the left analog stick allows you were mostly only noticed when reviewing the same situation, the MacGuyver
to move and (when clicked) crouch, while raw footage from my captures. If colour in you is allowed to shine like never
the right stick controls the camera and banding and a hint of the “jaggies” was before.
(when clicked) your spyglass. The only all I had to worry about this review would
other buttons are the minus and plus slide even closer to a perfect score, but These developer choices and
symbols, which are relegated to proper alas – it’s not the case. systems work together to deliver a
menus. Minus brings up the full rune game that is as easy or as hard as
inventory, map, photo album, and Hyrule Speaking of perfection, the audio cues, you like, as short or as long as you
compendium menus – while plus offers sound effects, and ambient noises are like (within reason), and so filled with
the adventure log (quests), full pickup spot on – and the only thing I can call possibilities that you’ll still be finding
inventory, and system (save/load/ upon as “not entirely as I’d like” is the lack cool new things dozens of hours in –
options/etc) menus. of voice-overs for non-player characters all in the same single mode and single
and the somewhat weak voice-overs difficulty option. As I said before;
Learn these buttons, and learn them well otherwise. The grunting and odd noises I am not a Zelda fan, but I am a
– as a quick thumb or finger on the right the NPCs make instead of talking would fan of games… and with the
one could very well keep our little hero have better been left out in my opinion, way all these little things
alive for a bit more action. Dying may only though they’re hardly an issue as much come together, this is an
bring upon a re-load of the last save, but as me nitpicking. I’d say the same goes absolutely amazing one.
staying alive is always the best way to for much of the voice-over.
reach whatever goal your after. Be quick,
or repeat yourself; it’s your choice. As for the music, it’s superb – and though

As we move on past my painting of this

I’m no Zelda follower I noticed at least
a few familiar tunes (modified as they
VERDICT
grand picture for you however, I must may be). The Zelda theme is used quite While other open world games offer a
note that while the game is certainly perfectly to create a sense of emotion, path you may stray from only slightly,
beautiful in composition, concept, and and when it started playing I actually The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the
execution, it’s also not without its issues. smiled to myself. I may not be well versed Wild offers a path that is as wide and
The biggest of those issues happens to in the history of the games, but there far-reaching as the eye can see. In
be related to the frame rate in certain are some things that simply transcend this way, it stands apart from almost
areas or conditions, as it drops well below the games they come from – and that’s the entirety of its genre - and it does
thirty frames per second under many a big one. The rest of the tracks used are so in a way that makes it more than
different circumstances. In addition, almost just as fitting, though I can’t say just a game. Breath of the Wild is
there seems to be an issue whereby the anything for how original they were. simply more akin to the breath of life;
frame will lock in place for a moment and after which you can live in their world
interrupt the action, though it’s thankfully Moving past the parts, a look at the sum however you like.
less common than the slow-downs. of them reveals a very well put together
game. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Breathe in, and let your heart(s) guide
Aside from that, there is also some colour Wild offers an experience that puts you in you where they may... I know I did.
banding (especially in the sky), and a hint the adventurer’s seat, and lets you take it
of a jagged edge here and there – but on as – and how – you wish. You can run
these are fairly minor issues compared
to the frame rate one. They honestly
through the field and collect mushrooms
for hours, or make a bee-line for
VERDICT
aren’t that noticeable in the moment, and Calamity Gannon right after you get your
paraglider; whatever the way you want to
approach Breath of the Wild it’s open for
you to do so. Additionally, due to the way
everything in the game works much as
the real world might if presented with 4.8
PUBLISHER DEVELOPER EXCELLE
NINTENDO NINTENDO NT
NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING
EU: 3rd March £59,99 | €59,99
AT A GLANCE 13.6 GB

30 Switch Player
 Yet, the game is magical. It looks absolutely stunning -
especially (and perhaps, surprisingly) on that 720p screen -
and will completely immerse you in everything that is going
on. I've been trying to cover this launch with the Switch
Player team and it's been impacted by how incredible this
game is, and how much of a time sink it is.
Paul Murphy
@PMurphy1978 It doesn't hold your hand like other games in a similar vein
may, and you are left to your own devices to explore and find
your way. It's actually quite refreshing and a very bold - and
It has been almost two decades since I was last truly brave - choice for Nintendo, who are not normally known for
"wowed" by the Legend of Zelda franchise. Sure, there taking extreme risks with their flagship franchises.
have been many great titles in the series, and I certainly
enjoyed my time with Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, Having to worry about my clothing (or weather protection)
Minish Cap, and many others, but that last time that I is a novel concept, and learning the hard way that having
was truly mesmerised by a title in the series was Ocarina a metal shield and sword in the middle of a thunder storm
of Time. while atop a mountain is bad are experiences that I've never
encountered before in a game. Picking and choosing which
As with many titles on the Nintendo 64, that step into fights to get involved in (or not) and trying to come up with
three dimensions was incredible, and the first time you ingenious ways to solve problems, or even just climbing
ventured into Hyrule Field, encountering Ganondorf, trees/mountains to get a good look at your surroundings;
becoming the Hero of Time, riding Epona; there are so it's all breath-taking.
many moments that we could be here all day. The funny
thing is, Ocarina of Time isn't even my favourite: it's Breath of the Wild has been a long time coming; both in
actually Link's Awakening. terms of development, and as a statement for a series
which - in my opinion - desperately needed something new.
It seems that Breath of the Wild has been evoking similar A lot of what is actually in the game isn't new of course, but
feelings among many gamers, and has been receiving the way it is all presented, and the way it comes together
incredible review scores and plaudits, but there's actually just feels right. For the first time, it feels like you are actually
a fair few things I don't like about it. The combat is clunky in a living, breathing world in this universe... and it's an
and hasn't really evolved at all since the N64 era. absolute joy to play within it.

The weapon degradation - whilst a welcome addition So, it's with heavy heart that I have to let my nostalgic
to the series - is far too aggressive and puts you under feelings for Link's Awakening pass, for not only has Breath
pressure immediately. The story is rather weak and of the Wild surpassed it as my favourite Zelda game, it could
despite there being more than 100 shrines around you, just be the best game I've ever played on a Nintendo system.
all filled with devious puzzles the game has a lack of
traditional style dungeons that the series in renowned Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a couple of
for. On top of that, the game is so big that there's a motion-controlled shrines to beat which
tremendous amount of distance to traverse. have been doing my head in.

Switch Player 31
 Written by
REVIEW 1-2-Switch Paul Murphy
@PMurphy1978

There was a brief moment during Nintendo’s January

Switch presentation where, in my sleep deprived
stupor, I thought that the Western styled video that
was playing in front of me was actually Red Dead
Redemption 2. As I exclaimed my surprise to Kyle, any
excitement was quickly quelled when not only was it
revealed to NOT be Red Dead Redemption 2 (of course
it wasn’t), but it was instead confirmation of what we
had all suspected all along; here was the gimmicky stuff
that the Switch had, in the form of 1-2-Switch.

1-2-Switch is a series of 28 different mini-games all

themed around showing you just how awesome these
expensive little controllers are. The game mistaken for
a cheesy Red Dead teaser was actually the mini-game
Quick Draw, which sees two competitors in a standoff –
waiting for the command to shoot with a single Joy-Con
as your “pistol.” It’s essentially a tech demo, albeit one
that Nintendo actually want you to pay more than £35
for here.

That said, I’d like to get the elephant in the room out of
the way; I’ve actually had a lot of fun with 1-2-Switch
over the last few days. Between myself, my better half,
and my children, I can tell you that we had a great blast
with copious amounts of giggling and laughter thrown
in for good measure. My first thought as we got into
it was about how this game truly demonstrates how
excellent (and accurate) the Joy-Con controllers are…
but let’s back up a bit.

1-2-Switch is a party game where two players to face

off against each other, and it includes quite a wide
range of different mini-games to choose from. Some
are interesting and very good, like Ball Counting –
where you need to work out how many “balls” are in a
box. Others, like the very amusing Gorilla, require you
to actually beat your chest like an over-sized great
ape. Then there’s the downright ridiculous, like Milk.
All of them play in a similar manner, with the Joy-Con
removed and in your hands, generally with one each for
you and another player.

Following the on screen prompts, you’ll need to use the

features within the little controllers in a very specific
way; whether it’s drawing a revolver, rotating a safe
combination, slicing with a samurai sword (or clasping
said sword), answering a telephone, or even milking a
cow’s udders. There are plenty of options here to get
you and a friend competing.

