Paw Patrol/Mighty Pups: Save Adventure Bay is a new installment of the widely popular kids’ show on the Nintendo Switch. For this review, I only played a small amount of the game, but my six-year-old son is the one that got down and dirty with these loveable pups. I will only open with my general opinions.

The copy of the game we played was pretty much broken. It took four attempts to start the first level after random crashes. If it were not for my son’s persistence, I would have given up altogether. The game offers some build-up, with a story, but nothing on the lines of an actual show. The gameplay could be equated to an ok flash game, with some action sequences added and very generic controls.

Also, the story really does not matter. My son could not even explain it to me himself.

All in all, the game was poorly made and executed. But being a 33-year old, I am not the demographic for this title. Let us find out what my son thought.

Q: What did you not like about the game?

A: It does not have a lot of cut scenes. The beginning had a little. LEGO The Incredibles has a lot of cut scenes; that game is filled with them.

I also do not like you do not get to pick characters. (Dad note: Each level has predetermined Pups for that to be played)

Q: What did you like about the game?

A: It looks just like that show. (Dad note: NO, it does not)

Q: What would you rate the game? With five being your favorite, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and zero meaning you want to toss it into the trash. (Dad Note: Kid rating logic)

A: Three. One of your games will be zero. They seem boring. (Dad note: I am not sure what he is talking about)

Paw Patrol/Mighty Pups: Save Adventure Bay does nothing to save itself from being mediocre and a weak attempt to take advantage of an easily exciting franchise. To me, the game was almost offensive, with its generic take and the developer’s hope that name recognition carries it – which it almost did. Like I said earlier, I am not the demographic for the game. Being six, my son liked the game, but I could tell he sees the faults in it. (Proud Dad note: He is finishing Breath of the Wild) I’m sure this game will sell well, by its name recognition, but it wasn’t too well received in my home.

To simplify, I gave my son the option between 1-5 for a rating. With his ability to enjoy it, I can confidently give a score 6 out of 10 score even with all its faults.

Wait?! What happened to my four-year-old? What did she think of the game? Yeah, I lost her in about 10-mins to the Paw Patrol TV show.

The post Review: PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Shu is a 2.5D platformer that mixes old and new gameplay techniques to produce a relaxing and smooth game experience.

Players take control of Shu, who must traverse the land to help save villagers from an ominous growing darkness. Interestingly enough, Shu is an Egyptian God of Wind and is said to have a calm and cooling effect. All these effects are felt during the game as Shu uses his ability to capture wind gusts to traverse different parts of a level. The game’s environments and score do come off very relaxing and calming – even with the impending doom.

A nice aspect to the game involves the villagers that Shu saves from the incoming darkness. These hitchhikers are more than passengers on a journey to safety.  Each villager offers a new ability to help Shu, and themselves, to safety. These attached villagers can help Shu walk on water, jump up walls, break blocks, and more. Each new area offers new villagers to save and, in turn, new abilities to use. This aspect helps to change the feeling of the game a little and help freshen up the gameplay mechanics.

Shu is an enjoyable platformer with gorgeous level and sound design. Shu’s platforming mechanics are simple and repetitive, but the addition of the villager abilities make the whole game fresh and new. I didn’t find myself overly stressing or engaged in what was happening around me. At first the lack of engagement was a turnoff but I then realized that I was embracing the relaxation and enjoyment I felt playing the game with my feet up, headphones on, and blanket wrapped around me.

The actions of the characters are stiff but somehow the developer still created smooth and flowing gameplay. The platforming itself is complaint free and, once again, the score and level design are beautiful. The key word for this review is relaxing. Shu didn’t blow me away as a platformer but it’s still a really solid and enjoyable game.

