Glen-i

OK, I overlooked this the first time, but if you're gonna keep using this, I'll have to clarify. I'm ignoring the game, not even watched the trailer, or looked up info about what the game entails, but I'm not gonna ignore discussing the implications of how JK benefits from it. It's a valid concern, and I think there's merit to pointing it out.

Sorry, there's just no way this internet connection could handle Smash, I only barely got Mario Kart going.

She gets money from the usage of the IP. She not's completely separated from the project.

I'm afraid I won't be able to make it this week.

OK, now I've played the new tracks, I'm gonna rank them.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I have a pretty solid idea of what happened there. Currently, until the 22nd of March, you can't race on the new tracks online with random people. So people who are part of various N-Europe members' friends list gatecrashed the party, desperate to play them. They had no idea this was a pre-discussed event. Hence the complete chaos. @Clownferret had no excuse though. Don't expect it to happen next week. Speaking of, Thursday 8pm.

Stick to the theme, @Ike

It served me very well, thank you for that! Link to Discord voice chat Reposting the image for the new page.

Huh... Maybe it's possible that the "you can play if one person has the pass" doesn't apply to random rooms? So if one person doesn't have it, the tracks won't show up? Just a guess.

I've always been wary of games made to coincide with movie releases, even in the 90's, the tight deadline more often then not meant that a less then mediocre product was the result. So the only one I've ever tried was Philosopher's Stone on the PS1. This actually reviewed quite well at the time, and a lot of people seemed to enjoy it, but I don't know. It might be me just flat out disagreeing with the general consensus, or it might be the issue I run into with a lot of problems an N64 owner like me would have with 3D action games on the PS1, compared to the likes of Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, they just feel clunky. Playing those games first have ruined my tolerance for platform games from that era. Nowadays, the only games I'd be interested in are the Game Boy Colour ones, which are Turn-Based RPG's, quite good ones, apparently. But now, even though I know a copy would be second hand, so no money would get into Rowling's pocket, I just know there'd be a bad taste in the back of my throat playing it.

That's not how that works. The developers will have already been paid by Warner Brothers. How much it sells affects WB. Developers only get hurt by poor sales if it's a truly independent affair. Look, if you want to buy it, go right ahead. It'd be wrong for me to dictate what people spend their money on. And yes, there is some merit to "Death of the author", of which I normally support, but there is a line. And a very much live person supporting the removal of rights to a group of already persecuted people is one that rubs me the wrong way. Buying this game is not altruism.

Just a reminder that JK Rowling benefits from this, and that's a good enough reason for me to completely ignore it. It's depressing how much she's lost my respect, considering that I did literally queue outside a bookstore at midnight for the last book. Wish I could go back and tell my younger self to reconsider.

@lostmario has bought a Switch since the League stopped, so you might need to get a friend request from him. Although I have added him. I'm just covering my bases, just in case.

Now, I haven't actually played them yet (Waiting until 8pm tonight), but I refuse to believe that 3DS Toad Circuit is anything more then "meh". It's the first track of it's respective game, a game that already had gliding mechanics, and has a very standard figure-8 style layout with almost no obstacles, so unless some radical anti-grav shenanigans have been added to it, I see that being the dud of this lot. I would've chosen pretty much any other track over that one. DS Shroom Ridge is one I'm surprised is showing up again, I remember that one having a really catchy tune, so I'm looking forward to hearing the Mario Kart Band tackle that.

Really tempted to plug the Mario Kart session tonight at 8pm... Oh, too late.

I mean, yeah, they have a phrase that is always spot on with the AAA gaming industry. "They don't just want a lot of money, they want all the money."

It'd normally be times like this that I'd take solace in saying that you'd never see this kind of crap in Mario Kart. But I can't even say that anymore... I'm afraid it's gonna be like FIFA, people will complain and point out how scummy it all is, but the general public will have still lapped it up. Sony got their initial sales, they don't care anymore about getting more, they're going for the whales. It's gross.

Also, @Kounan, here's your reminder for tonight.

I'm not certain, but it seems like it's not a worldwide release. So some countries don't have it yet. That might be why. If you create a lobby for friends, however, it works.

This is important. The new tracks are part of the update, but you have to download the actual pass direct from eShop, even if you have an NSO Expansion Pack. Of course, you don't actually need it to take part, but do it now anyway. So make sure you have both the update and the pass before tonight's session. And speaking of... Tonight 8pm Just as a reminder, avoid choosing tracks that will have already been played during the Player's Choice section. So basically choose anything not from the Pass then. @BowserBasher, due to unforeseen circumstances, I'll have to use the internet connection where I am. It should do the job, as I tested it by racing against random people online, but I'm not totally confident it can hold. So I'm asking you to be host tonight. The room will open up at 7:45 pm. You can join by selecting "Friends and Rivals" and joining Simon. Don't be late, as we'll be starting at 8pm sharp. See ya then!

Yes, I had this issue as well, when I was double checking to make sure it downloaded. Just gonna commandeer your post for the other thread.

Before tomorrow, it'll probably be a good idea to provide some kind of method of voice chatting, seeing as the NSO app is spotty at the best of times. Here's a link to a Discord group for N-E members who want to get chatty. I'll add it to the first post as well.

Does that mean Bastion doesn't count as an "indie gem" then? Harsh...

The COVID pandemic may have postponed the plans for this, but it's finally here! The Pokémon World Championships! This year, the usually annual event will be based in the biggest city in the UK, the inspiration for the Galar region. The numerous tournaments will feature: Pokémon Sword & Shield Pokémon Trading Card Game Pokémon GO Pokémon Unite Pokkén Tournament DX The venue will be at the ExCeL London and will take place from the 18th August to the 21st. There will also be a temporary Pokémon Center at the same place from the 17th to the 21st. It's a good opportunity to go to one of these and watch a bunch of people who are way better at Pokémon then you are! It's also going to be the last World Championships of the eighth generation before Scarlet/Violet are released. As of now, there are no details on how to purchase a spectator badge, but I'll try to keep an eye out. This might be a good opportunity to get an N-E meetup going.

No, it's not Moltres time, don't get too excited. But also, GET EXCITED! It's 3 years late, but Pokémon World Championships is finally getting the London event we were promised back when Sword/Shield was released. It'll happen at the ExCeL London, from August 18th to the 21st. The games featured will be Sword/Shield, the real life Trading Card Game, GO, Unite, and Pokkén Tournament DX. There'll also be a temporary Pokémon Center Store opening there from the 17th of August to the 21st.