RedShell

Figured it'd be nice to have a separate thread for this, even though it's very early days and we still don't know exactly what it'll be. I'm all for an enhanced version of MK8 though, especially with new characters and (hopefully) tracks! :awesome: The move back to a dual item setup is a more complicated matter, however. I've gotten very accustomed to the way it works in MK8 now, and do like how there's less emphasis on defensive play like that. But we shall see... The best thing about all this, is that it gives the impression we'll be playing Mario Kart on Switch sooner rather than later, perhaps even at launch! So yeah, what does everyone else think. Looking forward to more MK in the style of MK8, or would you prefer a completely new game built from scratch?

So, Nintendo Switch ey? Well I'm liking the name, and that "click" sound effect they got going on in the trailer. The logo... not so much. But anyway, as for the system itself I'm very happy the hybrid thing ended up being the real deal, as this should massively improve the situation with Nintendo's own software output. It's pretty difficult to tell at this point, but I am slightly concerned about the size of the Switch (particularly its width) when the controllers are attached. It just seems a bit on the big side in order to be comfortably portable. Build quality is another concern (although Nintendo has a fantastic track record in that department) I wonder how durable the connection points will be. Would be pretty bad if the Joy-Con controllers became wobbly over time. As for the Joy-Con controllers, I like the look of using one in each hand, that seems like it could be pretty comfy, but holding just one of them sideways... yeah, not so sure about that. Also, I take it both of these things will have their own battery inside (which charges while connected to the screen+dock, or the controller attachment thingy) but with them being so tiny I do wonder about the battery life here. To be honest though I don't see myself using the Switch in its portable multiplayer mode very much (if at all) so in a way I would've preferred a version without detachable controllers that could've perhaps been a little bit smaller/more portable too. But yeah, the fact we're getting a system with home console specifications in a handheld form-factor is certainly impressive, and I was always going to be getting one for Nintendo's games anyway. Looking forward to more info and a proper look at the games, especially this "new" Mario Kart. Probably. I'm going to be disappointed now though if that's the only reason for it.

Hilarious. Now activate the Pikachu amiibo for use in MK8 and Super Mario Maker!

Wow, quite a bit to take in here! I'm still trying to get my head around it all. Will post some thoughts tomorrow. That struck me as being quite strange too, but I'm pretty sure there's a good reason for it. Yeah, I reckon that small section of screen will provide notifications when the system is docked, like so: Or it really is just there to annoy you, we shall see.

Indeed. Strange things can happen though: Surprisingly I've never done that before, I probably will now though.

Not sure how it is on Vita and Wii U, but on iOS you always have the relevant section of the map on screen in the top right corner, and can tap on it to quickly see the full map. But yeah, great game. I really enjoyed it too.

Nope. You didn't link that vid correctly though, so let's fix that so we can listen to the awesome Unfurl Block music yet again!: Big band/Jazz is just such a great fit for Mario, and Nintendo's composers and musicians are masters at it now.

I had a go on the demo yesterday and have got to say I'm not feeling it at all. Really hate the look they've gone with for this version, especially the larger character designs. The camera angle is often pretty bad too, I'm assuming it's set like this for technical reasons (this is Game Freak after all ) but yeah, not liking that. Then there's the fact that it just seems like I've seen and done it all before. They've obviously added new stuff, but it still feels so formulaic to me. Was already getting bored a few minutes into the demo! Anyway, I'm happy for those that are still digging it, but reckon I'll wait and see what NX brings (if anything ) to the Pokémon franchise before jumping back in.

Super Mario Kart Although I fully recognise MK8 as the best Mario Kart, SMK is still my favourite. I just love everything about that game, the way it plays (yes, even the unfair AI ) the visuals, the SFX and music... all perfect. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Yeah, another fun monster hunting session. I completely lost it on the one when we were chasing after a limping Uragaan in the volcano area. My cat was in rage mode so I triggered its infinite attack combo to follow Uragaan (not sure why either, as it was already quite far ahead ) but Glen-i's hunter then got caught in my path, and so kept flinching almost the entire way to the next area. Was also funny when I kept failing at "covering a poo" (that's setting a trap to anyone who isn't familiar with my silly custom messages ) comedy moments like these are what make Monster Hunter so enjoyable for me. Anyway, glad to see Glen-i finally unlock his HR. Although he seemed slightly disappointed not to reach triple digits. We were actually a bit too good on that quest, as there are a few more surprises on the high rank version, which we didn't get to see because Narkarkos was already dead.