The post Review: Shu (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch
• • Celeste – Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges in this super-tight platformer, as you help Madeline survive her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain. The controls are simple and accessible, but with layers of expressive depth to master, and every death is a lesson. Lightning-fast respawns keep you climbing as you uncover the mysteries of the mountain and brave its many perils.
• Virtual Console for Nintendo 3DS
• • Pokémon Crystal Version – Originally released for the Game Boy Color system in 2000, the Pokémon Crystal game added several new features to the Pokémon franchise. For the first time, players could choose a female or male character, and Pokémon battles featured animation. And now, this game is available in 2D via the Virtual Console service and invites you to explore the Johto region again—or for the first time. The Pokémon Crystal Version game launches on Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. PT.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
• • Nintendo Switch eShop Sale – Looking for something new to play? Download great digital games to play anytime, anywhere—and in a whole new way—with Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch system. Starting at 9 a.m. PT, you can get up to 30 percent off select digital games for Nintendo Switch. My Nintendo members also earn Gold Points on qualifying digital purchases, so it’s a win-win. Act fast, though, as this sale only runs until Feb. 1 at 8:59 a.m. PT.
  • Great deals this week! Check out the full list of deals available this week at https://www.nintendo.com/games/sales-and-deals.

Activities:

• Kirby My Nintendo Rewards: Let the battles begin! Kirby is back with pink ’n’ puffy My Nintendo rewards to celebrate the launch of the Kirby Battle Royale game. Visit my.nintendo.com for the latest reward information.
• • Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu theme: Kirby Battle Royale: May the Best Kirby Win!
  • Kirby February calendar
• My Nintendo Presents Nindie Game Gold Point Rewards Vol. 3: Got Gold Points? Get select digital games! My Nintendo users can redeem Gold Points for some of the hottest digital indie games on Nintendo platforms between Jan. 26 and March 25. During this limited time, users can redeem Gold Points to download select Nintendo 3DS and Wii U digital games from talented independent developers. Users will receive a download code that is redeemed in Nintendo eShop. Visit https://my.nintendo.com/news to see a list of the games.

Also new this week:

• Tales of the Tiny Planet (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• EARTH WARS (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• ACA NEOGEO WORLD HEROES 2 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Arcade Archives Kid Niki Radical Ninja (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Dustoff Heli Rescue 2 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• FANTASY HERO ～unsigned legacy～ (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• INVERSUS Deluxe – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Space Dave (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• STRIKERS1945 II for Nintendo Switch (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Super One More Jump (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Tachyon Project (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Tennis (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• ZERO GUNNER 2- for Nintendo Switch (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• ZIG ZAG GO (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new games weekly to Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch console, the Wii U console and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service that features a wide variety of content, including new and classic games, applications and demos. Users can add money to their account balances by using a credit card or purchasing a Nintendo eShop Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card. All funds from one card must be loaded in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but can be used in any Nintendo eShop if the systems are linked to a single Nintendo Account.

Customers in the U.S. and Canada ages 18 and older can also link a PayPal account to their Nintendo Account to purchase digital games and content for the Nintendo Switch system both on-device and from the Nintendo website. Once the accounts are linked, users may also use PayPal as a payment option when buying digital content for the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems from the Nintendo website.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel.

Remember that Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Wii, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 2DS XL and Nintendo 2DS feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. Nintendo 3DS players who register a Nintendo Network ID gain access to free-to-start games and free game demos from Nintendo eShop, and also get the latest news and information direct from Nintendo. For more information about this and other features, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch,https://www.nintendo.com/wiiu or https://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

The post Nintendo Download January 25, 2018: Climb the Crystal Mountain appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch
  • LOST SPHEAR – The adventure of LOST SPHEAR begins in a remote town of Elgarthe, where a young boy, Kanata, awakens from a devastating dream to find his hometown disappearing. To stop the world from disappearing forever, Kanata and his comrades set out to rebuild the world, mustering different Memory and crafting the world around them. The LOST SPHEAR game launches on Jan. 23.
  • Darkest Dungeon – Darkest Dungeon is a challenging, gothic roguelike turn-based RPG about the psychological stresses of adventuring. Recruit, train and lead a team of flawed heroes against unimaginable horrors, stress, famine, disease and the ever-encroaching dark. Can you keep your heroes together when all hope is lost?
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Kirby Battle Royale – Kirby is entering a tournament against his toughest rival yet … himself! One to four players can fight in local or online battles (additional games and accessories required; sold separately). Pick from more than 10 abilities and 10 battle types to compete in countless matchups. Hoard treasure in Ore Express, knock out opponents in Slam Hockey and shoot missiles in Robo Bonkers. There’s a single-player story mode, too! The Kirby Battle Royale game launches on Jan. 19. A free demo version of the game is available now for download in Nintendo eShop. Game in 2D.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
  • Great deals this week! Check out the full list of deals available this week at http://www.nintendo.com/games/sales-and-deals.

