Tag: Nintendo

Pros and Cons of Captain Toad Treasure Tracker on Nintendo Switch

However, with the new release come some clear improvements, but also some puzzling decisions. Here are my pros and cons for Captain Toad Treasure Tracker.

Author: Nathan Doverspike

I played Captain Toad on the Wii U when it came out in November of 2014, and while I didn’t beat the game completely at the time, I’m sure that won’t be the case with its recent release in the Switch. However, with the new release come some clear improvements, but also some puzzling decisions. Here are my pros and cons for Captain Toad Treasure Tracker.

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Handheld mode is the best way to play Captain Toad on the Switch.

Pros

Art Style Still Impresses

After its release in late 2014, Captain Toad was a beautiful title on the Wii U that I believe rivaled Bayonetta 2 and Super Smash Bros. for the best looking game on that console released that year. Now, with its release on Nintendo Switch in July of 2018, I still stand by that belief. This game looks amazing with its wealth of color and silky smooth textures. I can’t get enough of the art style, which makes replaying levels to get full completion still a joy even after playing the level for the third or fourth time.

Level Design Is Top Notch

Without the ability to jump, it would be reasonable to assume that this game would have a very limited number of ways to vary the dozens of levels it offers players. To my surprise, each level feels unique and it didn’t feel stale at any point throughout the game. A puzzle game with limited movement options needs variety in its puzzles, and Captain Toad is thankfully full of variety.

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Easy Controls

Whether you’re shooting for finding every Pixel Toad, finding all the secret objectives on every level, or 100% completion in general, Captain Toad is easy to master with its intuitive controls for any age. This game allows for youngsters to fully enjoy this game without the normal barrier of more complex controls that other titles like Mario Odyssey tout. It’s always nice to see games that are accessible to anyone and any age.

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This city looks very new and donk…

Plenty of New Levels

I was surprised at the number of new levels, all of which are inspired by Mario Odyssey. The art style meshes with that game perfectly, and seeing New Donk City condensed into a level in Captain Toad is really fascinating. The levels that focus on sprinting are by far my least favorite, but that’s a minor gripe and a small percentage of the levels.

Cons

Price seems a little high

At $40, Captain Toad is a little pricey, in my honest opinion. Sure it has new levels, but even they aren’t enough to justify the steep price. It’s still the same game you played on the Wii U. The addition of coop is nice, but it doesn’t change things up enough to justify almost a full price for this title. I enjoy the game, most than most I would presume, but I would be more satisfied if it was slightly cheaper at release.

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Even when condensed to a city block, New Donk City is still gorgeous.

Touch Pointer Is Obtrusive

When docked, a pointer is always present. There is no way to play the game without it while the Switch is docked, which I feel is a mistake. This is not an issue when playing in handheld mode since you can use your fingers on the touch screen, but just beware of playing it docked if that is your primary way of playing games on the Switch. It gets in the way of seeing where Toad is in the level, and can also be distracting. It would be better if it disappeared when you weren’t using the right analog stick when you need to interact with the environment. A patch to correct this would be very much appreciated.

Coop Isn’t Always Great

Speaking of the pointer and coop, the Switch version of Captain Toad introduces coop into the game. You each take a joy con, with the first player controlling toad and the second player taking control of the camera and pointer, which they can use to shoot enemies. Most levels end up being frustrating in coop, since both players can control the camera and with the second player controlling the pointer you both need to be on the same page at all times or you will inevitably fail levels due to the split in duties. The idea is nice, but the implementation isn’t ideal.

I want you hear from you. Did you pick up Captain Toad for the first time on Switch? Did you play it previously on the Wii U and pick it up again. Are you waiting for a price drop before adding it to your Switch library? Let me know in the comments!

Top Six Surprises From E3 2018

Throughout the conferences, we learned a fair bit, from new titles coming out, to the acknowledgement that Microsoft and Sony are developing their next gen consoles. After all the excitement, I have compiled a list of my top six surprises from E3 2018.

Author: Nathan Doverspike

As with each of these lists, the opinions and lists themselves are my own.

E3 2018 had its fair shares of high points and one giant abyss called the EA conference. Throughout the conferences, we learned a fair bit, from new titles coming out, to the acknowledgement that Microsoft and Sony are developing their next gen consoles. After all the excitement, I have compiled a list of my top six surprises from E3 2018. Let me know in the comments what I missed!

