The surprise announcement of a new Famicom Detective Club game caught many off guard, and today they announced a demo is coming to the Nintendo Switch eShop on the evening of August 19, 2024, which will allows us to play the prologue and first chapter of the three-chapter game for free.
Nintendo also stated, “Players can carry their progress forward to the full version of the game if purchased,” after it launches on August 29.
In Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, a student has been found dead in a chilling fashion, his head covered with a paper bag with an eerie smiling face drawn on it—much like the victims of Emio, the Smiling man—a killer of urban legend. Playing as an assistant private investigator, you are tasked with helping police solve this crime, which is reminiscent of a series of unsolved murders from 18 years ago. Has a serial killer returned, or is this the work of a copycat? Are these crimes inspired by the Smiling Man urban legend, or the origin of it?
As part of the continuing adventures of the Utsugi Detective Agency, for the first time in the Famicom Detective Club series, play as familiar character Ayumi Tachibana during select portions of the story. As an investigative duo, you’ll dive deeper into this intense story of suspicion, isolation and fragility.
Crossy Road Castle, the co-op platformer from developer Hipster Whale with over 350 million downloads worldwide, will make the hop, skip, and jump to Nintendo Switch on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.
More from the press release:
“Forge ahead solo, or gather up to three pals to overcome all ten towers together with local or online multiplayer and cross-platform play. Experience an endlessly replayable gauntlet tailored to any skill level for hours of fun with friends and family. With new content and limited-time events dropping regularly, Crossy Road Castle keeps the fun fresh.”
Embark on a nostalgic journey reminiscent of classic top-down action adventures with Kudzu, a recent release for the Nintendo Switch that harkens back to the golden era of The Legend of Zelda games. In this non-linear adventure, players assume the role of Max, an apprentice gardener on a mission to save his mentor from the clutches of a world-eating plant. While Kudzu captures the essence of its retro inspirations, it falls short in some key areas, resulting in a mixed gameplay experience.
At its core, Kudzu offers simple controls reminiscent of its Game Boy predecessors. Movement is limited to four directions, with only two action buttons for interacting with people/objects and engaging in combat. While the streamlined control scheme stays true to its roots, the absence of diagonal movement may feel restrictive to some players.
One notable departure from traditional action-adventure games is the lack of a defensive option. Unlike in Zelda games, players must rely on quick reflexes and evasive maneuvers to avoid enemy attacks, as there is no shield mechanic. While most enemies are easily avoidable, projectile-firing foes like spiders add an element of unpredictability and frustration to encounters.
The initial stages of Kudzu offer a promising experience, with engaging gameplay and a captivating soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s nostalgic aesthetic. The graphics strike a delicate balance between classic and contemporary, breathing new life into the familiar top-down perspective.
However, as the game progresses, several issues begin to emerge. Backtracking becomes a common occurrence as players grind for mushrooms (the in-game currency) to purchase essential items like maps and a compass. While reminiscent of old-school game design, the repetitive nature of this process can become tedious and detract from the overall enjoyment.
Furthermore, the inconsistency of enemy respawn rates and drop rates for mushrooms exacerbates the grinding process, hindering progression and impeding the player’s ability to quickly unlock new content.
Unfortunately, Kudzu struggles to maintain its initial allure. The menu is a bit clunky, as it takes time to load and move between selections. And there are serious issues with the hit-box. Sometimes I am nowhere near an enemy and still take damage. But other times, I can walk right into an enemy and walk away scott-free.
Despite its flaws, the game showcases ambition and potential, offering players a nostalgic trip down memory lane at a very affordable price point. While it may not yet reach the lofty heights of its inspirations, it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic action-adventure gameplay.
In conclusion, Kudzu is a promising yet flawed adventure that demonstrates the developer’s passion for the genre. With some fine-tuning and adjustments, it has the potential to evolve into a standout title for fans of retro-inspired gaming. At its current price point, it’s worth considering for those seeking a budget-friendly trip down memory lane, but be prepared for some rough patches along the way.
Game Title: Kudzu Platform: Switch/Game Boy Developer: Chris Totten of Pie For Breakfast Studio Publisher: 8 Bit Legit ESRB: E for Everyone MSRP: $4.99 US (Switch eShop) / $TBD (Game Boy) Obtained: Code provided by developers/publishers for press purposes
What would it be like if the world suddenly became flooded after a climate catastrophe, leaving the remaining residents of Earth to fend for themselves in hopes of eventually escaping to Mars? Highwater sets sail to answer that question in a 3D adventure with turn-based combat. Developed with grand aspirations, the game attempts to weave an intricate narrative tapestry while offering a mix of land and sea exploration. However, amidst its grandeur, there are noticeable flaws that hinder the overall experience.
One of the most glaring issues lies in the controls. While boating mechanics are passable, traversing on land proves to be a cumbersome ordeal. Party members frequently obstruct movement, leading to frustration during exploration. On top of that, I often felt like I was getting stuck behind something or that I should be able to go somewhere but couldn’t.