New DLC:

• Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Expansion Pass DLC – If you purchased the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Expansion Pass, new content is available at 9:00 p.m. PT!

• Expansion Pass: New Quests Pack 1

• Passion of the Artisan (Quest available in Chapter 2)
• M.I.A. Nopon (Quest available in Chapter 3)
• Industrial Sort of Tour (Quest available in Chapter 5)
• Midnight Feasting (Quest available in Chapter 7)
• The Lone Watchman (Quest available in Chapter 10)

• Expansion Pass: Helpful Items Pack 3

• Driver Essentials Set 2: Rare Core Crystal x10, Legendary Core Crystal x1, Overdrive Protocol x1
• Tora’s Favorite Thing: Juicy Samod x3
• Poppi α’s Favorite Thing: Fizz Juice x3
• Charming Driver Gear: Auto-Balancer x1

Buy the Expansion Pass to gain access to new content, including the above packs and a new story in Fall 2018! To learn more, visit the official Xenoblade Chronicles 2 site.

Also new this week:

• Ambition of the Slimes (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• ACA NEOGEO Power Spikes II (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Arcade Archives DOUBLE DRAGON (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Baseball Riot (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 19
• ChromaGun (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 22
• Qbik (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Implosion – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• League of Evil – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Nuclien (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 19
• Oh…Sir! The Hollywood Roast (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Oh…Sir! The Insult Simulator (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Shu (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 23
• Vesta (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 19
• World to the West (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Link-a-Pix Color (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Raining Coins (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new games weekly to Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch console, the Wii U console and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service that features a wide variety of content, including new and classic games, applications and demos. Users can add money to their account balances by using a credit card or purchasing a Nintendo eShop Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card. All funds from one card must be loaded in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but can be used in any Nintendo eShop if the systems are linked to a single Nintendo Account.

Customers in the U.S. and Canada ages 18 and older can also link a PayPal account to their Nintendo Account to purchase digital games and content for the Nintendo Switch system both on-device and from the Nintendo website. Once the accounts are linked, users may also use PayPal as a payment option when buying digital content for the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems from the Nintendo website.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel.

Remember that Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Wii, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 2DS XL and Nintendo 2DS feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. Nintendo 3DS players who register a Nintendo Network ID gain access to free-to-start games and free game demos from Nintendo eShop, and also get the latest news and information direct from Nintendo. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch, http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

The post Nintendo Download January 18th, 2018: New DLC, Kirby, Darkest Dungeon and more appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch
  • Dragon Quest Builders – Demo Version – A free demo for the Dragon Quest Builders game is available today in Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch. Gather, craft, and build the kingdom of your dreams to restore the ruined world of Alefgard! As the legendary Builder, you’ll construct rooms, towns and defenses while fighting monsters. The full version of Dragon Quest Builders launches for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 9.
  • Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack – The Battle Pack is now available for purchase in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, and includes two Waves of Battle Pokémon and Support Pokémon Sets. Wave 1 of the Battle Pack contains Battle Pokémon Aegislash and a new Support Pokémon Set featuring Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu. Aegislash can change between two formes, and players can wield them both. Wave 2 includes the new Battle Pokémon Blastoise and a new Support Pokémon Set featuring Mew and Celebi. Wave 1 will be available Jan. 31, and Wave 2 is scheduled for March 23. Both Waves of DLC are only available with purchase of the Battle Pack; they are not sold individually. Content will be available as it is released.
  • InnerSpace – InnerSpace is an exploration flying game set in the Inverse, a world of inside-out planets with no horizons. Soar through ancient skies and abandoned oceans to discover the lost history of this fading realm, where gods still wander. Your greatest journey is within. InnerSpace launches on Jan. 16.
  • Furi – Fight your way free in this ultra-responsive, fast-paced sword fighting and dual-stick shooting game. Feel the tension and adrenaline of one-on-one duels against deadly adversaries. You will need absolute focus and skill to defeat each of the guardians.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Pokémon Crystal Version – When it launched in Japan 17 years ago, Pokémon Crystal introduced many new and exciting elements to the beloved Pokémon franchise. The game, an expanded version of the popular Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver games, was the first in the Pokémon franchise to allow players to choose between a boy or girl playable character, and also was the first game to introduce animations during Pokémon battles. And now, this 2D Nintendo eShop release invites you to explore the Johto region again – or for the first time. The Pokémon Crystal Version game is now available for pre-purchase in Nintendo eShop, with a launch date of Jan. 26.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Digital Deals – Nintendo is kicking off its first digital sale of the year. During the Digital Deals event, fans can save up to 30 percent on select digital games for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Plus, My Nintendo members earn Gold Points on qualifying purchases. Shop now through 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 18 to save. See the details at www.nintendo.com/games/sales-and-deals.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
  • Great deals this week! Check out the full list of deals available this week at http://www.nintendo.com/games/sales-and-deals.

