S.C.G

Thanks for the birthday thread @Ashley And thank you for the birthday wishes everyone, I did indeed have an amazing day I had a nice home-made meal and a piece of cake, it was ansum! (nice) ...about that relaxing part though, I couldn't resist... I uploaded the N-Europe's Top Ten GameCube Games article today, because the N-E community is amazing, so please enjoy reading it as there are some great comments in there. Plus I love the GameCube, so for me personally, it was nice to spend some time piecing everything together while listening to some great videogame soundtracks. So, I've had a pretty awesome day really... and NOW... now I'll go and play some games. But yes, going forward I'll be doing my best to balance my life a bit more and being part of the N-Europe community has definitely helped me over the years and I couldn't imagine not being a part of it, so I'm more than happy to give back in any way that I can... so while I know that I have done a fair bit for N-E, it's as much a help for me as it is for the site and the forum, plus I'm part of a great team of people who contribute enormously to this place as well. TL;DR - Cheers, I'm extremely grateful, you're all wonderful.

Here is the final article for our Top Ten GameCube Games. Thanks to @RedShell for the exceptional banner/side graphics. and @Glen-i plus @Dcubed once again for keeping this train rolling, there are some landmark titles in there which I'm glad to see that they got some great write-ups. Also thanks to the N-E community for contributing, the GC is a console where we've all got so much to say about it, which is wonderful. (my contribution was making the game banners in the article and getting it uploaded) I went back to pixel editing for the GameCube logo this time, I think it turned out better than I thought it would... which is nice. (also, bonus points for anyone who can tell where I sourced the majority of the images for the banners from) Enjoy! And here's to the next one.

And that's why Nintendo won't attempt making their own version of Mario Royale.

Nice, you're around where I was when I last played the game then. What level were you when you beat the first boss? I've levelled to 10 which feels about right, though I get the impression that the boss is probably meant to be beatable at half that. I also wanted to make sure I'd gotten everything I can in that area, but of course you can come back to it and I found out that there's around two or three places on the ship. Probably some kind of extra jumping ability is needed to get to those parts I reckon, anyway I can't wait to play some more of it in a bit.

Bump... I realise that the Korg Gadget on the Switch probably hasn't had as much love as it should have for various reasons. I know there was the issue around the lack of full touch-screen controls, also I just did a search and USB midi support was also something people have been asking for. Anyway... I saw this stream, in which they are adding Sega and Taito sound libraries complete with new gadgets... (go to the 26 minute mark) I thought this was really cool, then I went back and remembered the limitations of the Switch version, it's frustrating because if they were to update it now with full touch-screen support, USB midi interface for keyboards etc and slashed the price for a week then it would surely become a versatile tool for music making, especially for those of us who have a Switch but would never want or need anything like an overpriced branded tablet, the Switch is that sweet spot in the middle as the price is good for what it can do but just having a more sully featured version of the Korg Gadget would be an amazing addition to any Switch owners library. Maybe it will happen, maybe it won't but I can see that there's a lot of potential here... I might end up getting it anyway when these sound libraries come out, if it's on sale.

Yeah, I'd be up for some stock Smash at 8PM or just after or so. I may or may not have started playing Super Mario Maker 2 before then, I was planning on maybe firing it up for a "quick go" at 7PM so we'll see how that goes. But I plan to play some Smash as well.

Might Switch Force Collection releasing on July 25th on the eShop for around £15.99 or so. Easiset games to sell on the Switch, it's even in the title! Physical collection or no sale for this one. Skybolt Zack releasing in 2019 is a rhythm focused plaformer with reflex-based gameplay. Probably best to read the PR details and watch the trailer for this one as it looks good. Check the articles for more information.

I didn't realise there was a limit on the number of levels you can upload. I mean... It doesn't say that there's a limit on the number you can store locally, so that's something but I suppose it means you're just going to put your very best courses online. Still... 32 courses? I'm sure 100 per user would have been a more sensible amount. Surely @RedShell will have maxxed out his amount of permitted uploaded levels within the week.

Up on the front page, great game which I played a few years ago on the PS4. If I recall correctly I just started playing it one evening when I wasn't feeling too good and it really lifted my spirits. I know that the story isn't really that cheerful but it's just the way that it's all put together is just charming. Anyway, I'm not about to spoil What Remains of Edith Finch for anyone but it is out on the Switch eShop on May 4th for (probably) £15.99 I won't be buying it digitally because I already have it on the PS4 but... a physical release would absolutely make me double dip on it.

I had a CEX voucher to use up, so I got this, seeing as it just came out, hopefully I'll get a copy that's in good as new condition, I hope so anyway. I know, the game will probably be £25 in two months but, it's a game that I want in my collection and that I plan to play.

Personally, I thought that should have been the pull quote for the review.