I'd rather Nintendo fully consolidate their software development with NX, as to avoid any chance of the kind of droughts we got with 3DS and Wii U especially. While I do agree there are titles that won't necessarily work well on a handheld and vice versa, the option to play those kinds of games in the preferable manner will still exist if it is a hybrid system anyway. The way I see it, the only chance the NX has of being successful in the current market (unless there's a drastic change in the 3rd party situation, which is super unlikely) is for Nintendo to maintain a sizeable and above all consistent flow of their own games to the system. I don't want them to faff about with specific games for handheld or home play. Everything should be playable on both, and just keep churning them out as fast as possible!

@Glen\-i & @S\.C\.G I may join you at 8. Er... I mean 20:00!

So I only just discovered there's an alternate title screen:

Yep, I've also reached the point of actively trying to avoid most battles. Actually get pretty annoyed whenever I mess up and get jumped by an enemy now. Those occasional Kamek battles are super annoying too. It's a shame, as everything else in the game is so much fun. But the battle system really needed further streamlining and better rewards I reckon. Indeed.Also love that Sticker Star's rendition of SMB3's cursed king theme is back too. Makes getting those Big Paint Stars all the more rewarding. Mesmerising.

I love how the stats of my little cat actually became a target to reach for your hunters. I'm able to play from either 17:30-19:30, or 20:00-22:00, so pick from one of those (the other will be Paper Mario time ) and I'll be happy to "assist" you.

I actually have no problem with that whatsoever, but still think they might include optional retro SMB skins for the game.As In-App Purchases, of course.

Isn't Super Mario Run already the first game/app to use this notification thingy on the app store? 20 million signups with over a month to launch is indeed pretty crazy though. Man, such a weird situation. But yeah... what a time to be alive.

Yeah, thanks for the hunts.Sorry I wasn't around for long, and for being very rusty. Over a month since I last played though, so I'll probably need to do a few more quests before my prowler is back to his usual self. It's still disappointing how the prowler DLC always seems to be so inferior to the set I already use, as I love the look of the DLC gear, but can't switch to it without taking a massive hit to attack and defence. So yeah, you end up just giving that stuff to your palicoes, like I did yesterday with the Mega Man outfit. I wanna be Mega Man cat though!

While not the kind of stuff I'd really listen to outside of the game itself, I did like the music and also thought it was a good fit. Well, everything apart from that song on the credits, which was way too cheesy. Might just be me though, as I generally have a super low tolerance for vocals in game music. This track was probably my fave: Gave me a Zelda-ish vibe (as did quite a few aspects of the game) which is nice. You can tell the guys at DrinkBox have been heavily inspired by Metroid and Zelda, in both this and Guacamelee. I look forward to seeing their next project.

OK, ready when you are.

2 more games to add to my list, first is Ultratron. Not much to say about this one really, it was OK. Would've been way better without all the OTT SFX though. I disabled the ones that could be switched off from the options menu, but even then the game is still far too busy visually. Was a freebie on PS+ though, so can't really complain. And next up is a game I've been looking forward to playing for quite a while, Severed. Remember being pretty jealous of drahkon and Hero-of-Time back when they were playing it on the Vita. Was hoping a PS4 version would appear at some point, but obviously that never happened, so I was well chuffed when it was announced that the game would be coming to Wii U & 3DS. The funny thing is though, I actually ended up playing it on iPad. Yeah, when I discovered that the game was available on iOS for a fraction of the cost of the console versions, and also thought about how much better it would look and play on that screen, it was a no-brainer. Anyway, glad I finally got to play the game, as it was great! I really enjoyed the exploration and puzzles (even though they were very simple) and the combat was super fun too. Some truly superb touch screen controls in this. :awesome: Story is proper dark and some parts of the game are seriously gross, or at least they would be if it wasn't for the art style. I'd say it was pretty much perfect apart from the absolutely atrocious song that plays during the credits! No, just no. In other gaming diary news, I also reached level 30 on The Tomorrow Children! That should've got me the gold (and final) trophy for the game, but... it didn't. Yeah, unfortunately the trophy unlock glitched. I've since contacted Q-Games though, and they are working on a fix. Still can't belive the game didn't get a Platinum though, over 100 hours to earn the last trophy is surely more than enough reason to warrant one!

[tweet]786379589832601600[/tweet]I thought that was Paul O'Grady for a sec.

Have you been deleting stuff over time, or did you just not fill the system memory with everything you've saved/downloaded? Pretty sad Paper Mario is basically the final game for most of us. I could never box up my Wii U until the next Mario Kart is out though.

Sure thing. *sharpens claws*