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Cyberpunk 2077 Aiming For Release On Current Gen Consoles

For a game as ambitious and graphically intense as Cyberpunk 2077 seems to be, it’s interesting that CD Projekt Red have confirmed that they are aiming to release the game on the PS4 and Xbox One. If the Witcher 3 is any sort of basis for their quality of video games (in my opinion it certainly should be), then this game should be spectacular from a general perspective as a gamer. That’s why releasing it on current gen consoles is so interesting, since we haven’t seen a game of this scope or graphical fidelity (God of War comes close) on a console. If they are able to get it to run at a stable framerate without sacrificing too much on the graphics part, I am all in for this to be a possible late 2019/early 2020 title. If not, then the next generation of consoles are going to have a fantastic start to their run with this game as a possible launch title.

EA Has Anthem…And That’s It

This one certainly surprised me, and not in a positive way. Besides announcing Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (yup, that’s one clunky title) in a very weird and almost uncomfortable interview that put Respawn Entertainment’s Vince Zampella on the spot during a lull in the EA conference (as if the whole conference wasn’t enough of one), there was very little shown that wasn’t already presumed to be coming out. We got the confirmation of a new FIFA game, a new Madden title, and a bite sized bit of Anthem footage shown. And that was pretty much it.

Microsoft’s Show Was Impressive

I own an Xbox One, so don’t assume I am automatically a “Sony Pony” for saying that I have been generally underwhelmed by the exclusives offered on the Xbox One. However, I feel that Microsoft’s conference was well organized and showcased a ton of games, even if most will be coming to PC or PS4 as well. I enjoyed their presentation miles more than Sony’s, and that’s refreshing to say. I loved the Xbox 360, so hopefully they are able to carry this momentum and hit their release date for Crackdown 3 in February. Oh, and this Gears game looks infinitely (see what I did there Halo fans) more interesting than anything in Gears of War 4.

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Rainbow Six: Siege Is What Destiny Should Have Been

As someone who casually plays Destiny, I can understand and sympathize with those who think the game should be better in general, from the loot drops, to the lack of story, to the odd narrative choice of killing a main character in an announcement for more paid content. It should be, which is why Rainbow Six: Siege is doing exactly what Bungie stated they wanted with Destiny: have a 10 year plan for the game to allow gamers to enjoy the game whether they purchase it day one or wait a few years for more content. Siege is doing just that, and their presentation at E3 is a great example of how you can overcome a rough start by making necessary changes and being consumer-friendly. It’s true they have too many editions of the game, but that’s something that comes with the concept of games-as-a-service. I haven’t played Siege yet, but I am excited to see what new content they release and to join that player base after watching their E3 conference and all the content they have planned.

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Kingdom Hearts Is A Narrative Mess, And I’m Fascinated

This might come off as harsh, but from talking with other people, even the most hardcore KH fans can admit the story is a bit of a mess. That isn’t to say it’s bad, hell even yjr stories in Star Wars can be a convoluted disaster (i.e. The Last Jedi). The trailers shown this E3 really hooked me and have me pumped. Who are all these characters? What are heartless? What the hell is even happening in these games? I must know! Thankfully, Square Enix is releasing a version of the game that includes all KH titles the same day that Kingdom Hearts 3 is out. Count me in, Captain Jack Sparrow!

There Is Such A Thing As Too Many Update Notes

I feel this one speaks for itself, but after sitting through 40 minutes of patch notes about the most minute changes to the game (honestly don’t need to know about WiI Trainer’s facial improvement) I just want the game to release already. I never knew a company could bore me by talking too much about their game before it releases, but Nintendo did just that. This is a day one purchase for me, so it’s fair to say I am still excited for its release on December 15th (don’t worry Jake I’ll still make it to your wedding!). Just, next time they want to talk about an important first party title like Metroid Prime 4 or a new Fire Emblem game, please don’t use two thirds of your conference to provide intricate details about the new lens flare effects or individual strands of hair on Marth’s head.