Furthermore, the camera implementation leaves much to be desired. At times, players are granted control over the camera, allowing for better navigation and exploration. However, this control is inconsistent, with moments where the camera remains static, limiting visibility and hindering gameplay immersion.
Combat in Highwater adopts a grid-based system, a divisive choice among players. While some may appreciate the tactical depth it offers, others may find it restrictive and cumbersome. Navigating the grid and combat options also takes a bit to get used to. I often found myself going to the wrong part of the grid or thinking I was selecting something only to find out it had deselected somehow. Additionally, battles are further complicated by a lack of essential information, making encounters feel more frustrating than naturally challenging.
The game’s pacing also suffers from inconsistency. I was often confused, as sometimes, I had to manually navigate through the water to the next destination, but other times, the game automatically sent me there. This lack of clarity disrupts the flow of the narrative and adds unnecessary perplexity to the gameplay experience.
Highwater is not all flaws, though. Again, the game’s ambitious storytelling sets it apart, offering players a rich narrative experience to uncover. The intricate plot and character development provide a compelling backdrop for exploration. There were some interesting decisions, though, when it comes down to the storytelling. Sometimes, the dialogue boxes play out for you, while other times, you must constantly press a button to manually progress. The reasons why this different is not obvious and just left me wondering. Similarly, there are a few moments when you get to choose what you say next, but it does not seem to have any effect on the overall narrative.
Visually, the game presents a very fun animation style in a hand-drawn water-color world. I really like how small touches were made to specific animations, like when a character has to lean over and cannot walk as fast when carrying a heavy object. While the graphics are visually appealing, there are a few moments of inconsistency that detract from the overall immersion, especially when navigating some areas where it gets difficult to know if you can go a specific direction or not. However, the visual effects and animations do add a strong layer of polish to the game’s presentation.
In terms of sound, the soundtrack felt all over the place. Sometimes, it was spot-on, and other times, it does not fit at all. The idea of an end-of-the-world radio station playing, though, was very clever and fun. The sound effects were generally good, though, and contribute to the atmosphere, enhancing the player’s immersion in the game world.
Overall, Highwater on the Nintendo Switch has some very high ambitious aspirations, but ultimately it struggles to navigate the rough seas of execution. Despite its compelling narrative and visual appeal, issues with controls, camera implementation, and pacing hinder the overall experience. While the game may appeal to players seeking a deep storytelling experience, others may find themselves adrift in a sea of frustration.
Game Title: Highwater Publisher: Rogue Games ESRB Rating: T for Teen Release Date: March 14, 2024 MSRP: $19.99 US Obtained: Game code provided for press/review purposes
Discovering the demo for Princess Peach: Showtime! was an exciting prospect, offering me a glimpse into the whimsical Sparkle theater. However, as I embarked on this mini-adventure, I found myself navigating through a rollercoaster of mixed feelings.
I’m genuinely appreciative that the developers provided a demo, allowing players like myself to sample the game before committing. Yet, amidst the excitement, I couldn’t help but notice some rough edges.
One aspect that caught my attention was the occasional mismatch between on-screen text and character mouth movements. While seemingly minor, it did detract from the overall immersion I was hoping to experience.
The control scheme also struck me as unconventional. I’m curious why the A and B buttons were predominantly utilized. I would have much preferred a more intuitive layout, perhaps involving B and Y. You can switch up the controls, but you’re merely swapping the functionality of A and B rather than moving completely to B and Y. Additionally, the lack of some clear instructions for “more advanced moves” added a layer of frustration, as I was required to press X each time just to learn these controls.
The different transformations are fun, but they seemed very generic and incredibly simple. As a Swordfighter, I was simply button-mashing to fight enemies and sometimes taking damage when I would randomly bumping into enemies. But replacement health hearts were abundantly available, so I never feared death. And the Patissiere stage just had me pressing buttons over and over and depositing cakes on carts.
As I progressed through the demo, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was more akin to a collection of mini-adventures rather than a cohesive gaming experience. And I have a sneaking suspicion this will continue in the main game. On top of this, the concept of “helping people through the power of sparkle” injected a whimsical charm into the gameplay, albeit one that didn’t entirely resonate with me. While this format may appeal to some, I found it somewhat disjointed and lacking in depth.
Another point of contention was the juxtaposition of a 2D plane with 3D controls. Many times, this left me slightly disoriented and it made navigating through the game world a bit awkward, which is rare for a polished Nintendo game based in the Mario world.
While the Princess Peach: Showtime! demo offers a quirky glimpse into Mushroom Kingdom’s theater district, its unconventional design choices and rough edges left me disappointed. Even though it may not have entirely won me over, I acknowledge that it might still appeal to players seeking offbeat adventures. And hey, it’s a free demo, so go try it. But as for me, I’ll be passing on the main game.
The Moomin universe is coming to Nintendo Switch in the form of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley. a game heavily inspired by Tove Jansson’s (1914-2001) original work that has been captivating many parts of the world since her first book in 1945. While this beloved world has crossed over to many other forms of media through the years, this will be its first foray into the video game world.
On February 28, 2024, I had an opportunity to sit down with many of the Hyper Games development team to learn more about the game and its background.