32 Switch Player
As for how to play together, there are a to catch you out. My son enjoyed Wizard Looking back, 1-2-Switch is rather
few basic modes to play the games in. the most, which seems more than a little addictive and is probably best described
There’s the ability to pick games as you inspired by a certain boy-wizard series, as a cross between Wii Sports and a real
choose, play games randomly via shuffle, and has two foes facing each other in a life incarnation of Wario Ware or Mario
or participate in a Team Battle. Team wizarding duel. My youngest daughter Party (if you can imagine such a thing).
Battle allows for up to 20 players to get loved Milk, a curious simulation where The biggest issues that the game has
involved, but you are still limited to only you use the SR and LR buttons on the include the lack of any real long-term
two at a time as you progress through Joy-Con to replicate squeezing a cow’s playability, the fact that some of the
a game board or randomly assigned udder – allowing the milk to flow out in games are pretty similar (or downright
games. Spinning a dial will determine not a competition to see who can collect the boring), and – more importantly perhaps
only the game you’ll play, but also move most. – the fact that you had to pay for it.
towards the goal – and it’s certainly a fun
way for larger groups to play together. All of the games beautifully show off Also, if any game screams out “tech
The games will all track your fastest the wide-ranging abilities within the demo” and “should have been a pack-in”
times, but unfortunately it seems that Joy-Con. Whether it is motion controls it’s this. Sure, you’ll impress your friends
they don’t keep a running tally of battles. associated with the Wii, the fabulous HD somewhat, and that intrigue might
Rumble – which is sensitive enough to translate into another Switch sale… but
Initially, there are only a few games simulate objects within the controller or then it’s effectively just a marketing ploy
available; the game slowly easing you sense subtle vibrations when needed, or that you paid for.
into the mechanics of it all. Before long even using the infrared camera to detect
however, all 28 will be unlocked for you to your mouth moving in the bizarre Eating The bottom line; if you buy 1-2-Switch
get stuck into. There’s a lot of variety in Contest. Nintendo boasted in January you’ll definitely have a laugh with your
the games, with simulating a telephone that these controllers are sensitive friends and family, but once the novelty
ringing, baseball, dancing, sword-fighting, enough to relay the number of ice cubes wears off it doesn’t have much else to
air guitar, and even cradling a baby to simulated inside if shaken, and it was no offer.
choose from – the latter being the only exaggeration.
title that utilizes handheld mode at all.
The vast majority will require you to play After playing all the games in turn, I got
with an opponent in tabletop or docked to thinking about how I could actually
mode, with each of you taking a single
Joy-Con and following the on-screen
convey the madness unfolding around
me into words. Normally I’d assess
VERDICT
prompts to repeat the required actions. everything that’s happening around me, 1-2-Switch is guaranteed to generate
It’s all very accessible and easy to follow, but this is more of a series of experiences more than a few laughs in social
with my children (aged 7-12) and my than actually a “game” as such. Visually, situations, even if some of the games
non-gaming wife able to pick them up 1-2-Switch isn’t much to shout home will only be played once or twice.
with ease. about because the presentation is It's definitely THE title to show off
more functional than anything else, and the Switch's features, if you wanted
After spending most of the last week everything is geared towards the actual to show them off. It lacks any real
with the game, it’s clear that people are activity more than any audio or visual long term sustenance, though, and
gravitating towards different games. My aesthetics. In fact, most of the time you definitely should have been a pack in.
favourites were either Quick Draw, or are actually encouraged to forego looking
Fake Draw which plays the same but with at the screen; instead facing off against
other words being used instead of “Fire!” your competitor. It works, but when doing
something like milking a virtual cow it
also makes for some very awkward and
uncomfortable eye contact!

3.5
PUBLISHER
NINTENDO
DEVELOPER
NINTENDO
GOOD

NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING

EU: 3rd March £39,99 | €49,99
AT A GLANCE 1.3 GB

Switch Player 33
 Written by
REVIEW Super Bomberman R Paul Murphy
@PMurphy1978

The Bomberman series has been around almost

as long as I've been alive; and as my kids often
like to remind me, that's a long time. Back in
the day I knew it as "Dynablaster," and had any
great experiences with my friends playing this
party title - where you set down bombs around
a maze-styled arena attempting to explosively
eradicate your foes. My Bomberman adventure
began initially on the Commodore Amiga, before
having more fun later on the Super Nintendo -
where I considered Super Bomberman 3 to be
the finest in the series. Despite the fun I've had
with Super Bomberman R, it still is. That's not
to say this one isn't worth a look, though. Far
from it. Super Bomberman R, like most of the
core Bomberman titles, is very much a game
of two halves. The first half is a story mode,
which is set across five planets and a total of
40-odd levels. Its campaign sees you aiming to
defeat the five dastardly bombers, followed by
a double-header with our devious enemy, and
then returning peace to the galaxy.

In the story mode you'll learn the basics of

Bomberman, which are essentially move
around the grid, plant a bomb, and safely

34 Switch Player
avoid the blast radius as you attempt have and reduce the time needed to to be fair isn't Konami's fault) means
to destroy enemies. Initially limited to a compete the game. The second half of I was relegated using the awkward
single bomb and explosions two blocks the game is the infamous "Battle Mode." directional face buttons to move around
wide (and high), removing the blocks in Playing with others is what Bomberman instead. There is also a momentary delay
the arena will often yield power-ups to has always been about, and the real when moving your character, which takes
enhance your abilities. Bombs and flames explosive gameplay is contained within some getting used to.
will increase your explosive capacity and this iteration of the classic mode. Here,
range, while kick and glove icons allow up to eight players can face off in the A lot has been made of the fact that this
you to move any charges away from you quest to be the best; putting all of the is the first new console Bomberman
(or tactically place them in the way of an skills learned in the campaign to good game in the best part of a decade, and
enemy). Your progress across the worlds use across a variety of mazes, each while it's a welcome return for the series
will see different challenges come into with different gimmicks and tricks. It's what isn't as welcome is the price. With a
play, with the levels featuring different probably where you'll spend the most RRP of £49.99 (although it can be found
requirements to pass. These vary from of your time should you play yourself, cheaper online) it's one of the worst
simply defeating enemies and collecting and is where the game truly shines. examples of "new console tax" I've seen.
keys - to activating switches, or escorting This is a game perfectly suited to the Despite the fun that's on offer difficult to
other Bomberpersons to the exit. With Switch in many regards, at least in local swallow; especially when other versions
each world comes different mechanics multiplayer, and along with Fast RMX it's of the game are available at a much more
too. Switches, platforms, springs, and one of the first titles to take the Switch friendly price point. If you find yourself in
ice come into play here; making your online. I can't say it's been particularly desperate need of an alternative game
progression through each world that effective - the game has some terrible to play on your Switch or fancy a party
much more difficult. input lag online (far worse than the game, then Super Bomberman R could
offline play) and finding a full match has just be for you. It's just a shame that it
Successfully completing the main levels proved difficult at times, but I'm sure that doesn't really hold a candle to previous
on a planet rewards you with a two it'll get better as the number of players iterations.
stage boss fight with a Bomber-nemesis grow.
- your foe initially using their special
bombs against you, before then piloting
a machine to take you on. Successfully
Super Bomberman R is playable across
all three forms of play on the Nintendo VERDICT
besting them sends you on to the next Switch, but it's definitely more suited to
world, so you'll have to get serious if TV or handheld play. In tabletop mode It's a welcome return for Bomberman
you want to continue on. The levels are the worlds are a little too small to see with an unwelcome price, but
presented in 3D, whilst still possessing effectively and it can get a bit cramped you will have a lot of fun with the
that top-down charm the series has with multiple people around the Switch. game - especially with others. For
always been known for. This doesn't Every mode you play will earn you credits me it isn't the best game in the
always work in its favour, as at times which can be spent in the shop, allowing series, but if you've never played it
it can be difficult to see where you are, for your characters to be customised in a before that won't matter. If you are
where you need to go, or even where variety of ways. This can certainly be fun, looking for a party style game or
your explosions may go - something but it doesn't really add to the game - and just something different, then Super
which can be quite frustrating, and lead as someone that played a version with a Bomberman R is worth a look.
to at least a few deaths. The campaign higher degree of customisation, I was a
can also be played in co-op, which can little disappointed. Something else that
greatly enhance the amount of fun you disappointed me was the control scheme;
Bomberman has always been incredibly
fluid and responsive but something feels
off here. It's not easy to play accurately
using the analog stick, and the lack of a
traditional D-Pad on the Joy-Con (which 3.5
PUBLISHER
Konami
DEVELOPER
Konami
GOOD

NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING

EU: 3rd March £39,99 | €49,99
AT A GLANCE 2.1 GB

Switch Player 35
 Written by
REVIEW Fast RMX Review Kyle Wakeling
@teflontactics

I’ve always wanted to go fast; I’m talking so fast

you’re reading your speed in Mach numbers.
With Fast RMX you can do something quite
close to that, and man does it ever look good
while it’s happening.

With speeds approaching 700 miles per hour

(the speed of sound – Mach – is ~768mph in
Earth’s lower atmosphere) without the use of
boost, this is one hell of a fast paced racing
game. It features fifteen racing pods to choose
from, thirty tracks to speed around on, two
single player modes, three multiplayer options,
and a partridge in a pear tree. This is a game
with some quality options – and being that the
single player bits also come in three difficulties,
it also gets harder the further you get.

Before we get into how everything works

however, first you’ll need to know about what
you’re racing with. The vehicles in this game
seem to be maglev (magnetic levitation)
enabled racing pods with jet engines; each pod
given ratings in acceleration, top speed, and
boost categories. At the beginning you’ve only
got a few options to choose from, but they grow
as you complete championships with a podium
finish – opening up options that will cover the
entire scale from each balance angle. There is