6 Tips For Getting Started in Xenoblade Chronicles 2

While the story isn’t as engaging as I anticipated, I can’t help but praise the art style, wonderful world, satisfying and sometimes challenging combat, and intricate systems. So without further ado, I present five tips and hints for starting your journey through Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

Author: Nathan Doverspike

After almost a dozen hours in the breathtakingly beautiful world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, I feel it is safe to say I’m definitely enjoying my time with it. The JRPG, which is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, caps of a brilliant first year for the versatile new console. While the story isn’t as engaging as I anticipated, I can’t help but praise the art style, wonderful world, satisfying and sometimes challenging combat, and intricate systems. So without further ado, I present six tips and hints for starting your journey through Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

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1. The Map is Your Best Friend

This one seems obvious, and it should be. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a massive world, with countless side quests which combined together can understandably be overwhelming at first. I found it best to consult the map if I ever had trouble finding where certain side quests wanted me to go (indicated by blue diamond with white question mark inside). The main quest has been fairly simple to track, since it is denoted by magenta diamonds with white exclamations marks inside, but even then I have gotten turned around once or twice. Just keep in mind that you CAN navigate over large roots to trees in the left part of the map where the gold person is found on the image above. I found that out after an hour of wandering around and then getting slaughtered by a level 75 King Kong-looking monster.

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2. Spend Time Exploring the Menus

Like many JRPG’s, this game has A LOT of systems working simultaneously during battles. Whether it is upgrading your Arts, Affinity grid, or unlocking new Blades, there is always something that can be improved in your party if you know where to look.  The Affinity Chart above is a great example of all the upgrades available for completing certain tasks explained for each bubble. One might require you to revive a companion a single time in order to receive 20% extra health from potions dropped from enemies, while another may require you to enter 10 battles in order to get a permanent boost to physical defense. These may not seem like much, but you will appreciate that extra defense and health from potions when the battle lasts 10+ minutes and you have a skill that specifically drops health from enemies.

3. Don’t Expect Too Much From the Story

This one comes off as negative, but it isn’t meant to be. Setting your expectations appropriately for this game will help you enjoy it much more. After the great story from the original, I had high hopes for this one to continue that trait. It might fall flat on its face at times, and the lip syncing during cut-scenes might be laughably bad at times, but the game play and intricate systems make up for it. It won’t win any awards for the story it appears to be telling, but if you can get past that it will reward you with everything else it has to offer.

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4. Grinding Isn’t Just Necessary, It’s Also Fun

Games like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 usually feature some form a grinding, whether it’s White Knight Chronicles, FFXV, games from the Tales series. Grinding is something that is expected and can even be relaxing if you do what I do and throw on a podcast to listen to while you go through the motions for an hour or so each night, chipping away bit by bit at your slowing increasing experience bar. I haven’t found the grind to be too cumbersome at this point, and hope it doesn’t become frustrating come late game content. The enemies have interesting designs, and rounding a couple up can result in fantastically engaging battles that leave you nearly out of breath and HP by the end. A dozen hours in, and I look forward to spending some more time fighting the denizens of Alrest.

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5. Timing is Everything

Whether you are scavenging the clouds for treasure or fighting a plethora of monsters all at once, timing is everything. Whenever you choose to scavenge for treasure, you will be presented with button prompts. Hitting the corresponding button on screen while it is inside the inner circle in every prompt will result in better rewards from the dive, and can get interesting once you progress farther into the game and encounter enemies that are over 20 levels above you when you arrive on land.

Button prompts are also a key element of battles. While using your special attacks, depending on which ones you use with different weapons, you’ll have the opportunity to hit the correct buttons to do exponentially more damage. Timing your abilities just after landing a hit (auto-attack or Art) will increase the damage even further, so it is entirely possible to turn the tide of a lopsided battle in seconds once you begin to master the system.

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6. Tackle Named Monsters of Equal Level

During my time, I encountered a few named enemies that may look like normal enemies, but are denoted by a special symbol and are much more difficult to bring down. I attempted to bring a level 12 beast down when I was level 15, and after 10 minutes of intense button pressing and frantically running to pick up dropped potions, I felled the beast and received numerous rewards for their defeat. I highly recommend trying to tackle some of these once you gain three characters simultaneously in your party. The monster I took down wasn’t overwhelmingly challenging, and I felt great afterwards! They even have a little gravestone where they were that allows you to fight them again should that be something you wish to do.

Overall, I’ve had a great experience with Xenoblade Chronicles 2, despite a few frame rate stutters and the occasional annoying character. It is a JRPG after all, and I can’t stop looking ahead and getting excited about what awesome Blades I will be able to unlock or wonder how this connects to the original game.