Activities:

• My Nintendo Tips – Read on for five tips to make the most of the free My Nintendo loyalty program: https://my.nintendo.com/news/384e8ac4f0f40c88.

Also new this week:

• ACA NEOGEO Art of Fighting 2 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Azkend 2: The World Beneath (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 12
• Brawl (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 12
• Draw a Stickman: EPIC 2 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Energy Balance (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 16
• Energy Invasion (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Forma.8 – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 12
• Gunhouse (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 15
• Moorhuhn Knights & Castles (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• The Escapists 2 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Nightmare Boy (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch) – Available Jan. 16
• OF MICE AND SAND -REVISED- (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Rally Racers (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Super Meat Boy (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch)
• Jolt: Family Robot Racer (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Operation COBRA (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new games weekly to Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch console, the Wii U console and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service that features a wide variety of content, including new and classic games, applications and demos. Users can add money to their account balances by using a credit card or purchasing a Nintendo eShop Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card. All funds from one card must be loaded in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but can be used in any Nintendo eShop if the systems are linked to a single Nintendo Account.

Customers in the U.S. and Canada ages 18 and older can also link a PayPal account to their Nintendo Account to purchase digital games and content for the Nintendo Switch system both on-device and from the Nintendo website. Once the accounts are linked, users may also use PayPal as a payment option when buying digital content for the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems from the Nintendo website.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel.

The post Nintendo Download January 11th, 2018: Pokemon, Inner Space and More appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Each year Justin and myself will reach deep into our crystal balls to make predictions about Nintendo. This tradition goes back many years with many great battles. As far as you know, I am winning 8-0 (Note: James is full of lies).

Check out last year’s predictions HERE and let us know who came out on top (Note: James thinks everything he predicted came true – even if we can’t confirm it).

Without further ado let’s check out this year’s predictions.

*Wild Cards are worth two points

Justin Predictions

1. I think we’ll see a couple more first-party Wii U games brought over to the Switch with extra content and/or DLC bundled (like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Pokken Tournament DX).
2. Nintendo will announce their ‘Virtual Console’ plans for the Switch
3. New types of Joy-Cons will be announced (one with a D-Pad and maybe other variations)
4. Retro Studios’ next game finally unveiled (third time I’ve had this prediction but I’m really thinking 2018 will be the year since Tropical Freeze came out in 2014)
5. While 2017 had a lot of third-party support for the Switch, 2018 will see even more support as third-parties try to play catch-up on the Switch’s popularity
6. Pikmin 4 will make an appearance this year
7. Metroid Prime 4 won’t release in 2018 but we’ll see new footage
8. The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword will see an HD re-release on the Nintendo Switch
9. The new mainline Pokemon game will release in 2018
10. From Software’s Switch title(s) will be announced (Dark Souls ports most likely)

*Wild Cards

1. GTA V will release for the Switch
2. Metroid Prime Trilogy gets an HD Switch port to build anticipation for Metroid Prime 4