36 Switch Player
no ultimate pod here however, so don’t speed to crazy heights if used right; it’s splitscreen, online communication, and
think that because you’re unlocking more an important part of your arsenal, so local communication are for multiplayer
options you’ll eventually end up with a learn how to use it! play. They all offer something different in
hideously unbalanced game. This is a their makeup, so to truly understand
racer with fair options for everyone, and Lastly – with regards to how to race what the game has to offer you need to
that’s a significant part of what makes it anyways – it’s important to note that understand the difference in gameplay
good. while there are no weapons in the game, modes.
there is the ability to knock your
Next, you’ll want to know how you’re opponent into a spin using the power of Champion Mode is the standard single
racing – and that too is a bit different speed. Boosting into a slower opponent player racing mode, and has you
than what you might be familiar with. In will cause them to spin out, while dealing completing three races which each earn
Fast RMX you’ll be racing the no real effect to you as the faster party. points towards a final score. If your final
aforementioned pods at speeds of As such, the lesson soon becomes to be score makes the top three, then you’ve
around 600 to 800 miles per hour, aggressive, or at least to try and be done good enough to earn the rewards
magnetically levitating above a unique aggressive when you can. from beating the level (which may include
rollercoaster-like course. Of course, like new pods and always include new
other racers you’ll still compete with Moving onto the courses themselves, as I championships) – and once you’ve
seven other racers, trying to be the first said before they’re littered with phase unlocked all the levels in one difficulty
person to cross the finish line after three strips and boost orbs, and designed sort you’ll open the next. It’s a simple system,
laps. It’s a mix of futuristic flair and what of like roller coasters. The one difference and it works.
you know… but it’s also a little more here is that while roller coasters must
complicated than just “petal to the metal” worry about losing the passengers, in The other single player mode is called
racing. Fast RMX you’re strapped in a pod and Hero Mode, and has you start the race
maglev-ed to the track… so you can do with full boost – which also acts as your
During the course of any race you’ll some crazy things. Most courses include shield. Your goal is to get first place (and
mostly be propelled by your own fuel, track transfers – where you jump to make it to the finish in the first place)
however by matching one of two possible between pieces of track, multiple paths by using that boost wisely; emptying the
phases (orange or blue) with the glowing – where you can take a different route bar will mean a game over, as will
phase strips placed along the course with different obstacles, and crazy twists crashing. This is the hardest single player
you’ll be able to get free boosts. – where you take to the track in a way mode, and just like Champion Mode you
Switching phases can be done with the X that you’d never manage in a car. Other need to progress through the levels in
button, and it’s a quick and smooth courses up the ante with cylinder-like order to unlock the harder difficulties.
process – so take advantage, and be sure tracks, weather effects (like rain or wind), That said, it’s also the best way to get
not to collide with a strip using the wrong phase-based jumps, moving obstacles, good… aside from multiplayer.
phase (as you’ll be slowed down instead). and more. The courses have tons of
differentiation, and it makes them all very Multplayer modes come in three
Additionally, you can get boost by filling a unique and fun to play. varieties; two-to-four player splitscreen,
boost meter; the fuel for this user- online communication, and local
controlled boost coming from the Finally, there’s the modes – which there communication (system link). The first
collection of orbs placed around each are few of at launch, but they’re all very and last of these modes deal with offline
course. Boosting will increase your good. Champion Mode and Hero Mode play and multiple local players, while the
acceleration, and can even push your top are for single player play; while other mode is of course online only.

Switch Player 37
 Splitscreen (on-system) gameplay is As for local communication (system link), As this review winds to a close, you might
suitable for between two and four players it has up to eight switches link up for have noticed that I’ve got a lot of good
only. You can use a single Joy-Con to local play that is said to work very much things to say about Fast RMX. It’s a racer
play, so you should have everything you like splitscreen. I didn’t get a chance to that has tons of different play options,
need for at least two players right out test it as I don’t know anyone personally does well to include everyone who wants
of the box – something you should most with a Switch, but it’s there for you as an to play, and ends up doing a bang up job
definitely take advantage of. I found that option and I hear it works. That’s good at everything it attempts. I would’ve liked
with a very small bit of practice I could news if you’ve got a lot of Switch-bearing a straight up single player practice mode
play just as well with a single Joy-Con gamer friends in real life (unlike yours (unlimited laps) available out of the gate,
controller as I can with the other Joy- truly at this point). but for what it offers I can’t complain one
Con based control methods, and I’m bit; Fast RMX is one hell of a solid game,
sure you’ll find this to be true for you as So that’s what it lays out as, but how and it offers features and options that
well – at least for this game. Additionally, does it run – right? Well it runs quite make it a perfect fit for your first digital
splitscreen multiplayer is a bit more well. Gameplay always looks smooth buy.
customizeable than single or online and clear, with what I’ve been told is
multiplayer, and offers modes spanning dynamic resolution going on to keep So what are you waiting for? Pod
from head-to-head single track to CPU things running well in the frame rate racers, start your engines!
aided full-size championship. Splitscreen department. There are very few times
is your game to set up as you will, so you when this is noticeable, and overall the
should be sure to take advantage of the graphics look quite amazing for the
options when some friends are down for system. Basically, Fast RMX offers quite
some fun. a fair bit of graphical “wow” in its sub-
900MB package, and it does so without
Online communication however, requires too many compromises.
an internet connection. That taken care
of, it will connect you with up to seven The audio follows suit in step, and brings VERDICT
other players for some all out gameplay. the whole package together with some
Online players will choose the next believable sounds and quality background Fast RMX is a blistering fast racer
course to race on via a quick vote, and music. Not once did I think that a track or with a very balanced set of vehicles
races will earn you points (which show off sound was intrusive to the gameplay, and and a nice selection of tracks. It's
your prowess). It’s a simple and effective the music was often a good way to get perfect for some single player
system, and I had no problem finding a into the tension of the race. While none score chasing or some multiplayer
game at almost any time of day – though of it is particularly memorable in any way, competition, and it looks great while
I’d like to note that at launch the game it’s not a bad set of inclusions at all. doing it - though it could've used a
doesn’t include the ability to play with few more options here and there. That
online friends. This is definitely a bit of an Controls are no different, and there’s both doesn't really hinder what we've been
annoyance for some, however it’s being a full set of options to swap them around offered however, and Fast RMX is a
patched in via the title’s first post-launch as well as plenty of options to play. racing game I'm happy to recommend
update, and will soon be a moot point. Fast RMX is compatible with portable, to absolutely anyone who might be
tabletop, and TV modes – and can use looking for one. It's just that good!
either a single or both Joy-Cons, or the
Pro controller for gameplay. It’s simple to
pick up and play, and the single Joy-Con
option isn’t crippled like it could be with
games that have more actions. It’s kind of
the perfect meld of all options, and that’s
saying something as it’s one of the first
games to offer them. 4.7
PUBLISHER DEVELOPER EXCELLE
Shin'en Shin'en NT
NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING
EU: 3rd March £16,99 | €19,99
AT A GLANCE 838 MB

38 Switch Player
 Written by
REVIEW Vroom in the Night Sky Paul Murphy
@PMurphy1978

doing. Any dialogue that is present is Vroom in the Night Sky does possess an
translated poorly, although sometimes internal trophy system, with numerous
amusingly as you may have noticed challenges which give the game some
from some of the screens. Around a sort of lifespan but the truth is that
minute into each level your rival will because it lacks any sort of fun or
arrive, trying to steal the resources on enjoyment at all you’ll give up long before
screen but the game (and the witch you’ve done them.
herself) pose very little challenge at all
In general, I love indie games. The vision. and you’ll have done the whole thing in There’s not much else that I can add,
The passion. The dedication, the blood, no time. really. It’s easily the worst game in the
sweat and tears in bringing their idea Switch’s launch line-up, arguably the
to life. That’s not to say that I love all of The game is in 3D but has incredibly worst game I’ve ever played and if you
them, or that they are all great. If you poor visuals with blocky shapes and are looking to spend some money on
needed a reminder of that fact, I kindly rudimentary buildings proving most of grabbing a new game for your Switch,
present to you Vroom in the Night Sky. your surroundings and the audio is not playing nothing and looking at a blank
enjoyable. The levels do look different to screen is probably more fun.
A game that made the Switch’s launch each other and you’ll experience cities,
line up – when many notable developers factories, oceans, deserts and more which
interested in porting games to the do provide a bit of variety when playing,
Switch haven’t even got a devkit yet – the but it’ll matter little; this game is just no
game is about a Witch, who for some
reason flies around the evening sky on a
fun.
VERDICT
motorcycle, thinking she’s some sort of I suppose that one good thing about
Rubeus Hagrid or something. Over the the game is that it uses the Switch’s The most amazing thing about
course of 8 stages you’ll need to navigate HD Rumble. Although it seems to be a Vroom in the Night Sky is that
the skies, collecting the stars required to constant vibration of the Joy-Con paddles it was actually greenlit at all. It's
unlock the exit. Also littered around the as you are playing, if does send feedback ludicrous that someone at Nintendo
night sky are “stardusts” which act as the to you as you are playing, especially when thought it would be a good title
in-game currency, which can be spent you crash. Which, given that these things for the launch line up over some
in the store to unlock even more flying handle awfully, will be a lot in the higher more notable games. You have
motorcycles, or even more ludicrous spec machines. to wonder if they played it at all.
flying objects too. Because it's simply not good.