Have you picked it up yet? If you have, are you enjoying it so far? Let me know in the comments!

Unboxing The New Super Mario Odyssey Wired Controller Plus for Nintendo Switch

Not only does it have added features and components that competitors don’t bother to include, the reasonable price point of $29.99 should be a definite buy for anyone looking for a new Switch controller.

Author: Nathan Doverspike

I just got home from a quick  trip to the local gaming store, and saw they had one more of these sitting on the shelf. Seeing as I need a second controller for my Switch anyway, I decided to pick it up and check it out. Keep reading for more images and impressions!

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Back of the box

 

Overall, the controller has a great feel to it. The buttons have a solid resistance, but not too hard that you can’t push them in all the way. It comes with a ten (10) foot cable, as well as three sets of interchangeable analog caps. This is a huge bonus, seeing as I like to wear mine down in a matter of months! The added caps have one set of concave and one set of convex, so they have both sides of that argument covered.

The design is solid, and the D-Pad doesn’t feel cheap like previous designs of other controllers (Xbox 360 original controller I’m looking at you!).

The back of the controller also has what the box describes as ‘soft-touch rubber grips for added comfort.’ And oh boy comfort it does provide! Instead of an almost slick feeling that an Xbox 360 controller has (I keep comparing it to this because that’s exactly how it looks and appears to imitate) this controller shouldn’t have the same problem of slipping out of someone’s hands if they happen to get a little sweaty (we’ve all been there don’t be ashamed).

To be honest, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! Not only does it have added features and components that competitors don’t bother to include, the reasonable price point of $29.99 should be a definite buy for anyone looking for a new Switch controller. Well done, Power A, well done indeed.

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Closeup on the face of the controller

 

 

 

 

 

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Triggers compared to an Xbox 360 controller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Games to Play When The Real World is Too Real (Updated List)

These games are adorable, fun, and generally a blast to play through.  So, without further ado, let’s dig in! UPDATED for 2018!

Author: Nathan Doverspike          

With all the protests, debates, angry social media posts, and just general unease, I figured now would be a good time to make a list of games that I feel help me deal with the real world (when it becomes too real). These games are adorable, fun, and generally a blast to play through.  So, without further ado, let’s dig in! UPDATED for 2018!

Super Mario Odyssey

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Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Released: Oct. 2017

This game was such a delight to play through! Every world brought a new child-like wonder, as well as dozens and sometimes hundreds of more collectibles to discover. From a samurai castle, a world made of food, and a massive forest are just some of the areas you will explore as the world’s most famous plumber. The music is equally as pleasant as the ascetics, and adding coop doesn’t hurt either, even if it isn’t as robust as it could be.

de Blob 2

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de Blob 2. Where painting buildings is legal and encouraged!

Platforms: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS

Released: Feb. 2011

While the first title, de Blob, was released exclusively for the Wii, the sequel graced the current generation of consoles in 2011.  The game follows a colorless blob as he brings color back to the world and defeats the evil INKT Corporation.  The art style is awesome, but the catchy music is just as good and will have you bobbing your head in no time at all.  With giant levels, the ability to mix colors, fun power-ups, and overall beautiful aesthetics, this game will get you into a joyful mood and groove instantly.

Yoshi’s Woolly World

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Yoshi’s Woolly World is strung together with magical yarn.

Platforms: Wii U

Released: Oct. 2015

This game is wonderful!  Being able to play the whole game cooperatively on one tv is something few games feature anymore, and something on which Yoshi’s Woolly World thrives.  Everything in the game, from the enemies to Yoshi itself, is made of gorgeous yarn art.  I cannot stress enough how beautiful every character, background, enemy, and boss are in this masterpiece!  Numerous power-ups that change how you play the game (like being unable to die from falling into pits or magnetically attracting items to your character throughout a level) make completing the game enjoyable for kids and adults alike.  While some of the later levels do become challenging, the overall experience of finding all the secret areas and unlocking dozens of different Yoshi yarn characters is something I hope everyone with a Wii U is able to experience! (Note: the game is releasing in Feb. 2017 on 3DS as Poochi & Yoshi’s Woolly World with all the content of the previous game and new levels focused on the yarn dog Poochi).

Kirby’s Epic Yarn

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Kirby’s Epic Yarn. Look how cute Kirby is!