James Predictions

1. The Nintendo Switch will surpass 25 Million units sold.
2. Nintendo games on mobile will have a strong year.
3. With that success we will start to see the end of the 3DS line.
4. But that isn’t the end of Nintendo handhelds. We will see something different with Nintendo portable services. Maybe a bigger focus on Mobile.
5. The new Metroid Prime game will be out this year.
6. We will see major 3^rd party exclusives come to the Switch.
7. Nintendo will release a way to get more battery life out of the Switch.
8. A New Star Fox game will be announced.
9. We will see a huge “casual” market push by Nintendo that will help the Switch pass 25 million.
10. Miyamoto will finally release a game – could possibly be his last one.

*Wild Cards

1. (This goes off of #4) Nintendo will release a portable classic game device.
2. Nintendo’s Online service will be free by the end of the year.

Feel free to leave who you think has the best predictions in the comments below (Note: James thinks he won already) and any predictions you might have.

The post James VS Justin – Nintendo Predictions 2018 appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Like I stated earlier, I spent a lot of time with Skyrim back in the day and, admittedly, only a portion of that time on the Switch version. To put it drastically simple; Skyrim on the Switch is the same game as the original with the addition of all DLC packs – Dragonborn, Hearthfire, and Dawnguard – and some amiibo integration.  I personally didn’t notice it but there are a lot of reports that the game looks visually enhanced over the original and, surprisingly, not even that far behind the PS4 version. Even with the updated visuals, the game on the big screen still looks dated. In handheld mode, the graphical issues are far less noticeable. A lot of the graphical “issues” have to do with the game still being pretty old. There’s only so much a studio can do to upgrade graphics. The game, for the most part, runs at a smooth 30 FPS. Like the original, there can be a few drops during intense battles, mostly involving fire-breathing animals, but the Nintendo Switch handles the massiveness of the game like a true Skyrim warrior.

One of the main additions for the Switch version of the game is motion controls. For full disclosure, I’m not a huge fan of motion controls–not even through the Wii years. The addition of motion controls on Skyrim was nice, but didn’t add anything, especially without the use of HD Rumble. Even with the handheld mode, the Pro controller was the best way to go.

Speaking of handheld mode, Skyrim really shines and runs extremely well. Nintendo has really pushed the narrative that players can take this epic adventure on the go and I understand why. It’s a weird, and amazing, feeling being able to enjoy such a massive adventure game; outside, on the toilet, at an airport, and even at work (Sorry work). For me personally, the drop to 720p during handheld mode doesn’t affect the experience. Seeing 720p just a few feet – or for some, inches – away from their eyes doesn’t seem different than 1080p at 10-15 feet.

Overall, diving back into the world of Skyrim was both nostalgic and exciting. Obliviously if you enjoyed the original but missed out on the DLC or just want to revisit this adventure, Skyrim is a great addition to your Switch library. For those coming off of Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey, have never played Skyrim or are looking for another open-world adventure; Skyrim on the Switch is a great, logical next step for Switch owners.

The post Review: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

After playing a few introduction matches with Team USA (Side Note 1: This was before Team USA’ huge disappointment of missing out on the World Cup), I decided to dive right in with the newly revamped “Manager Mode”. Manager Mode allows you to take control of every aspect of a Soccer Club: training schedule, scouting, financials, selling players, youth development, and so much more. I started Manager Mode by taking over the newest and greatest MLS team, Atlanta United (Side Note 2: I grew up around Atlanta and love most Atlanta teams).

Back in the day I used to play a lot of FIFA but the time between “back in the day” and now has been so vast that I could consider myself a novice, again. Manager Mode offered so much depth and opportunity that I was left thinking, “I just want to play a game.” It didn’t take too much time to figure out the ins-and-outs and realize how serious soccer fans can enjoy the in-depth opportunity to take control of their favorite club.

