If you’ve been buying new Nintendo games, you probably noticed a slip that allowed you to register games on the My Nintendo website to earn gold coins. Previously, gold coins could be used to purchase Wii U or 3DS indie games for about 80-90 points but the rework in early March will allow you to buy Switch games. Buying digital games will earn you 5% of the original price while physical will earn you 1%. The percentage lower for physical is to encourage people to buy digital as it gives a larger profit margin to Nintendo.
Nintendo hasn’t determined how many gold coins will be needed for purchases for DLC, full games, or even indies yet. The points expire after 12 months so if you’ve been saving them, remember to check your point total.
Project Octopath Traveler is a upcoming 2018 JRPG from Square-Enix for the Nintendo Switch. The game had a downloadable demo where they could gather fan feedback for the game. The feedback was used to improve the game. Fans were able to convince the developers to improve the UI, movement around the map, visuals, and motivate them to improve the game even more. More details in video below.
Recently, Nioh was another previous Japanese game title that also took fan feedback to improve the game and how fans felt about the overall game. The power of fan feedback can have huge effects and will greatly effect how video game development changes in the future. Depending on the success of Octopath Traveler, future JRPG or games could have more feedback demos. Even Star Wars Battlefront 2‘s beta helped induce changes before the release (clearly not enough before the game’s release). Although developers want to appeal to their fans as much as possible, they will not able to please everybody. For Nioh, developers become stress about trying to please every fan. “The first problem we encountered after researching feedback was that many members of our team became too influenced and affected by the opinions of the players,” Team Ninja’s Fumihiko Yasuda writes. “By attempting to consider all of those opinions, we were not arriving at solid solutions, but rather creating more questions” said Yasuda.
Opinion on Nioh. First Beta
Fan feedback can create a good fanbase prior to the game release. Nioh did extremely well for a new IP from Ninja Theory with a 8.5 Metacritic rating. For a new game, developers can build a large interest by taking fan feedback. For a new IP, Square-Enix is taking steps to continue to push new classic JRPGs. Jairus Cambe stated that he is “excited for this since it’s an homage to the old school JRPGs presented in a beautiful way.”
Everyone is excited and confused about Nintendo‘s newest Switch add-on: cardboard. Nintendo Labo‘s initial set will have a starting cost of $70. They are DIY (Do it Yourself) box builds Toy-cons. There will be two starter sets released. One is an Variety Kit that can changed into different Toy-cons. It can transform into 5 different types.
A remote-controlled car. The vibrations from the Joy-Con serve to provide momentum and steering to the car. The game software allows the player to control the car like a normal remote-controlled vehicle.
A fishing rod where the Joy-Con sit in the reel and the handle of the rod. The game receives motion input from the Joy-Con to simulate a fishing game.
A toy piano with a full octave of keys; the console sits atop this to serve as a music stand.
A motorbike with Joy-Con inserted into the handlebars on either side of the tablet for steering.
A house containing a slot to insert different components that can interact with the game software on the Console’s display.
The second is the Robot Kit. Its a mecha suit that includes a visor which holds the Switch and a backpack that holds the Joy-Con. The game allows a player to rampage through a virtual world presented on the console’s screen. Both boxes will come with a game for the Switch to create a AR game. The tablet and controllers are key to creating a stimulation of movement. Nintendo said the product was “specifically crafted for kids and those who are kids at heart.”
Those sneaky guys at Nintendo released a very early morning stream of their Nintendo Direct of what games were coming out this year. Here what was shown off.
The World Ends with You: Final Remix: Release: 2018
The cult classic Nintendo DS game, The World Ends with You, is back! Remastered for the Nintendo Switch, you play as Neku and his group of friends trapped in alternate dimension in Shibuya. Your goal is to complete the task assigned by Reapers or die! The game was famous for its unique soundtrack, art, character design, and gameplay. The gameplay revolved around designer pins which gave Neku different attacks and comboining with your partners against evil monsters. The game will also include a new scenario involving a new character that was never shown in the Nintendo DS or mobile version. This was my favorite game of the entire Nintendo DS generation and its great to see the game come back on the Switch after the director/creator retired earlier this year.
Pokken Tournament DX DLC Battle Pack Release: Pack 1: Jan 31st Pack: 2: March 23rd
Pokken Tournamentwill have two DLC packs. The first one will contain the Pokemon Aegislash, a sword and shield Pokemon. It will also come with two support characters: Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu. The second pack will have Blastoise and support characters: Mew and Celebi. They will also come with new avatar designs if you wanna change your Trainers appearance.
Kirby Star Allies: Release: March 16th
New copy abilities were shown such as the Painter and the Spider. You can also combine your abilities with a friend called Friend Abilities to create unique attacks with different powers. Your friends will play as Monsters. With 4 player co-op, you can access unique areas in maps. The game looks absolutely gorgeous and there will be unique enemies. For the Nintendo 3DS, Kirby Battle Royal! demo is out on the eShop. Dragon Quest Builder Demo is also out on the Nintendo Switch.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition: Release: Spring 2018
If you missed Hyrule Warriorson the WiiU, you’ll get another change to play the game. It will come with all the DLC, 29 characters, maps, and even support mobile multiplayer and split screen action! Also Breath of the Wild costumes if you want. A unique Dynasty Warrior type game for fans of slashing through multiple enemies and huge power-up attacks.
Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze: Release: May 4th
The amazing DK game that was only on the WiiU is finally being ported to the Switch. The game will also include Funky Kong. The cool ape has unique abilities that make the game easier for newer players. His surfboard allows him to double jump, avoid spikes, and he has an invulnerable, infinite roll and spin. If you want to chill and play through it again, I highly recommend picking it up. I guarantee you’ll have an ice time.
Mario Tennis Aces: Releases: Spring 2018.
A new Mario tennis game! There is a more focus on skill but it looks more like a normal tennis game. Less power-ups and random attacks. There is a new story mode that hasn’t been seen since the GBA tennis game. The story-mode will have boss fights and unique challengers. More is set to be revealed as the game comes closer to launch.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Release: Summer 2018
A port of the PS4 game, Ys follows the story of Adol who becomes shipwrecked on an island full of monsters. You’ll have to gather party members who were also shipwrecked. As you grow stronger, your home on the island will grow bigger. Monsters will have different weakness so you’ll need different party members to hunt monsters down. A classic JRPG game to start the year.
Mario Odyssey DLC: Balloon World! Release: February 2018
A freeMario OdysseyDLC for people who have beaten the game! You can find Luigi who will give you access to Balloon World. A unique hide and seek game where you hide balloons on the map or seek out other players’ balloons. You’ll have 30 seconds so people who know the maps or fun jumping skills will have a fun time hiding or seeking them. You’ll climb the leader boards depending on how fast you or other players find it. It is called speed-running objective hunting. The DLC will also come with new outfits and snapshot filter.
Mario+Rabbids: Kingdom Battle DLC: Spring 2018
New DLC for Mario+Rabbids. An unexpected but good game for the Switch. The new DLC will allow you to play as Donkey Kong. No info on how he plays but he seems to have a boomerang attack and long tossing ability. The DLC’s price is unknown.
Payday 2: Feb 27th
Local and Online play for people with the Switch version of the game. It’ll come with all the DLC and a new character, Joy, a Japanese computer hacker, and time-exclusive heist. HD rumble will give you different effects from being shot to firing bullets. Joy will also have unique hacking abilities for firewalls and guns. If you haven’t picked it up on the other consoles, you now have a mobile version.
SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy: Summer 2018
A (casual?) fighter involving the female fighters from the King of Fighter series. It is a tag-team fighter with items. You won’t able to defeat them with damage alone, you’ll need to use a “Dream Finisher” to win the fights. You can also customize your character fighters with costumes. Not sure if the game will be competitive fighter or a casual game.
ACA Art of Fighting 2is available on the Nintendo eShop. A classic 16-bit fighter
Fe: Feb. 16th
A unique platformer. You’ll traverse the world and use unique abilities with nature. From plants to animals, to singing or platforming or even flying, the animals you meet are all unique. The game apparently takes advantage of HD rumble and will have different feels for different animals. A unique indie game.
Celeste: Jan 25th
A unique mountain climbing platformer. With huge stamina system, Celeste can climb anywhere. She also has a air dash for platforming. The 16-bit like 2D platformer has a variety of characters to meet. The game will be tough so there’s an assist mode if you need the help or if you prefer a challenge, there are unique difficult platformer levels.
Dark Souls: Remastered: May 25th
The famous JRPG from last generation. The game will be remastered for the Nintendo Switch. Known for its difficulty and unique story, the game has become famous for its challenging environments and bosses. And of course the Sun itself. How the game looks or feels hasn’t been shown but this is a step forward in showing that Nintendo wants to have games for a hardcore audience since the GameCube.
Pokken Tournament will have two DLC packs. The first one will contain the Pokemon Aegislash, a sword and shield Pokemon. It will also come with two support characters: Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu. The second pack will have Blastoise and support characters: Mew and Celebi. They will also come with new avatar designs if you wanna change your Trainers appearance.
If you missed Hyrule Warriors on the WiiU, you’ll get another change to play the game. It will come with all the DLC, 29 characters, maps, and even support mobile multiplayer and split screen action! Also Breath of the Wild costumes if you want. A unique Dynasty Warrior type game for fans of slashing through multiple enemies and huge power-up attacks.
The amazing DK game that was only on the WiiU is finally being ported to the Switch. The game will also include Funky Kong. The cool ape has unique abilities that make the game easier for newer players. His surfboard allows him to double jump, avoid spikes, and he has an invulnerable, infinite roll and spin. If you want to chill and play through it again, I highly recommend picking it up. I guarantee you’ll have an ice time.
A port of the PS4 game, Ys follows the story of Adol who becomes shipwrecked on an island full of monsters. You’ll have to gather party members who were also shipwrecked. As you grow stronger, your home on the island will grow bigger. Monsters will have different weakness so you’ll need different party members to hunt monsters down. A classic JRPG game to start the year.
New DLC for Mario+Rabbids. An unexpected but good game for the Switch. The new DLC will allow you to play as Donkey Kong. No info on how he plays but he seems to have a boomerang attack and long tossing ability. The DLC’s price is unknown.
A (casual?) fighter involving the female fighters from the King of Fighter series. It is a tag-team fighter with items. You won’t able to defeat them with damage alone, you’ll need to use a “Dream Finisher” to win the fights. You can also customize your character fighters with costumes. Not sure if the game will be competitive fighter or a casual game.
The Gaming News Corner 