S.C.G

Might as well just put my quote from the other thread in here... It's a really good move, when Mario Kart 8 Deluxe came out on the Switch, I wasn't surprised, it was the right time to do it, because even if you just take it on face value, it's an improved version of Mario Kart 8, with a more stable framerate, slight increase in resolution(?) and the hardware it runs on is a fraction of the size of the Wii U Gamepad, let alone the size of the console and the controller. There are plenty of people who never owned a Wii U, who bought a Switch, so this is a new Mario Kart game to them. And even those who supported the Wii U and bought the game when it originally released, Mario Kart 8 DX is still worth picking up if you play it often enough. Adding DLC to a title which has "Deluxe" in the title, might seem contradictory, but for its time of release, being that the game will have been out for around five years even on the Switch, it's definitely worth it to get a bit more life out of the game. Especially as personally, it felt like I was playing the game on auto-pilot whenever I'd play it online, so some new tracks to learn are very welcome. Plus I now have a reason to renew my Nintendo Switch Online subscription, when I let lapse late last year... by the time these tracks start to be released, it will have been around six months since I last had NSO active on my account. It might only be £17.99 a year for the basic subscription, but a £9 saving is still worth it, and if you take that "saving" off the ShopTo price of the DLC pass, then all of these new tracks, have only cost £7 which seems to be pretty good value.

Well... you see... It's just that... ...I don't drink anymore. (genuinely... the last time I had a drink was almost a year ago, and even that was because I felt obligated to drink)

Nice find. At that price, I ordered two, as I know my brother will want the new tracks as well. It'll be time to renew my Nintendo Switch Online subscription in March then. (I'm just going for the basic tier, as the N64/MD games and temporary access to the Mario Kart 8 tracks/AC dlc isn't worth it to me) Also, it looks like its been almost three years since I last ordered anything on ShopTo.

(Quoting in General Retro Discussion as I didn't want to derail the Kirby thread) Your N64 collection could well be worth that. If you're curious about its value, you might want to check as you may be surprised at what some of the games are worth. Of course, if you're attached to the original boxes, manuals, carts etc, then its worth is irrelevant, as they will be worth more to you in your collection. - - - - - I used to have quite a few N64 games, but I decided to reduce the collection by about half, just keeping the main games I grew up with, or which have either memories attached to them, or save files which I want to keep, but even then, I'm considering keeping even less. One case in point, is the original Super Smash Bros. as I don't have as much attachment to it, but then again... I may just keep it, just to highlight the difference between the base game, and Smash Remix which I'm definitely considering checking out, as I do like seeing what can be done with enhanced versions of original N64 games. I really like the GameCube as well, but there are titles on that machine which I know that I'll realistically never play again, so I have started parting with some of the games already, particularly ones which come with large peripherals, because as cool as they are, it really is just the novelty value. While the Switch isn't retro, I paired down the amount of physical games I had ages ago, and I'm still looking at a shelf of sixty games, which seems like far too many... and I must have had twice or three times that amount a couple of years ago... The SNES collection is quite concise, though that has been reduced because I didn't really want to keep the rare/obscure/import titles, because I just don't play them these days, and if I did, there are other official options available now, including VC (downloaded before the eShop cut off date) on the Wii etc... plus the Wii in itself is another console which I'll likely only be playing titles which support the GameCube contoller, as I really don't like going back to the Wii-mote, just as I don't tend to play games with the Joy-Con on the Switch. There are plenty of great games on the portable Nintendo consoles as well, though I think I'll be looking at those more critically soon. I can see a fair few GameBoy games being kept, but when it comes to DS and 3DS, of course there are some great games on the system, but there are probably only a certain amount that I still want to play or would replay. I'd definitely say, it's worth keeping any game you have, if you really think that you're going to play it, or if you're attached to it in any way. But for those games which you know that you'll probably never play again, it could be worth considering selling, especially if you either need to get a bit of money back from your collection, or if you need the space. - - - - - How do you view your Retro Videogame Collection now, compared to when you first started collecting? Is it still worth it? Have you found any bargains or gotten a lot of value out of certain games? Are there certain games which you keep coming back to? I think it's worth putting as much into it, as you get out of it. I've obtained value from replaying titles such as PSO, thanks to recently obtaining an ASCII Keyboard controller for the GameCube. Aside from that, it's either the classic games or fan-made variations/restorations which still interest me, mostly due to the passion and creativity behind them. I don't always post about retro games, but when I do, it's about N-E thing but playing them. (aside from PSO and a handful of titles)