There’s no story to speak of, nor any

reason why you are doing what you are

1.5
PUBLISHER
Poisoft
DEVELOPER
Poisoft
POOR

NA: March E-SHOP PRICING

EU: 3rd March £7,99 | €8.99
AT A GLANCE 810 MB

Switch Player 39
 Written by
REVIEW I Am Setsuna Joe Anderson
@_wotta

these demons. Let me save you the each of your characters to carry out more
obvious leap, as it doesn’t. powerful attacks, or alternatively cast
healing, attacking, or defensive boosts
Endir’s mood is hardly helped by these which benefit the whole party. Tech is
circumstances, so when a mysterious an essential part of combat and you
figure approaches him asking that he won’t defeat powerful enemies without
assassinates the latest Sacrifice, an it, so making sure you have the correct
18-year-old girl by the name of Setsuna, combination of attack, healing, and
With the Legend of Zelda launching he doesn’t think twice. In a perhaps defense between your party members
alongside the Nintendo Switch, you’d be unsurprising twist however, he fails becomes the most important part of the
forgiven for forgetting about the other his quest and ends up accompanying game.
titles gracing the launch line up – but Setsuna and friends on a journey to give
by overlooking these games you’ll be up her life for the greater cause. Another combat feature which comes
missing out on some gems. One such into play is momentum. As you fight
gem is Tokyo RPG Factory’s I Am Setsuna; While the story could be described as your momentum gauge will fill up, and
a dark and sprawling JRPG which fits quite minimalist, the action certainly once full it can then be triggered at the
Nintendo’s new system like a glove. isn’t. As you wander the vast lands on beginning of an attack. Once active,
the way to the final destination, you’ll Momentum gives you random benefits
It’s not often you’ll come across a come across all manner of monsters to such as dealing multiple versions of
protagonist who doesn’t really care so eliminate – and you’ll be able to do so the attack, recovering health, or dealing
much about his objective. A character using the game’s active combat system. critical damage. Any of these benefits
who spends more time being sarcastic Combat is time sensitive, therefore if could easily turn the tide of the battle in
than trying to make friends, but in his you take too long to attack the enemy your favour.
own way still out to help those in need, will take advantage, and there are often
even if he did start off by trying to kill one times where they get a few hits in before You’ll spend plenty of time in I Am
of them. you do. This is fine against smaller foes, Setsuna encountering all manner of
however the time factor means it’s crucial enemies; some similar to the last, and
It’s probably no wonder our hero – Endir – to use your attacks more efficiently some new. While this could be considered
comes across the way he does; the winter against larger monsters. repetitive, defeating these creatures
world of I Am Setsuna is one gripped with serves the purpose of gaining your party
sadness. Monsters rule the land, and to When it comes to combat you have a few experience, which in turn makes them
make matters worse it’s inhabitants have different options to make use of. There’s all the more powerful for the epic key
got it into their heads that sacrificing melee combat, making use of inventory encounters. Failure there will see you
18-year-old girls will somehow appease items, or a tech option; the latter allowing restarting the game, cursing your luck for

40 Switch Player
sneaking past the last set of monsters, Due to the map being so snowy, these As we move past the parts of the whole,
and missing out on the little bit of collectibles are often very hard to spot. I must take the time to note that I Am
experience which might have made all The only hint is an occasional glimmering, Setsuna is a game which feels as if it
the difference. which means they are much more easy were made with Nintendo Switch in
to see if you are standing still. mind. Nearly all of my time has been
Outside of the combat, I Am Setsuna spent playing in handheld mode, and
offers something a little different in that Of course, standing still for shiny in my opinion the game seems to suit
it splits into two sections. The first is in objects offers yet another excuse to the system perfectly there. There’s
a world, where you’ll wander through slow down the pace and take in some something about the graphics and
woods and mountains – encountering of the fantastic sights. There are snow- soothing classical music which lose a
random enemies and finding collectibles. blanketed forests with rivers running little sparkle when transferred to a bigger
You’ll also visit villages and meet NPC’s through them, and even snow covered screen, however – although no matter
to trade for new equipment and tech, mountains – which you just know will be which way you play, it’s hard not to be
or to progress the story. While you’ll full of hard to defeat enemies. impressed with the colourful – yet subtle
spend a decent amount of time in these – art style. Not many games look just as
areas, getting to know the residents and No matter which area of I Am Setsuna good in motion as they do when standing
gaining some much-needed background you frequent however, the developer still, but this is certainly one of them.
information on the world around you, seems to have struck the right balance
sadly the story hardly feels very fleshed between art and music. The graphics Yes, it’s true that there’s a lot to love
out. As suck, you’re not likely to gain often seem like they have been painted about I Am Setsuna – and while the
much sympathy for the plight of the on the screen, while the music feels story could perhaps have offered more,
land… although you may certainly comforting and safe in its nature; almost the combination of presentation, a deep
appreciate the work which has gone into reassuring you that no monsters are combat system and other classic JRPG
creating it. about to jump out and surprise you. elements will certainly keep you satisfied.
When you’re in action however, there are Plus, even if your not the biggest fan of
The other section of the game takes the some dramatic changes. There’s a faster the genre, the easy-going nature of this
guise of an over-world view. It’s here and more urgent pace to the music, and game could mean it’ll still be one to draw
you’ll traverse between areas as often you genuinely feel inclined to take care you in. It’s just that enjoyable.
as you like, exploring each path and of the enemy before it takes care of you.
(crucially) taking the opportunity to save Things change graphically too, thanks to
your game. There is no auto-save feature the screen lighting up with every hit and
here; a lesson I was taught after playing spell cast.
for two hours, only to lose all my progress
and have to start again. VERDICT
Other than giving you the opportunity I am Setsuna is an enjoyable and
to save your game, the over world more than competent JRPG, which
map also allows you to chance to see while weak in story more than makes
shiny objects clearer. Generally, these up for this with a strong combat
collectibles consist of ingredients which system and fantastic presentation.
can be gathered to help provide boosts
to your health – something which comes
in especially handy during battles.

3.4
PUBLISHER
Square Enix
DEVELOPER
Tokyo RPG Factory
GOOD

NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING

EU: 3rd March £29,99 | €39,99
AT A GLANCE 1.3 GB

Switch Player 41
 Shovel Knight: Written by
REVIEW Specter of Torment
Sandeep Rai
@2_Old_4_Gaming

I first played Shovel Knight on my PS Vita and I

loved it. It took me back to the days of playing
2D platformers on my NES but Shovel Knight
incorporates modern mechanics and some very
smart level design that sets it apart from other
modern 2D platformers. I wasn’t a fan of the
Plague Knight expansion that was released last
year (the jumping and attack just felt off to me)
but I was excited to play Specter of Torment to
learn more about the world that the developer
Yacht Club Games has built and also to see how
the Specter Knight’s move-set would change
the game.

This expansion is a prequel to the main game

and follows Specter Knight as he takes on
updated versions of the stages from the
original game and faces off against the bosses
from Shovel Knight to recruit them into the
army of the evil Enchantress. During the game,

42 Switch Player
you learn more about Specter Knight’s it resulted in me accidentally speeding The Specter of Torment expansion is
origins and how he became the undead into a chasm. This happened quite a lot, not particularly long. It took me five and
servant of the Enchantress. I thought the particularly in a couple of areas of the a half hours to finish although I think
story was excellent and made the original game where slight mistakes in timing many people could finish it faster. There
game’s story richer by filling in some of resulted in certain death. As you progress were two areas where I died far too many
the gaps. The story unfolds through sepia in the game, you can buy new skills using times and they alone added an extra
coloured playable scenes in between red skull collectibles. These new skills 45 minutes to my playthrough. Despite
stages and I really wanted to finish each aren’t mandatory but they definitely help greatly enjoying the game, I don’t see
stage to learn more about Specter Knight. if you are finding some of the platforming much reason to replay it.
By the end of the game, he had become difficult. I barely used some of the
my favourite character in the Shovel abilities, but I did find that the ability to It is impressive, when you consider Yacht
Knight series. float was especially useful in avoiding Club Games created a 2D platforming,
death. new IP that pays homage to old-school
There are some new control mechanics games with lore rich enough to deserve
in the Specter Knight’s expansion – The graphics and music are excellent, an expansion. Specter of Torment may
including the ability to run up walls and just as in the original game, but the not be the longest game, but the story,
wall jump. However it was the ability to hub town is now in the Enchantress’ gameplay and charming presentation
perform a diagonal mid-air dash attack castle – where you will find merchants make this an excellent addition to the
that had the biggest impact on the game. to buy new armour and abilities. It was Switch’s library.
It makes Specter Knight a much more a nice contrast from the sunny town in
agile, faster and more fun character to the original game and you still had the
play. random NPC’s that you can speak to, just
with a darker twist – like the skeleton
Traversing levels and killing foes with looking for the skull of his wife or the
a diagonal slash was very satisfying, witch that wants to give you the kiss VERDICT
although this attack did make the boss of death! You no longer have access to
fights a bit too easy. Shovel Knight was the Super Mario Bros. 3 style overworld The Specter of Torment expansion
more restricted in his attack patterns map and instead use the castle as the really added to the game series with a
so a lot of the fights required more hub to access each level, more in the better story and more fluid gameplay.
skill, patience and timing. When you style of choosing a stage in the Mega Its not particularly long, but the fun,
connect with Specter Knight’s diagonal Man games. The levels can be tackled in challenging, old-school platforming
slash you can chain them for multiple any order, although the game gives you makes this a game worth playing.
attacks – I could often get 3 or 4 hits on an indication of the difficulty based on
bosses at a time. Aside from one boss, the gold you earn for beating each boss. I would recommend buying the
I beat all of them on my first try. After I found it best to play the easier stages Treasure Trove edition with
finishing Specter of Torment, I went back first to collect enough red skulls to buy the original game and the two
to try Shovel Knight again and found I abilities and make the difficult stages expansions and playing them in
much preferred playing with the more more manageable. the order of release. It's a great
manoeuvrable Specter Knight. package and Specter of Torment
Something that really impressed me was is the strongest of the set.
Although the diagonal slash made the the level design, with the opening level
game more fun and fluid, it was also especially standing out! The first stage
the cause of a lot of frustration when was signed perfectly to teach you the
mechanics of the game without needing
to bog you down in instructions and
tutorials. It felt refreshing to have that in
a game today.
4.1
PUBLISHER DEVELOPER EXCELLE
Yacht Club Games Yacht Club Games NT
NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING
EU: 3rd March £8,99 | €9,99
AT A GLANCE 147 MB

Switch Player 43
 Snipperclips Written by
REVIEW Cut it out, together!
Charlie Large
@CharlieLarge

If 1-2 Switch was designed to show off and demo the

marvellous technology within the Nintendo Switch’s
Joy-Con controllers, then Snipperclips – Cut it out,
together! is almost certainly the game designed to
showcase the new console’s multiplayer functionality.
The premise is simple; you and up to three friends each
take control of a paper-craft character, and then you cut
each other into whatever shapes you see fit in order to
solve the various puzzles the game throws your way.