I haven't been keeping a strict running total but I just unsealed a load of 2017 Switch games (before the gold coins expire within 2 years ot release date) and on top of the £4 in points I already had from the last unsealing session, I managed to get over £12 in coins. Which I then spent on Sega Ages Virtua Racing and Wonder Boy in Monster Land because they came out today and that's what spurred me on to finally claim those points which would have otherwise been lost, you don't get a huge amount of points as it is from physical games, but due to the sheer amount of Switch titles I have now, it does mean that I get a few free digital titles, which is nice. Some games only give you around 25 points or so, the most I've seen is 63 on certain titles such as the ones published by Nicalis, the best one was probably Bayonetta 2 because I got 50 points for the second game, then I redeemed the code for Bayonetta (finally) and got 150 points because of it being a digital title, that took me over the amount I needed with 63 coins to spare. I've probably redeemed gold coins from maybe 35 games now? But after doing a count... that's only around a third of my physical collection... I'll let you know what the rest amount to but I will just say that certain Limited Run Games don't always work, so it might not be as much as you'd think... in any case, with physical games I'm not really in it for the gold coins but when I do get to redeem some, it's a nice bonus.

You know what? I was considering playing this game at some point soon, for similar reasons too but also because I really enjoyed playing Explorers of Sky as well. I have a feeling that I'd probably enjoy it, I picked up Shiren the Wanderer a while back too with the intention to play through it but I might save that one for another time.

in

I played the game for an hour last night, now admitedly, I'm still on the Ship... as I decided to grind to level 10 but... I didn't have any real issues. Though it seems most of the problems people are encountering are later on in the game, at the moment I'm enjoying it anyway.

Another plug for the new page... Super Mario Maker 2 Review written by @Ashley

Same again, all the Zelda amiibo are back in stock.

No big deal, I just wanted to make sure we didn't miss any as the above video was posted around the same time as the previous one. It's bad when we end up getting complacement about posting these videos, as if the exploits of AAA publishers and storefronts isn't even surprising any more. But these videos definitely need to be shared if we're to hope for anything to change... oh and stopping buying certain games will help, by a small margin. This is the thing... if everyone stopped buying certain games, things would soon change but then... that's unlikely, we can say the same for lots of things though. Ultimately it comes down to that same quote... (often used in Jimquisition videos) "Insanity is doing the exact same, fucking thing and expecting things to change" - Far Cry series (2015)? By the same token, I suppose just posting videos here won't necessarilly change anything on its own, but it's something. I don't know about anyone else, but I've really been trying to change the way I buy games recently, or rather don't and I've even gotten rid of games from publishers I no longer like due to their practices... games which, let's face it... I wasn't ever going to prioritise anyway, so what's the point in even owning them? Some of these titles I should have known that I wasn't going to enjoy in the first place but the continuing practices of these companies just solidifies my decision to get rid of these titles and they won't be getting any more of my money in the future if I can help it.

The Super 64 is certainly a step in the right direction, I saw comparison images of it yesterday though and I wasn't exactly blown away by them and the video is no different sadly. Also, it's $150... I got an RGB modded N64 and a high quality RGB Scart lead for less than that and this model of the Super 64 is NTSC only but they are working on a PAL version. I mention that in case anyone is tempted to buy one for their PAL systems because as I understand it, this initial model won't work with those systems. While I know the difference in image quality isn't ever going to be amazing on an N64, I've had much better results with an RGB cable, but then... this is a HDMI plug 'n play solution. Some choice comments from underneath the video... So it's still a good product, for what it is but just be wary of its limitations, though it's definitely less hassle than getting a modded N64 and an RGB Scart cable. I wouldn't go expecting the same results as an HDMI modded N64 though, that's the best current option but it's expensive and the difference between it and RGB Scart is minimal. Hope this information helps.

Switch Update: Immediate update plans and localization news Hello everyone, today we have an update on our progress regarding the Switch version of the game and an update on localization. Regarding localization, we’ve been alerted that several of the languages available for Bloodstained have not been translated to the high quality bar we set for ourselves. However, I’m happy to report that our Production teams are on top of this situation and are in the process of doing a full localization pass on all languages. You can also help in this process by visiting this forum thread and providing specific examples of problem areas encountered with any languages you play the game in. Regarding the Switch version of the game; the amazing teams at WayForward and ArtPlay are already hard at work on improvements. Below is a list of what we’re working to fix ASAP via multiple updates over the next few weeks: HD Rumble fix (completed!) Crash stability Optimizing Miriam's jump The teams are also at work on a variety of updates to the game and engine, including: Optimizing animation for certain enemies (WayForward is testing some techniques to accomplish big things here, but it may be risky and require lots of testing, may need to be pushed to a later update) Addressing input delay wherever it occurs Switch-specific loading optimizations (this requires a bit more work, and will probably be in the last "ASAP" patches) Obviously the above plan will adapt as we identify priorities and new tasks and as we add development resources, but we’ll keep you updated as we go. We’ll also have more to announce soon as we do more to improve the Switch version of Bloodstained. We are committed long-term to making sure the Switch version is just as great and enjoyable as the other platforms, and this is just a window into our immediate action plans. We apologize again for the inconvenience of the Switch launch not going according to plan, but we really appreciate your understanding and support as we work to make things right. Roberto Piraino “Angel-Corlux” Global Brand Manager 505 Games

Wait a minute... Sea of Thieves has a single player campaign now? I'm intruiged.

Yep, Horizon Chase Turbo seems like a good pick for a Plus game... ... as for Pro Evo Soccer 2019, that will join the small list of Plus games which I won't even bother adding to my library. I haven't bothered with conventional sports titles in a lonnnnnnng time as they just don't have anything in them which makes then worth playing.

Exception is heading to the Switch. Check the article for the details and a trailer.