Yes, I'm fine with the tracks being set out, but when it comes to vehicle restrictions, such as the Bikes Only nights, in particular the one with the slick tyres etc... (I know that was the point, as it's meant to be a terrible theme, but still) that's when it stops being fun. And when the fun stops, it's best to stop playing at that point. If there are no vehicle restrictions though, then no worries.

Nintendo Direct 09/02/2022 Roundup Now up on the main page. Press release, and video in the article. As far as Nintendo Direct's go? It was pretty good. Nothing really unexpected, but some well-received announcements, taken at face-value.

Should the thread title be changed to... "Will Mario Kart 9 be released?" At this point, might as well turn the "8" on its side... "Mario Kart Infinity" It's a good business move, Mario Kart 8 still sells... lots... and the best thing they could do for it is to add more tracks. Even if this is a move to recoup losses(?) or investment from Mario Kart Tour, it's clearly worth doing. Now it's a case of, once all the tracks have been released, by the end of next year?!? Will there be a retail release titled "Mario Kart 8 DX/Plus/Ultimate"?

1. Would you be interested in taking part? Yes. Now that I've established that the cost is £22.99 for all the DLC, this is something I will likely buy and renew my Nintendo Switch Online subscription for. 2. What day and time works best for you? Thursdays I can make, if it's at 8pm and if the session lasts the usual 45 mins - an hour. After that, it's a case of "Got to go, time for PSO" as that's the only game I'm regularly still playing each week... yes, this means that my GameCube gets more online play time than the Switch, or any other console currently. I can also attend Friday or Saturday as well though, so whatever works best for everyone. 3. Do you want scores to be tracked? I'm not bothered about the scores, and I appreciate that a lot of energy goes into keeping score etc... but if not many people are bothered about the scores, it might be best to just have this as a "N-E one for Mario Kart?" night or something, rather than it being a league. Or still keep score if you want, I don't mind either way. 4. Should Theme Nights be bought back? Theme nights, is as far as, specific tracks and characters yes, but on those theme nights when you have to "choose" a bike over a kart, I'd be less inclined to play, as it's just not enjoyable for me personally. I have tried to play using the bikes on these nights, I can use some of them, but certain bikes, with certain tyre setups etc just feel 'broken' to me. If they are supposed to handle like that, fair enough... but I prefer the karts.

Now there's an idea... I usually just post the press release, but I could potentially add in a few "awards" to liven it up a bit. "And the "N-E point?" award goes to... Wandering Around Aimlessly, the new walking simulator by Indie studio We Make Games, which puts you in the role of a non-descript character, who has been tasked with... wandering, through an endless, proceedurely-generated side-scrolling landscape, devoid of any interesting features, with the ultimate goal being nothing in particular. Coming to the Nintendo Switch eShop on February, 29th 2022."

Nintendo Direct to be broadcast today Now up on the main page. Zero hype, expectations, or expended energy into the hypothetical from me... ...though it will be interesting to see what's revealed in the moment. The usual Roundup article will be up on the main page later tonight. See you in just under twelve hours.

Nintendo eShop new releases (week 04) The fourth week of releases, (just gone) sees 2 retail titles, 40 new digital games, 9 DLC's and 4 demo's added to the eShop. I've highlighted some of the games which stand out for various reasons. The headings may change each week but are currently... Highlight / Deal of the Week / Award for... / & Worth checking out (This (last) weeks article is later again, the next one (this weeks) will be posted... dreckly) Check the article for the full roundup.