The generic, and possibly stale, feel for FIFA 18 isn’t a fault against the game but the result of some subtle gameplay changes. One thing EA introduced in FIFA 18 is the difference between acceleration and top speed. Players now have two states that cover one’s speed: acceleration and top speed. This slight difference allows for a smooth transition between jogging at a full sprint – it’s such a smooth transition that I didn’t notice it at first. The second major change has to do with tackling. For FIFA fans, tackling is a huge part of the game. Before tackling really only consisted of mostly sliding. Now, that option is still available, but standing tackle is more of the expert route. This standing tackle ability can come down to player on player strength. The strong play has the better chance at breaking the tackle or making the tackle and steal.

I really wish I had the opportunity to play another version of FIFA 18 so I could tell the differences definitively; but FIFA 18 on the Switch does feel like a watered down version of the others. EA wanted to make clear that FIFA 18 on the Switch wasn’t a “port” but something built from the ground-up. I honestly have trouble believing that statement. Outside of the clear simplification of the visuals, there’s a lot of rough and seemingly unfinished edges with this FIFA version. Now, like I stated earlier, I used to play a lot of FIFA and Madden. I’m fully aware that these EA sports games do fall short of what some would call “polished.” But FIFA 18 on the Switch seems to be a little rougher around the edges.

Probably the biggest disappointments and head-scratching decisions is the online mode for FIFA 18. For the most part the Switch version offers most of the online features of the others but with one glaring difference – one cannot start an online match with people on their friends list. The only way for me to play with anyone I know would be through a random online selection. There’s not much more to say about this besides the question of ‘Why?’. Some point the finger at Nintendo and the others at EA, but with other third-party games supporting that feature, you’d have to think this is on EA (hopefully it can be added in a future update).

With all the faults to the side I couldn’t put down FIFA 18 on the Switch. There’s a lot of in-game mechanic changes and new game modes that make this version of FIFA really deep and compelling. It’s far from a perfect experience, but for someone that loves Soccer and is happy to see a good Soccer experience back on a Nintendo home console, FIFA 18 has left me satisfied.

The post Review: FIFA 18 (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Death Squared is a cooperative puzzle game for 1-4 players that can cause Mario Kart-like arguments between friends and family.

At the core, Death Squared is a pretty straightforward idea–move blocks around a course to reach a goal. While the single player is formidable, the game’s real charm–see argument induced hysteria–is playing with multiple players.

The main game offers 80 puzzle levels that can be completed solo or with another player. The main levels also feature full voice acting that can actually be pretty entertaining. There’s also Party Mode that offers 40 more levels for 2-4 players and 30 “Vault Levels”, a crazy challenge for those willing to risk life–or sanity.

I spent some time playing Death Squared with my wife. I love her to death but, let’s just say, she is frustratingly bad at video games. Once again, I say that with all my love. I enjoyed my time with the single player path of Death Squared, but the multiplayer version is where the game succeeds.

In the multiplayer “Party Mode,” each player has their squares to control; two for 2 players and a single square for all four players. The cooperation between the blocks is key to advance any level. Each movement has to be timed and choreographed to traverse successfully. In single player, when I have all the control, this idea worked out fine. In multiplayer, and with my wife, this task sank our relationship to annoyed stares and grunts. In all seriousness, Death Squad really is a joyful multiplayer experience. It’s one of the first game experiences that forces full cooperation and teamwork to complete each goal. My wife actually really enjoyed this game and it was the first game we joyfully played together in years. The amount of levels, and statistics, like tracking deaths, give this game some deep replay value.

This Death Squared review score probably ends up higher than most would expect (or not), but I honestly can’t find much fault with the game. What the developer, SMG Studio, set out to accomplish, a great puzzle game with deep co-op, was successful. Are there a few minor hiccups here and there? Sure, but the depth of controls and level design cover any missteps from the game.

Note – Death Squared is going on sale Sept. 28th – Oct. 8th

The post Review: Death Squared (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

ヨッシー新作は #UE4 ！！！ https://t.co/Rfc3Vgze7c

— Unreal Engine Japan (@UnrealEngineJP) June 13, 2017

This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. During a February investor call Mr. Miyamoto announced Nintendo was using Unreal Engine 4 and had “mastered it.”

(Enjoy what we do here at Pure Nintendo? Consider becoming a Patreon and help bring back our print magazines!)

The post E3 2017: Yoshi running on Unreal Engine 4 appeared first on Pure Nintendo.