Platforms : Wii, Wii U on eShop

Released: Oct. 2010

Noticing a pattern here?  The Wii and Wii U have some amazing first party titles, and Kirby’s Epic Yarn is another great example of beautiful aesthetics combined with simple yet satisfying gameplay to warm any gamer’s heart.  Similar to Yoshi’s Woolly World, Kirby has been transformed into yarn and needs to save the day!  Instead of sucking up enemies, Kirby now uses a whip (like in Kirby’s Dream Land) to defeat his foes.  It’s cute (oh my goodness is it!), has precise controls, and is fully cooperative throughout the charming adventure.  Did I mention it’s adorable, ‘cause it rivals Yoshi’s Woolly World as one of the most stunningly beautiful games I have ever played.

 Little Big Planet 2

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Little Big Planet 2’s player created levels are definitely worth checking out!

Platforms: Playstation 3

Released Jan. 2011

Ok, so I don’t know what it is about yarn characters, but I think I have an unhealthy obsession with them in video games.  Released in 2011, Little Big Planet 2 is a creative platformer that expanded on everything offered in the original, while giving players new ways to play.  You are able to create levels (not just platforming levels) that are so cool that you have to check them out!  I won’t spoil some of surprises in store, but let’s just say you can face off versus zombies and also go back to the future!  Also fully cooperative on a single system, this game allows you to play community levels from creators around the world, as well as create your own masterpieces.  Even if you aren’t into creating levels, a lengthy campaign with cute dialogue and interesting level design will hold your interest for quite some time.

Now it’s time for you to tell me, have you played any of these titles?  Are there ones that you feel I missed?  Comment and email us to let us know!

Five Things I Like About the Nintendo Switch

Author: Nathan Doverspike

As I raised my fists in victory, glowing as I watched the Nintendo Live Press Conference for the Switch last night, I realized just how excited I am for this ambitious device.  While the design is sleek, the controllers look comfortable (if slightly diminutive), and it looks easy enough to handle, I can’t express enough how encouraging their initial first year lineup appears on paper (and via the streamed video).  Below are the five things that excite me the most about the Nintendo Switch.

  1. The Design

This one is an obvious first choice.  While initially skeptical of a design that closely mirrors the failed Wii U controller, the tablet itself appears thin and comfortable to hold (per recent sources).  While the Wii U had a good concept, I never quite understood the weight to the device, or the fact that it felt like my hands were always too far apart for it to feel like an actual controller.  Hopefully this one gets it right.

  1. The Detachable Joy-Cons

While most knew about the detachable Joy-Cons since the initial design was leaked, no one was able to report on how they felt or looked for sure.  Now, we know that there are “shoulder” buttons built in to the side for use when apart from the main console.  Also, you can hold them apart just like you could with the nunchuk and Wii remote.  The freedom that gives your hands is something no other console can offer, and that’s always a plus.

  1. The Launch Lineup

It was speculated that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild would miss the initial launch window.  Thankfully, our doubts were vanquished when Nintendo confirmed that it would, in fact, be released alongside the Switch (and this awesome collector’s edition is something to swing a sword at).

Also, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe looks beautiful and will release within two months of the console being available.  Breath of the Wild alone should be enough to satisfy the hardcore fans long enough for other promising titles to reach our anxious paws.

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  1. All of the Unique Games Announced

Now, I know that not all of the titles announced will be out anytime soon, let alone this year.  However, that doesn’t mean that a brand-new Shin Megami Tensei game on console or Fire Emblem Heroes isn’t enough to get me all fired up.  In particular, Super Mario Odyssey looks like a blast (minus the lifelike people in that trailer, boy they looked rough) and the super interesting Project Octopath Traveler have me licking my gaming chops.

  1. The Possibilities Ahead

This is my last point, and as such is somewhat ambiguous. Instead of focusing on a singular topic, I want to expand it to all the possibilities for this new console.  I know they haven’t announced or even mentioned Metroid yet, but how cool would it be to play a brand new Metroid game on a portable system that isn’t as limited as the 3DS?  To be able to take a console quality Metroid game on the go would be a dream come true!  Plus, with the added power,  the Switch could serve as a great return to form for a legitimate 2D Castlevania game that rivals SotN.

Those are my thoughts for now.  Feel free to comment or email us with any questions: officialgoldenagegamers@gmail.com