Math Gym is certainly a strong candidate for next weeks article. (this weeks releases) As for this week's article (last week's releases) which will likely be up on the site later. This title is looking like it will win the "award"... https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Starlight-Shores-2163974.html#Overview

Nintendo eShop new releases (week 03) The third week of releases, (just gone) sees 53 new digital games, 7 DLC's and 3 demo's added to the eShop. I've highlighted some of the games which stand out for various reasons. The headings may change each week but currently... Main Highlight / Deal of the Week / Award for... / Worth reading the writeup / & Looking for this? (I'm expanding the write-ups, while finalising the format, this (last) weeks is later again, the next one (this weeks) will probably be posted sooner) Check the article for the full roundup.

Welcome to the World of Pokémon!

Nintendo eShop new releases (week 02) This second week of releases, (just gone) sees 17 new digital games, 5 DLC's and 4 demo's added to the eShop. There are some Platformers, Fighting Games, and a cel-shaded Racing title. Highlight this week is the shmup Eschatos, which seems to be a solid title for just over £20, lncluding two extra Wonderswan shmups as well. Check the article for the full roundup.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land gets a new trailer and release date Now up on the main page. Full press release, and trailer, plus the release date. It looks like a really well-made and imaginative 3D Kirby game. The temptation of potentially purchasing the game on release day is there, though we shall see.

Nintendo eShop new releases (week 01) First week of new releases on the eShop for this year. It seems to be mostly Platformers, Puzzle Games and a 3D Retro-Styled Beat 'em Up, amongst other titles. Check the article for the full roundup.

N-Europe Turns Twenty-Four Five days after the date, with a repurposed banner from two years ago, but it's up on the main page. Some ramblings, observations and gratitude for this site, forum and everyone who has made it all possible. There's some Nintendo game related talk, especially as this site started with the N64, and the platform has renewed interest thanks to Nintendo Switch Online. At least we have (almost) a year to potentially prepare for the next anniversary. Thanks, everyone. And all the best for the year ahead.

Out of those games, I'd pick The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword because it seems to be a solid remake of a game which was well designed, and it gives you more ways to play. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is also a good remake, but it does seem to lose a lot of charm that the original had, while offering various improvements. Pokémon Sword & Shield are decent games, though I couldn't get into them, I know that they offer a new take on the old formula, plus there are expansions if you like the base game. Pokémon Diamond & Pearl seems to be decent remakes, though they aren't without their drawbacks, though I would say it's worth checking out our review if you're interested. Although, I haven't played any of these games for more than a few hours, I did complete Skyward Sword the first time on the Wii and enjoyed it, same for Pokémon Diamond version on the DS, though I seem to recall the game becoming drawn out towards the end, and Link's Awakening is a classic title, I'd still say that the GB/GBC version is more enjoyable, but there are parts of the Switch remake which are well done.

Nintendo eShop new releases (week 51) Last weeks eShop releases, featuring a few interesting highlights... Arcade Archives: Xexex is a horizontally scrolling shooter game from *Konami. Pure Chase 80's appears to be a high-octane arcade racing title which pays homage to classic racing games. Check the article for the full roundup. *(The words Konami and game in the same sentence?!?)

Aspire: Ina's Tale is out now on the Nintendo Switch eShop Now up on the main page. Press release and launch trailer, plus this title is currently 25% off until 16/01/2021. There should be a full N-Europe review of this game available on the main page soon. (It will likely be the first N-E review for 2022)

Nintendo Indie World 15/12/2021 Presentation Roundup All up on the main site, N-Europe's Roundup of the presentation. Full press release and video. No expectations = no disappointment.