The cutting mechanic in Snipperclips works really

well. By moving one of the characters – Snip and Clip
– over the other you will see an outline showing what
the outcome of any ‘snip’ will be. Once you are happy
with what the result will be, a tap of the A button will
cut your fellow paper-craft friend a new one – so to
speak. Don’t worry if you get it wrong though, as this
game is all about experimentation; if you need to reset
your character back to normal you can simply hold Y
until they pop back into shape, or you can even toggle
between the last two shapes used by tapping the Y
button. The game really is that forgiving!

The difficult part, and arguably the part that makes

Snipperclips so much fun, is that you are left to your
own devices to figure out how best to solve each of the
game’s 45+ levels. The game’s opening tutorial and the
name of each level are the only hints that you will get to
assist you along your way to success, so make sure to
pay attention to them.

That said, it is quite refreshing to be left to your own

devices to solve these puzzles, as it means that you are
left to experiment – which almost certainly means that
hilarity and friendly arguments will ensue as players
discuss and attempt the puzzles thrown at them. You
will soon learn that there is no correct way to complete
a level, so you can be as creative as you like.

I found during multiple plays of some of the stages

with various friends that different people have different
ideas of how to get to the end goal. One example
was with a stage where you have to get a basketball
from one end of the screen and score a basket with
it at the other end of the screen. The first time it was
played the two characters were used together to roll
the ball across the top of each other’s bodies to form
a path to the target. The second time ’round however,
a bowl shape was cut into one character to allow the
basketball to sit perfectly still – allowing for the ball
to be simply walked from one end of the screen to
the other. The beauty of this game is that there will
be many other players who have found other ways to
complete the same goal. It really does draw on your
creativity, making you use your initiative and play with
the game’s simple mechanics to get inventive.

44 Switch Player
Snipperclips utilises all three of the There is more to the game than these Another thing that adds to the overall
Nintendo Switch’s play styles, so if you forty-five stages however, with an feel of the game is the personification
are worried about it being multiplayer additional fifteen levels designed for of the paper characters that you take
only then fear not! There are three party play with two to four players. control of. It is often hilarious watching
worlds – each filled with fifteen stages – These levels are more of the same, but their little faces recoil in horror as you
that are designed to be played through use four characters rather than two, and chop chunks out of them, or watch the
using two characters, and these can really will test your co-operation and expression of pain and struggle on them
either be played solo (which also works in communication skills. Another welcome as you balance a heavy bowling ball on
handheld mode) or with a friend via TV or addition are the three “Blitz” (competitive) their bodies. It goes a long way to show
Table Top mode. It works just as well in modes available, so if you do find that the that attention to detail (and a lot of care)
handheld mode as it does in single Joy- tension between friends is getting too has gone into making Snipperclips, and
Con multiplayer; you have options here, much you can take it out on each other that attention is much appreciated.
so use them. here. You can choose from either Hoops
– a basketball game where you have to Snipperclips is definitely worthy of a
Although not as fun as playing with a score in your opponents basket, Hockey purchase, especially if you are looking for
partner, flying solo in Snipperclips is still – think air-hockey with your character a game to play with friends! Although
good fun. You can switch between the as the paddle, or Dojo – where you win there probably isn’t much in the form of
two characters with a simple tap of the by cutting your opponent into oblivion. replay value (Blitz mode aside), you will
X button, although it certainly does make Although Hoops isn’t that great and you certainly get your money’s worth with all
some of the stages a bit more difficult. tend to lose the ball off the sides more the fun you will have trying to complete
There was one stage in particular I often than you can score points, Dojo and each of the stages whilst trying to
found rather annoying where you had to Hockey are both really good fun. I only remain calm. Whether you are planning
use both characters at the same time, tried these modes out with one friend, on cutting your way through it solo or
and having to switch between them but I can imagine Dojo would be chaos cutting it out together, Snipperclips is a
constantly made it a hell of a lot more with three or four players (and a great game that gets the seal of approval from
difficult then it would have been if there way to settle any arguments caused by me!
would have been a second player lending the co-operative levels).
a hand.
To say the game has a certain charm
There are some great levels amongst
the forty five as well. “Princess Power-
about it would be an understatement. As
you can see from the screens above, the VERDICT
up” – for example – has you create a safe game has a nice, paper-craft aesthetic
path for a princess, avoiding obstacles to to it – with the levels looking like they Snipperclips - Cut it out, together!
collect diamonds and then moving her have all been drawn out on paper and the is great fun for all the family! It
using an in-game joystick. It’s a particular characters cut out and placed on top. The may be a little on the short side, but
highlight. That said, it won’t take you game’s soundtrack is also very catchy, with two or more people playing
long to get through them all once you with inoffensive tunes that repeat and those hours will be both frantic and
have figured out a solution to each type loop until you find yourself humming funny! Arguably the second best
of puzzle – and it’s perfectly possible to along to them while playing. game of the Switch's launch, I cannot
complete all the stages in one sitting if recommend this eShop title enough!
you were determined enough!

4.1
PUBLISHER DEVELOPER EXCELLE
Nintendo SFB Games NT
NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING
EU: 3rd March £17,99 | €19,99
AT A GLANCE 1.6 GB

Switch Player 45
 Written by
REVIEW Just Dance 2017 Kyle Wakeling
@teflontactics

As someone who was overactive as a kid, I can

appreciate what Just Dance 2017 is bringing to the
table as much as any casual fan; an opportunity to get
moving, enjoy doing it, and make a game out of the
activity. That’s where Just Dance 2017 for the Nintendo
Switch comes in, as it’s one of the easiest ways to jump
in on this craze.

Armed only with what comes in the base Switch

package and Just Dance 2017, you can play immediately
– no extras required. Even better is the fact that you’ve
got two Joy-Con right off the bat, so multiplayer is also
possible. While I didn’t get too much into that aspect
of the game, I feel that by playing every single song I
can speak for single player and the mechanics with
confidence.

Regarding the most standard of play modes, this

iteration of the game has you choosing from over fifty-
six songs and taking them on motion-controlled style; a
handheld Joy-Con (or your cellphone when paired with
the app and Wi-Fi) your connection to the screen. As
you watch the dancers move to the songs you’ll have to
copy them as close as you can, paying extra attention
to the coloured hand of your chosen dancer as it’s
what you’ll truly have to emulate. Mirror the dancer
closely and you’ll be rewarded with a congratulatory
exclamation – but fail to copy to the game’s satisfaction
(it’s pretty lenient) and you’ll instead get an “X” and fail
that move. While it seems impossible to fail a song,
getting a single star seems like a poor consolation prize
for your bad dancing.

Other modes include the three-round CPU battle “Dance

Quest,” the cardio-fueled “Sweat Mode” that tracks
your burned calories, the YouTube like “Just Dance
TV” where you can see the uploaded videos of people
(not on Switch obviously) performing the songs, and
the musical-like “Dance Matchup” which mixes songs
together. As for “World Dance Floor,” it’s the equivalent
to an online leaderboard mode and will contribute to
a world ranking of sorts should you care to take that
route.

New in this iteration however, is the “Just Dance

Machine;” a mode where you use your dance power to
help fuel a strange alien ship, unlocking further dance
styles as you progress, and mixing it up with different
modes and a less recognizable soundtrack. It’s a novel
idea, but in practice it’s a little lacklustre as a play
mode – though might be a good as a future tutorial type
mode. Props to Ubisoft for trying something new, but
the hook just isn’t there in its current form.

46 Switch Player
Looking at what’s offered, there are As for how the game plays and works, Speaking as someone who has spent
plenty of options to play – though they’re it does so well enough for not having over ten hours of solid gameplay taking
mostly just variations on the main a camera to track your movement in on all the Just Dance 2017 base songs
theme; copying the songs. Scored or space. The Joy-Con are quite accurate (and some of the Unlimited songs) to
ranked in different ways, the only real motion controllers, and moving the way compile my review, I’d have to say this
outlier modes are the viewer-like Just the dancers do on screen works if you’re game is a definite buy if dancing games,
Dance TV and the awkward and lacklustre even remotely close – but therein lies exercise games, or simply competition are
Just Dance Machine… and man, are they the rub, as while it’s pretty accurate in your thing. Fun for all ages, guaranteed
ever outliers. theory, the game can be a bit skewed on to have at least a few songs you’ll
its forgiveness. Sometimes you’ll make like to dance to in the base game, and
Okay, so how about the songs right? a move perfectly and get a fail marker, expandable if you’ve got the want and/or
Well they’re not disappointing, but they while other times you’re a little slow or need, Just Dance 2017 is most certainly a
are a bit limiting on the base end. Fifty- not as accurate as you meant to be and game worth playing – just don’t expect it
six seems like a big number, but when it’ll register as perfect. These issues are to be perfect, or cheap.
you only enjoy the music or dance to mostly edge cases however, and I found
about half (or less) then it’s really not that for the songs I could get nearly
as enticing. I consider myself a pretty perfect on I could do it consistently –
eclectic person, but to me it seems like though even for the songs I couldn’t, I
they chose songs that were popular managed around the same score each
and not just songs that worked well; time. It’s definitely not perfect, but it
as evidenced by the extreme selection works much more often than not.
of awesome songs that come with the
Unlimited subscription. Looking past the mechanics and options,
Just Dance 2017 is a game that presents
Ah Just Dance Unlimited – the service of itself well enough in action and sounds
which you get a free three month trial pretty great while doing it. While the
on Switch, but have to pay $29.99 a year graphics you see on the screen aren’t the
thereafter. It’s an awesome little service highest quality, they’re always perfectly
that offers over 200 additional songs, usable and never do they obstruct your
though being that the game itself is fairly
expensive I definitely think they could’ve
gameplay. There are “jaggies” here and
there, but this isn’t the kind of game VERDICT
done with a little longer of a trial. I’d be that’s ruled by its graphics. Sound
more inclined to pick it up for a year had I quality, accuracy of motion detection, Just Dance 2017 is a good way to
been given six months to play around, but and being able to discern the moves the introduce new players to the game,
three months is barely enough time to dancers on screen are making are the or to get friends in the game with
get used to the base songs (let alone try most important parts – and they all work you - but as for accuracy, it's not the
the others). as well as can be expected given the best. That said, you'll probably be
limitations of the system. having so much fun dancing to the
So it’s simple to follow, easy to join in, Sumo version of "Hips Don't Lie" that
there are some good songs – but they you won't even notice the hiccups.
aren’t all to everyone’s liking or fun to
dance to, and the Unlimited subscription
you get for buying should be longer. The
presentation and instructions are good
for the most part, and the songs are high
quality and sound just as they should
even at high volumes, but the question
remains; should you buy it? 3.8
PUBLISHER
Ubisoft
DEVELOPER
Ubisoft
GOOD

NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING

EU: 3rd March £49,99 | €59,99
AT A GLANCE 12.5 GB Partial

Switch Player 47
 Written by
REVIEW Blaster Master Zero Charlie Large
@CharlieLarge

Blaster Master Zero, for those of you – like me

– who have never heard of the game before, is a
remaster of a game originally released in 1988
in both Japan and America. For some reason it
never released in Europe, so unsurprisingly this
is my first experience of Inti Creates nearly 30
year old franchise.

Before you sneer and start complaining about

how remasters are bad, or that developers
should be focusing their efforts on new games
however, you should know that this isn’t
another cynical cash-in. Blaster Master Zero is
a game that definitely deserves some attention
for all the right reasons!

First off, the game’s story is utterly bonkers.

You play a young boy called Jason who follows
a frog named Fred through a portal in order
to save him, and what follows thereafter is a
series of inter-linked worlds for you to explore
on your way to reuniting with the little green
fella.

To navigate these worlds you have a tank called

SOPHIA III at your disposal. You can exit the
tank to go on-foot at will with a press of the

48 Switch Player
X button, and you will definitely need There is a cooperative multiplayer In the end, the sum of my experience
to do so to enter some of the dungeon element to the game also, but this makes me think that Blaster Master Zero
style areas. These areas are important as doesn’t really add much to the game. is a good game – albeit a short one – that
they’re where you will find boss battles The second player can control an aiming will certainly appeal to those that are
and upgrades (for both Jason and your reticule, and is able to shoot different familiar with the original. Newcomers
tank). kinds of bullets at enemies on the screen. to the series will find a retro title that
Nothing really to write home about, and looks and plays great on the Switch,
The main worlds in Blaster Master Zero probably something you will not bother but as mentioned above you may find
use a 2D, side-on viewpoint – and the with – especially when the Switch already it a little easy compared to other retro
exploration of these areas is reminiscent has a few games that really excel when it inspired games or remasters that have
in many ways to a Metroidvania-style comes to fun multiplayer. been released in the past few years. For
experience. Entering the dungeons under $10/£10 however, you cannot go
with Jason will switch to a top-down I must admit at this point that Blaster wrong – Blaster Master Zero is a great
perspective, and the gameplay switches Master Zero didn’t give me the best first little time waster, and one that will give
to that of a top-down shooter. Here impression, and I found it a little hard to you a fun-filled afternoon chasing down a
you will blast through rooms, avoid get into. An hour into the game however, rogue frog!
environmental obstacles, and defeat all my views had changed completely and I
sorts of mutants on your way to finding found it quite difficult to put down. The
the boss chamber. Once you take on and seven hours it took me to beat the game
defeat the boss you’ll earn a power-up; ended up both fun and enjoyable once
which can give you access to a previously I got past the hook, but once you have
unreachable area, or add a new weapon seen the credits roll there really isn’t
modification to either your tank or Jason. much else for you to do.

The aforementioned environmental Looking past the enjoyability factor

obstacles are also prevalent outside the however, Blaster Master Zero is also
Jason-only dungeons, with most of the surprisingly easy – and not many of
game’s eight areas having an elemental
theme that adds identity to the different
the game’s enemies put up much of a
fight. Only a few of the bosses posed VERDICT
stages you will work through. These a challenge, and even they were rather
range from an ice covered area that easy to defeat once I learned their attack Blaster Master Zero is fun while it
causes both Jason and SOPHIA III to slide pattern. When you combine this with the lasts! With a bizarre story and fun
around – making it a bit more difficult generous checkpoint system that has gameplay, this is one Metroidvania-
to control, to an underwater area that been added to the game, and the fact style game that can be played by both
you will not be able to explore properly that health and weapon power-ups litter fans of the series and newcomers
until you locate a modification for your the areas you explore, you shouldn’t really alike. The only complaints about
heavy vehicle. These certainly did make run into much trouble while playing. This this remaster are that it is short and
each area more interesting, and offered will surely please some gamers, whilst rather easy, but the seven or so hours
enough of a challenge to make the others may feel a little disappointed by it will take you to get to the end are
gameplay more varied without becoming the lack of a real challenge. certainly entertaining while they last!
too much for the player.

3.6
PUBLISHER
Inti Creates
DEVELOPER
Inti Creates
GOOD

NA: 9th March E-SHOP PRICING

EU: 9th March £8,99 | €9,99
AT A GLANCE 180 MB

Switch Player 49
 Switch THESE ARE THE
HIGHEST-RATED
SWITCH TITLES SO FAR.

Directory HOW MANY ARE IN

YOUR COLLECTION?

The Legend of the Zelda: Fast RMX Snipperclips - Cut it out, together!
Breath of The Wild

4.8 4.7 4.1

EXCELLE EXCELLE EXCELLE
NT NT NT
AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE
NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING
EU: 3rd March £59,99 | E59,99 EU: 3rd March £16,99 | E19,99 EU: 3rd March £17,99 | E19,99
13.6 GB 838 MB 1.6 GB

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment Just Dance 2017 Blaster Master Zero

4.1 3.8 3.6

EXCELLE GOOD GOOD
NT
AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE
NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING NA: 3rd March E-SHOP PRICING NA: 9th March E-SHOP PRICING
EU: 3rd March £8,99 | E9,99 EU: 3rd March £49,99 | E59,99 EU: 9th March £8,99 | E9,99
147 MB 12.5 GB Partial 180 MB

M arch A pril
Blaster Master Zero March 9th Graceful Explosion Machine April 6th
World of Goo March 16th LEGO City Undercover April 7th
Human Resource Machine March 16th Jackbox Party Pack 3 April 7th
Little Inferno March 16th Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap April 18th
Binding of Issac: Afterbirth + March 17th Puyo Puyo Tetris April 28th
Snake Pass March 28th Mario Kart 8 Deluxe April 28th
Has-Been Heroes March 28th Constructor HD April 28th
Shakedown Hawaii April

50 Switch Player
 Downloadables

Not so expansive...

Launching alongside Breath

of the Wild is the "Expansion
Pass," which - further down
the line - will offer additional
quests, content, and a hard
mode. Initially however, it offers
just three chests to aid in your
early exploration of Hyrule; one
of which includes an exclusive
"Nintendo Switch" tee for Link to
wear.

It's available now for

£17.99/€19.99/$19.99, have
you picked it up yet?

Going down the arcades...

Heard of the Neo Geo before?

It was one of the most
powerful consoles available
in the 1990's, and offered the
closest thing to an arcade-style
experience that money could
buy. Thankfully, some of these
titles are available at much
more reasonable prices for the
Nintendo Switch's eShop; with
names such King of Fighters
'98, Metal Slug 3, and Shock
Troopers - along with many
others - making the jump.

Switch Player 51
 COM
MUN
ITY

i c e
vo

DAAN KOOPMAN WRITES ABOUT GAMES AT GO NINTENDO,

NINTENDO WORLD REPORT, AND MANY OTHER NINTENDO
VENTURES - NOT TO MENTION MAKING VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE.
Daan Koopman
nintendaan.com AS A PROMINENT NINTENDO FAN IN THE COMMUNITY,
@NintenDaan WE WANTED TO GET HIS REACTION TO THE SWITCH.

