Switch Weekly - #178: Your Nintendo Update

▶ Super Mario Maker 2 - World Maker Update — This update (out now) adds new power-ups, the Koopalings, a Super Mario Bros. 2 mushroom, plenty of little easter eggs, and a neat new 'World Maker' mode in which you can share multiple courses on a set path. However, Nintendo also noted this is the last major update coming to the game, squashing any hopes for additional themes/play-styles. 

Nintendo // YouTube

Super Mario Maker 2 proves Mario is always better with a world map

Christian Donlan // Eurogamer

▶ Super Mario Maker 2 goes out with a bang

Arlo // YouTube

REVIEW Trials of Mana — This remake is described as not a particularly bold reinvention that "adds modern hooks to an obscure classic" but the, "fluid combat is held back by some frustrating choices". Mitch Vogel at Nintendo Life however says it "proves itself to be a successful revival of a lost classic, smartly infusing new design and content where necessary while still maintaining the spirit of the original". So I guess it depends on just how faithful you want this one to be to the original 1995 source material.

Steve Watts // Gamespot 

REVIEW Picross S4 — It seems developer Jupiter are the pedigree in putting out top quality nonogram puzzlers, as the latest entry also impresses: "With how consistent Jupiter’s Picross quality has been over the years, it isn’t a surprise that Picross S4 is very good. With just shy of 500 puzzles, it’s worth your puzzling time.".

Neal Ronaghan // Nintendo World Report 

▶ Animal Crossing: New Horizons - April Free Update— New events, merchants and more have been added to the game.

Nintendo // YouTube

REVIEW Moving Out — "provides a lot of laughs and whilst being widly fun and has a great style, it isn't anything groundbreaking".

Siobhan Eardley // The Digital Fix 

REVIEW Sunless Sea: Brutal survival set in a fascinating World —"an incredibly hostile game that would rather break your fingers than hold your hand, and your mileage with it invariably comes down to how patient you are. But stick with it, and there is so much waiting for you out in the depths".

Ewan Moore // LADbible 

REVIEW Can Androids Pray: Blue —A "rare crack at a short-story" in the gaming medium that doesn't seem to quite hit the mark. This "self-contained little vignette" "successfully tackles a multitude of different topics" but its "brevity will likely deter many".

Elijah Gonzalez // Darkstation 

REVIEW Zhed —A review from yours truly of a recently released budget puzzle game. It pesents quite the challenge in later levels.

Chris Brandrick // Switch Weekly 

The quiet revolution of Animal Crossing — "In the midst of a pandemic, it’s delightful to imagine doing whatever you like without worrying about making a living".

Ian Bogost // The Atlantic 

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N64 games on Switch: Could the Nintendo Switch Pro finally bring those classic titles back to life?

Daryl Baxter // Stealth Optional

Super Mario Made— The new update for Mario Maker 2 seemingly has Kieran moister than an oyster — here both he and Abram dig into why this update is the shot in the arm this game needed.

Kieran Fifield // Nintendad

▶ Yoku's Island Express developers react to 39 minute speedrun — This game is a real gem, and its fun to hear the devs see it be played in unexpected ways here.

IGN // YouTube

Gaming sales are up, but production is down —A look at how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is presenting new challenges for gaming companies, both independent and corporate.

Jason Schreier // New York Times 

Tuesday, April 28

• Ninjala Exclusive Ninja Club — This is a free open beta for the full release at the end of May.
• ⭐️ Moving Out — Co-op house moving sim. Demo is available, and I've linked a review above. Looks like this will deliver plenty of Overcooked style silly nonsense. 📦
• Telling Lies — Yes papa, this investigative thriller will appeal to those who enjoyed Her Story.

Wednesday, April 29

• Active Neurons — A budget puzzler that will test your spacial logical thinking.
• Dread Nautical — Eerie tactical turn-based RPG on a cruise liner.
• StarCrossed — Action arcade game with a cast of magical girls.

Thursday, April 30

• Arcade Spirits — A visual novel romantic comedy. 📦 (May 1 in U.S)
• Book of Demons — Hack and slash action meets deck-building.
• Levelhead — Community-oriented level-building platformer.
• Fairy Knights — Cutesy puzzle RPG.
• My Secret Pets — Some kinda weird romance game in which your pets turn into people.
• Pocket Arcade Story — Create your own arcade in this pixel sim from Kairosoft.
• Mushroom Heroes — A retro-inspired casual puzzle platformer. No plumbers.
• G-LOC Air Battle — The SEGA AGES release of this classic flight sim.
• ⭐️ Ministry of Broadcast — 1984 meets reality TV in this dark narrative platformer.
• ⭐️ Streets of Rage 4 — New entry in this classic series. The loved 90s brawler returns.
• War-torn Dreams — Post-apocalyptic side scroller. Visually reminds me of Shadow Complex.

Friday, May 01

• 911 Operator Deluxe Edition — I own the base version of this emergency dispatcher sim, and had a decent enough time with it.
• Gun Crazy — Fast paced arcade action shoot em' up.