Indeed, one side effect or unintended consequence if you like (though perhaps intentional?) of these monthly subscriptions is that the price of what used to be standard, boxed, physical games, do seem to be lowering at a significant rate, so if you've got any old PS4 or Xbox One games (soon to apply to PS5 and Xbox One X games possibly) that you don't play any more, then it might be worth considering selling them, while they are still worth even a few pounds. Of course, if you don't subscribe to these services and still buy physical games, chances are games will be a lot cheaper, and become more affordable at a quicker rate, so if you intend to buy one or two games throughout the year and don't mind waiting, then you probably won't be paying much for them. Though I suppose if you only play one or two games a year, you could sign up for a trial of one of these services, play the games you wanted to check out, and then cancel. Either way, modern physical games are seemingly becoming almost disposable on Xbox and Playstation platforms with the introduction of these services. It's nice to have options, but at the rate things seem to be going, physical games could well be phased out, at least on Xbox and Playstation, with the only way to get them being limited print runs for those that still want them. Personally, I'm not too bothered any more, I've collected games for a while, and I've often advocated for physical games in the past but if you don't form that much of an attachment to modern games, in the same way as a lot of older games, then they might as well just be cheap and accesible. Thousands of digital distractions at your finger tips, all on a pay-monthly service... I can see the appeal, even if it's something I'm unlikely to invest in.

I just had a look, nothing of any real interest which would persuade me to buy anything on the eShop right away. But then, I'm not as interested in games as I used to be, so this isn't that surprising to me. I did see plenty of 'good deals' as in games which are likely decent and would be worth buying at the sale price. The collection of Castlevania Advance titles is now around £14... the recently launched Gynoug is around £4... It's an old horizontally-scrolling shooter which I've played on the Sega Mega Drive during the Nineties, it's a decent game, and this multiplatform digital port looks solid, it's certainly cheaper than buying an original cart, and the main difference I can see just from looking at the video, is that the audio isn't the same as the original, but then it wouldn't be, if you're not playing it on a Mega Drive, but it's still good enough that if you'd never played the game before, you could still enjoy it... the controls have apparently been revamped, plus it's a challenging title from what I can recall of it, in addition to having a really unique aesthetic. There are surely plenty of bargains, though I'd advise looking at them via the online store in a web browser, as opposed to on the eShop as it takes a fair while just to load the next few titles when you're scrolling through, I quit out of the eShop after looking through a few hundred titles, and only about maybe five games or so really stood out... it really depends on what kind of digital distraction you're looking for though, if you like shmups, there are plenty of good scrolling shooters I saw on sale, nearly all of the Sega Ages titles are on sale again etc... In summary... there are good deals, if they are the games that you're looking for, but if not... then there are no good deals.

There's at least three Sega published games on that list which I bought several years ago now, when Xbox games were first getting backwards compatibility updates. Well, one which I had from back in the day of its original release... Gunvalkyrie, which I haven't played since then. Also, Otogi & Otogi 2... both From Software games, puslished by Sega, I'd always been curious about those two titles. Chances are I'll give them a try now at least. And if they aren't my kind of game(s) then at least they will be more saleable to anyone else looking to check them out on an Xbox One / or Series X/S. Both of those Timesplitters games are great, I don't play many modern FPS games, but these are from around the era of FPS titles that I remember the most, though I've only played them on the GameCube, so it will be interesting to see how they hold up on a modern Xbox console. Beautiful Katamari is a notable Xbox 360 title which I'll likely try out as well, even though it's on the Switch now. If this really is the last backwards compatiblity update, due to licensing etc... then, it's still a decent offering, and I may have a few more reasons to load up my Xbox One again, the last time I did that was, a good month or two ago, and the update 'sort of' bricked my original Xbox One console... (it was a widespread issue which only affected the launch model of the console) but it could be fixed, though it did require a full console reset (which apparently deleted the save data on the machine, though not cloud storage) which still keeps the game data on the console at least. This latest update should already be a lot better, as the bar is pretty low now, all it has to do is not brick the console, and make all those backwards compatible games playable.