Hello Daan, thanks for talking to us! effort in. I feel more dedicated while What games have you been playing?
You've had the Nintendo Switch for a few playing. Multiplayer games are a fine Anything stand out to you?
days now, what are your early endeavor as well. We played some fine Currently I have 29 games (as of March
impressions? rounds of FAST RMX, 1-2-Switch, and 17) on my Nintendo Switch, which
So far so good! I adore the diversity of Puyo Puyo Tetris (Japanese version) includes both domestic games as well as
what the system brings to the table. While among others. titles from other regions. The Legend of
I got glimpses of it at various preview Zelda: Breath of the Wild is definitely
events, you don't really understand until At the center of all this are the various worth playing, but we will get back to
you have it sitting next to you. control options - and honestly, I think that in a little bit. As far as other stand
that this aspect stands out more than I out titles are concerned, I value those by
To give some background and context, I'm thought it would. The Joy-Con in the amount of time I played them. Let us
a handheld gamer first. Nintendo has particular are very capable controllers. highlight four of them.
given us a lot love with the Nintendo 3DS They are a little tiny for my huge hands,
and they were praised for their efforts. but I learned to appreciate them. It is fun FAST RMX is absolutely one of them. It is
Nintendo Switch can be seen as the next to hold them freely in your hands and fantastic racer with 30 tracks, 15 cars and
evolutionary step in many ways. With the play certain games that way. That being a fine amount of options. It is true that
option of bringing console experiences said, I think that functions like HD not all the features are there at the time
with you, it allows for one ultimate version Rumble need to be highlighted more. of writing, but it doesn't undermine the
that can be played anywhere. Similar to There are only a few games that make quality. This is the game I showcase to
the Nintendo 3DS, it is also easy to usage of this feature. my gaming friends if they want to see a
connect consoles together and play game running solely on the console. Nine
multiplayer games that way. FAST RMX My final criticism is a very personal one. I times out of ten they get excited about
and Super Bomberman R are perfect think that the HOME Menu and Nintendo the possibilities, even if they aren't too
examples of this. It allows players to have eShop feel emptier than they should be. I fond of racing games.
their own 720p display that feels personal am not saying that these elements NEED
and inviting. music to be good looking, but it certainly Snipperclips is one of the best co-op
wouldn't hurt. This is something that new games I've ever played. The way you work
Naturally, it is fine as a home console as themes could potentially fix. Next to that, together with a friend is amazing. You
well. Just throw it in the dock and I just feel that the digital storefront isn't need to be there as a team, debate
everything will be done for you. My very well designed. The tiles don't really possibilities, and snip into another to
television was turned on automatically invite me to purchase anything. I am also make it work. The clever puzzle design
and I could immediately start playing not sure how Nintendo is planning to makes the experience a very inviting one,
where I left off. This perfect for games like highlight games here. What true which I wouldn't trade for the world. Next
I Am Setsuna or The Legend of Zelda: impression can you really get when you to that, it has a fantastic sense of style
Breath of the Wild. They are pretty lengthy see a tile, a picture, and a price point? I and is a game that anyone can
titles that require you to put the time and simply don't get that. understand after a little bit.

52 Switch Player
While Puyo Puyo Tetris isn't out in Europe How have you found The Legend of Zelda: Nintendo Switch retail games in the
nor North America yet, the quality of the Breath of the Wild to be? Worthy of the West, you do start to question it all a tiny
experience can't be understated. Simply critical reception? bit. Outside of Zelda, I don't think that any
put, this is one of the best puzzle games I'm taking my time with the game. There games have the chops to blow away
in the last few years. Alone or with are more capable colleagues with more Nintendo's audience. They are nice
friends, the game allows you to explore drive that have finished Zelda before I additions for the right type of player, but
various modes that elevate and ever will. That being said, there is plently each of them has individual issues.
compliment both franchises. With the to say on Breath of the Wild.
simple nature of the Joy-Con, it is also That being said, I think Nintendo has
great to hand each other a controller and Without a doubt, this will be one of my marketed the console quite well. Zelda
start playing right there. In time, this will favorite Zelda games ever. I think that and 1-2-Switch constantly pop up in the
quickly outlive Super Bomberman R as the open-air concept, which was pitched commercial block and it triggers people
the perfect local multiplayer game. It has to us ages ago, has really come into its into contacting me about it. I've had folk
everything you want in a game plus own. The world of Hyrule is an inviting come up and ask if it is worth picking up.
more. place to explore and offers a ton to the I show them a few games, see how they
player. At the beginning, I thought that I react to it, and usually they walk away
For another solo experience, I pumped a certainly would follow a certain path. impressed with it. In all seriousness, I do
lot of time into Blaster Master Zero. This Within ten minutes of leaving the Great really think that Nintendo has given us a
game is the perfect follow-up to the NES Platue, I threw that idea straight into the system with a ton of potential. It is their
and Game Boy titles that released ages garbage can and started searching for job to continue to build its library and
ago. The moment you start the game and Shrines. convince new people to hop in!
hear the Sophia III's rumbles in the
Joy-Con is a magical thing. Plus, Blaster The Shrines are fun and snappy What would you say to someone looking
Master Zero is quite faithful to source challenges that I'm always excited to to pick up a Nintendo Switch?
material as you have sidescrolling and endure. There is a solid variety when it If you are looking to play Zelda, then
overhead gameplay sections. Inti Creates comes to the puzzles and the ways that there is no question that you should get a
did a spectacular job thinking it all you can make them work. I went out of Nintendo Switch right now. If not, while I
through! my way to finish them in a strange ways am sure that you will have fun, you might
and the results were way funnier than I want to wait until a game comes out that
What do you make of the launch line-up; would like to admit. On the flipside, I can't you would be fully satisfied with. This can
and the general reaction to it? say that I am too fond of the dungeons in be Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, or any
I can't exactly blame people for looking at the title. They are over before you know it other given title that is currently in the
the line-up, and thinking: ''yeah, I'll wait.'' and don't seem to challenge me in any pipeline. At that point, your experience is
Truth be told, The Legend of Zelda: Breath particular way. already elevated. You have both a game
of the Wild is the thing that is currently you really want and a fun system to play
selling consoles. We can be kind and Maybe the biggest dungeon is simply that and other potential curiosities on!
name one or two additional games, either that huge open world. At that, it is the
digital or physical, but it doesn't change best dungeon that a player could hope Finally, where do you think the Switch
reality. If you want the best way to play for. The fights that you will partake in, the sits? Is it a handheld that you plug in or a
Zelda, you likely already bought one. quests that you need to do, and the little console you take out?
things that make it all work. Even when it Nintendo says is that it is a console that
If you are on the fence with Zelda, comes to cooking or observing what you can play on the go. I think that it
purchasing a new console can't be exactly monsters do, there is a lot that the player would have been more impressive to call
in the cards. The other four retail games will need to keep in mind. Every element it a powerful handheld that can be
that are available in Europe and North feels extremely well crafted and it is docked. Ultimately, I still play it both
America can't make up the difference. The something that the development team ways and nothing is stopping you from
Nintendo eShop started strong right out deserves all the praise for. playing it one way solely. The diversity of
of the gate with a solid number of games, the system is what is so key about it, so
so current owners do have stuff to play. You've been a long time Nintendo fan, the Nintendo Switch is whatever you
Next to that, and if you are eager enough, how do you think the Switch's launch want it to be. That will define Nintendo's
you can net additional games by going to fares compared to other launches? direction for the next number of years.
digital stores in other regions. I think that While older launches way back were
owners will find things to do until the more barren, I did expect slightly more on
next first-party game releases. As far as the first day. Wii, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U
newcomers are concerned, I think they launched with a larger array of packaged
will hop in once '''their game'' bursts to the software that instantly struck a cord with
scene in style. me. If you compare that to the five

Switch Player 53
 MEG WRITES FOR THE DAILY STAR AND LOVES ANIMAL
CROSSING. SO MUCH SO, THAT SHE WANTED TO WRITE
Meg Bethany Read ABOUT IT AND TELL US WHAT SHE HOPES WILL HAPPEN
megbethanyread.co.uk FOR A FUTURE NINTENDO SWITCH VERSION.
@triforcemeg

With this year being the fourth year since can be placed around their town and I’ve even seen some players create non-
the release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf where; sort of like Happy Home Designer path patterns such as staircases and
for the Nintendo 3DS, I can’t help but on the 3DS. In Happy Home Designer, allotments, which add an even deeper
yearn for a new Animal Crossing title. I various objects such as fences, garden element of personalisation. Something
still play the 3DS version religiously on a furniture, and play areas could be placed I’ve never liked about patterns however,
near-daily basis - but after so long, it’s outside villagers’ houses to create their is that you can’t place a pattern directly
difficult not to want something fresh. own front garden – something you can’t outside a door, which leaves an odd-
With one of the main debates with fans do in any other Animal Crossing game. looking space in your otherwise beautiful
being whether Animal Crossing is better You can place public works projects such path placement. If Nintendo could make
suited to a home or handheld console, as street lamps, sculptures, and benches it so you can just throw your patterns
the Nintendo Switch would be the perfect around your town in New Leaf, but I feel down anywhere, it would make planning
fit for a new adventure because it yields like the customisation options need to be where your paths are going to go a lot
the option for both. opened up even further. easier and would avoid any unnecessary
eye sores. In terms of the pattern design
If a new title was to come to the Switch, One thing I love about the current town itself, I’m not the most artistic person,
it would be interesting to see what customisation is the ability to place so something else I’d love to see is the
scenario Nintendo would throw the patterns on the ground to create paths return of the option to scan codes to gain
player into, and how it would differ from for your town. This feature was first access to other people’s pattern designs,
its predecessor. For example, New Leaf introduced in Wild World for the Nintendo like in New Leaf. It’s truly a godsend
was the first Animal Crossing to make DS, and has since become a staple because I can’t design my own patterns
the player mayor, giving you power over component in making to save my life.
ordinances and public works projects your town unique.
that let you customise your town like
never before. In all the other previous
games, Tortimer was mayor which
meant you had no influence over the
nitty-gritty of how your town was
run. I imagine a Switch version
wouldn’t revert that mayoral change,
but I’m curious to know what new
features and changes would be
implemented. I think that the
best change Nintendo could
make in regards to town
customisation would be
to give players even
more control
over what
items

54 Switch Player
Nintendo brought out the “Welcome scanning a card give you the option to announced but is yet to be shown off.
amiibo” update for New Leaf back in move the villager in, it could also unlock It’s got me thinking – what if you can
November which added a plethora of various town customisation items such somehow link it to the Switch? Obviously
new features such as the RV campsite, as bushes, trees, fruits, and flowers we have no idea what the mobile game
Meow Tokens, and the ability to scan obtainable only with that specific card. will entail, but we already know that
amiibo and amiibo cards in order to Nintendo are making a series of mobile
get new villagers and items. For me Another tiny addition I’d love to see in the applications specifically for the Switch,
though, I still don’t feel as though Switch version are new fruits. Originally, so it would make sense if you could
Animal Crossing amiibo functionality has there was just a basic selection of apples, connect the mobile game to an Animal
reached its full potential, and I think that pears, peaches, cherries, oranges, and Crossing Switch game to unlock exclusive
the Switch version could bring further coconuts but when New Leaf came out, it items or even villagers. This could work
improvements. brought bananas, durians, persimmons, the other way around too, unlocking
lemons, and lychees with it. Annoyingly, items for the mobile game through the
Instead of just having a certain NPC’s these additions are exotic fruits you can Switch. Nintendo announced recently
RV show up in the campsite when you only obtain from the island - which is that the release of the mobile game has
scan their amiibo figure, it would be cool frustrating if you’re trying to have all the been pushed back to the next fiscal year,
if it unlocked a specific shop or public different fruits in your town. Having new so hopefully by then we might know
works project rather than just items. fruits that are available in your town something about an Animal Crossing
Imagine scanning a Capp’n amiibo and straight off the bat would be wonderful, Switch title.
unlocking a shop for furniture for your and would be even better if they made
island, or scanning an Isabelle amiibo it so you could have fruit bushes as well Having Animal Crossing release on
and unlocking a public works project as trees. Imagine being able to plant the Switch would be a dream come
shop. The possibilities are endless. I just pineapple trees on the beach, or pick true for me, as being able to "switch"
don’t think Nintendo should stop here blackberries and strawberries from between playing at home and on the
in terms of amiibo functionality and bushes. Just the thought fills me with go is a wonderful feature - perfect for
instead should strive to make it as fun as excitement! A wider variety of flower those days where I’m feeling indecisive
possible. In terms of amiibo cards, having species and colours wouldn’t go amiss about whether I want to play a game
them unlock villagers is a fantastic idea either. on a big screen or not. If Nintendo did
and I don’t think Nintendo needs to bring the series to the Switch, and
change that much. However, one small Something that fills me - and no doubt made some of the changes highlighted
improvement could be that not only does the whole fanbase - with curiosity is the here, I think it could potentially be the
Animal Crossing mobile game that was best Animal Crossing title to date;
shoving my firm favourite Let’s Go To
The City out of the water. We’ll find out
eventually, but until then we should
keep our fingers (and toes!) crossed
for an E3 announcement in June.

Switch Player 55
 SCOTT BERLIN IS A POLITICAL CONSULTANT AND MARKETING
EXPERT, SO NATURALLY HE LIKES TO SHARE HIS OPINION.
IN HIS HIGHLY LIMITED FREE TIME, HE ENJOYS PLAYING
Scott Berlin A PLETHORA OF NINTENDO PLATFORM GAMES. IN THIS
justpause.us FEATURE, HE LOOKS AT NINTENDO'S RELATIONSHIP WITH INDIE
@justpausegaming
DEVELOPERS, AND HOW IT'S A GOOD THING FOR THE SWITCH.

Nintendo famously does not have the their launch year game release schedule established quite the indie lineup for
best track record working with third party to allow third parties to shine. the Switch, boasting over 60 indie titles
companies. This is an issue that dates coming to the system. While some games
back to the days of the Nintendo 64 and Last year, Nintendo promoted Damon are indie classics like Shovel Knight from
the decision to go with cartridges while Baker to run the Publisher & Developer Yacht Club Games, others are the newest
the industry shifted to discs, something Relations department at Nintendo of entires in longstanding franchises like
contrary to the wishes of major partners America. In just 6 months, there has been Runner3 from Choice Provisions. Some
such as Square Enix. This has hobbled a marked public shift in the relations games - such as The Binding of Isaac:
the support of games on Nintendo’s between Nintendo and these small Afterbirth+ from Nicalis - are simple
home console systems, yet handhelds studios. Previously, Baker had noted ports, others - like Stardew Valley from
have thrived due to the ability to develop that indie developers shied away from Concerned Ape - are highly enhanced, and
smaller, more focused games. In the releasing on a Nintendo platform due bring new features to the table. Nintendo
past decade we have seen a resurgence to the strength of first-party releases, is running the gamut and not leaving any
of the small game development shops and that is why his primary focus has stone unturned.
with the rise of indie game developers. been to ensure strong relationships and
Has Nintendo shown the love to these promotion for these releases. In his own It is not just a matter of creating new
developers, or have they left them behind words, "We just think that if the content relationships, Damon Baker has taken
to be swooped up by the competition? makes sense to be over on our platform existing relations and dialed them up to
then it should be on our platform.” eleven. ”Nintendo has done a better job
The Nintendo Switch marks an year after year of seeking out great indie
interesting turning point in the Not only is Baker dedicated to ensuring developers and helping them build bigger
relationship between Nintendo and smooth releases, he is actively courting and better games for their consoles,”
third party developers, specifically the titles that fit the Nintendo philosophy. according to David D’Angelo from Yacht
indie developers. While we have seen Richard Atlas, CEO of Clever Endeavor Club Games.
estranged, large companies such as Games said, "Nintendo is traditionally
Square Enix coming back to a Nintendo quite closed about information and There is more to development than just
console, the most impressive feat is working with indies, but they’re doing a having Nintendo reach out and say please.
the level of outreach Nintendo has better job now and have pushed pretty With the Switch, Nintendo has taken the
taken with indie developers. Not only hard for us to come out on Switch.” Some steps necessary to create a developer-
is there a management-level outreach companies may pay lip service to the idea friendly environment. While talking to
to indie developers, focus on creating of reaching out to other developers, but Kai Tuivonen at Frozenyte, he said that
easy-to-use development tools, and the sign of success is when new partners it "has been a pleasure to work with the
an inexpensive development kit, but sing your praises. Switch due to how nicely everything
Nintendo has purposefully spread out has been thought out from a developer
In itsfifirst year, Nintendo has already perspective."

56 Switch Player
Previously, developers had been highly Wii U, Nintendo began to loosen their you covered with titles like Hollow Knight
critical of the Nintendo development requirements, and they have taken it one and Steamworld Dig 2. Feel the need to
kits. Legendary developer Suda 51 quit step further with the Switch by charging scratch your Advance Wars itch? Look
developing games for Nintendo systems only $500 for a development kit, and forward to WarGroove. Miss the glory
over half a decade ago due to these working with developers who may have days of Rareware and their Nintendo 64
difficulties, but even he is coming back developed only a single games as a lone 3D platformers? Yooka-Laylee and Snake
to the House of Mario with the ease of individual. Pass have you covered.
development.
While Damon Baker and indie developers History has a funny way of rhyming.
Creating easy to use development may have been concerned in the past World of Goo - one of the first indie games
tools is one step, but in the past it was about going up against first-party game on the Nintendo Wii, launching 6 months
prohibitively expensive to get licensed to releases, it seems that it is no longer after WiiWare began - is now one of the
develop games on a Nintendo platform. about what games are being released, first indie games on the Nintendo Switch.
Not only would a developer need to pay but about what games are not being With Damon Baker now at the helm, this
the associated costs for the development released. Indie games on the Switch have should not be a simple repeat of history,
hardware, but also have a dedicated found a niche fulfilling voids created by the keys to the future at laying at his feet.
office, business registration, and a large gaps in Nintendo’s lineups. When was It is up to him to ensure the environment
portfolio of prior work to demonstrate the last time Nintendo released a 2D of support and outreach he has spent
value to Nintendo. Starting with the Metroid game? Indie developers have years building may come to fruition.

Switch Player 57
Next Time!

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 at the
Flagpole
U ARE NOT THE TARGET AUDIENCE

There has been a lot of debate raging on its predecessors. It’s not really Wii U
the internet over the Switch as a large owners that Nintendo want to attract, it’s
portion of an extremely vocal group everyone that DIDN’T buy a Wii U that is
rages on about the calibre of the Switch’s the primary focus. They already have those
announced titles - a fair few of which are 15 million paying close attention, so it's
actually Wii U games. the rest of the potential pool they want to
draw from with the Switch.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the
Wild, Little Inferno, Human Resource Even if you look just at the 3DS' sales,
Machine, The Binding of Issac (I know it’s there is about a 45 million customer
not quite the same version), Mario Kart discrepancy between the two. That’s a lot
8 (again - not quite the same), Shovel of people that didn’t buy any of the games
Knight, Rayman Legends, and LEGO City listed above as ports, and it’s a lot of
Undercover are all getting the Switch people that may well be tempted by that
treatment... and "damning" of all, I am new Zelda title simply because they can
sure many more will follow. This has left play it on the go.
many Wii U owners feeling quite aggrieved,
and you can somewhat understand their That leads us into the other key point
frustration. to note; handheld. Portable gaming has
always been Nintendo’s bread and butter,
The thing that makes this a good business and at its core that’s what the Switch
decision however, is that there are only is - only you can plug it into your tellybox
15 million of them. The Wii U - by far - is and play at home if you want to. The
Nintendo’s worst performing console ever. Switch also has a similar mechanic to the
Arriving too long after the X-Box 360/ Wii, with the Joy-Con acting like a more
PlayStation 3 generation, too soon before modern day Wiimote. It’s worth noting
the X-Box One/PlayStation 4, and not that nearly nine times as many customers
having the capability to challenge either purchased a Wii versus the Wii U, so the
with the library of games didn't help. potential gimmicky nature of the Joy-Con
Having a confusing moniker and message may well appeal to a similar audience.
was - of course - the lynch pin. All of this
is of course a massive shame, because Nintendo clearly want to attract more
there are some tremendous games on the people to the Switch - and that includes
system. the casual crowd and the core gamers,
alongside their dedicated and loyal
Here’s there thing, though; despite the audience. The only ones they don't really
somewhat baffling messaging coming feel that they need to appeal to with those
from Nintendo that the Switch is more ports are those that that bought the Wii U,
of a home console, it’s not really. This which makes sense as they already seem
is a completely new system, with its to know what they want.
own ecosystem that reached beyond