They shared how they spent a lot of time with the licensing team behind the Moomin universe not only to make sure it had the look and feel fans expect, but they also wanted to honor the material and original artist as well. This led them to only exclusively use characters from the original universe. And while they needed to create a new story for this game, there are certainly nods to the original works for eagle-eyed fans. Some of the roles, like the Park Ranger, were even expanded for this particular story.
Hyper Games team
Through these conversations, they wanted to create an adventure game, but they also knew they could not include combat. Instead, they decided to use instruments to solve problems and puzzles within the game, which they think fits Snufkin’s personality. This also allowed the game to be playable by gamers of all ages. They made it clear this is not a children’s game, but it is a game children can enjoy right alongside adults.
The soundtrack was also incredibly important to the team. They connected with the band Sigur Rós right away to record the music, and they got their composer involved at the very beginning of the project, which is rare. This allowed them to create a very organic and ambient soundtrack that speaks to the Nordic and Norwegian background but also the natural music style that Snufkin, himself, would appreciate. On top of that, much of the development team were featured as voices for in-game characters.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley launches on Nintendo Switch on March 7, 2024, and contains roughly 6-8 hours of play. We’ll also be covering the game more on our YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it.
In an official post on E3 ‘s social media, they have confirmed what many suspected—the end of an era.
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, hosted by the Entertainment Software Association, began in 1995 as a trade event to show off the latest and upcoming video game software and hardware. While it had some hiccups ups over the years, it was viewed by many as THE place to debut a game or console. At its height, the event brought in over 70,000 in attendance.
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, E3 was canceled for the first time. The following year, the ESA took it online, but it was not the same, and the industry clamored for a return to form. Unfortunately, the event failed to return in 2022 and 2023, causing many to wonder if the end was near.
On December 12, 2023, the ESA and E3 put out a public statement that E3 is officially over.
Nintendo just dropped information about a new side-scrolling Mario game, several remastered collections, upcoming DLC, and several brand new games in their Nintendo Direct for July 21, 2023.
Whether you missed it or you’re looking for more details, we’ve got the full video and the entire run-down of all the announcements right here.
Video
Announcements
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet: More Pokémon, places and stories await in this two-part DLC* for the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games. In this story, you’ll be leaving the Paldea region and delving even deeper into the world of the Pokémon Scarletand Pokémon Violet games. Part 1: The Teal Mask has a planned release date of fall 2023 and Part 2: The Indigo Disk has a planned release date of winter 2023. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is available for pre-purchase now in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
Sonic Superstars: Spin dash with Sonic and friends through the mystical Northstar Islands in this new high-speed, 2D side-scrolling platformer game. Speed through 12 new zones as one of four playable characters and the return of an old nemesis. Harness seven new Emerald powers to move and attack in dynamic ways like climbing waterfalls, multiplying and more. And for the first time in the series, you can play through the entire campaign with friends in local co-op, available for up to four players. Combine your powers against Dr. Eggman and Fang when Sonic Superstars launches on Nintendo Switch this fall.
Palia: This charming free-to-play adventure sim offers a breathtaking world where you can build the life and home of your dreams. Unravel the mysteries of this always-evolving adventure and meet new friends along the way, from in-game villagers to players from all over the world. Create a customizable character and gather materials around the landscapes and biomes of Palia to craft your ideal home. Palia is a cozy massively multiplayer online game, so friends can visit each other’s homes and adventure the world together in a welcoming, playful and friendly community. Palia launches on Nintendo Switch this holiday season.
Persona 5 Tactica: The Phantom Thieves return in this tactical spinoff of Persona 5. Assemble a beloved team of heroes in a new story in this thrilling combat adventure set in Persona’s iconic universe. After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary rescues them and offers a deal in exchange for their help. Build your three-hero squad from eight playable characters, equipping an assortment of weapons to wipe out oppressive armies in turn-based battle. An emotional uprising begins when Persona 5 Tactica launches on Nintendo Switch Nov. 17.
MythForce: Journey through crypts and castles with your friends in this first-person melee roguelike inspired by Saturday morning cartoons. Brave the dungeon alone or join forces with up to three friends in online drop-in co-op to take on the ever-changing Cursed Lands. It’s up to you to stop the evil Deadalus from taking over, but it won’t be easy. Make use of medieval weaponry and legendary magic to smite hordes of enemies. MythForcelaunches on Nintendo Switch this year.
Splatoon 3: The next Splatfest for the Splatoon 3 game has been confirmed. Which flavor of ice cream is best? Vanilla? Strawberry? Or Mint Chip? This Splatfest will be held from July 14 at 5 p.m. PT to July 16 at 5 p.m. PT. Guide your favorite flavor to victory. Plus, get splatting in themed battles with Challenges. More splat-tastic events are on the way, too. Be on the lookout for more info in the future.
Detective Pikachu Returns: Discover the origin of the great detective Pikachu! Partner with the tough-talking, coffee-loving Pikachu, who calls himself a great detective, to unravel multiple mysteries across Ryme City. With the help of many other Pokémon, Tim Goodman and his talkative Pikachu partner work together to solve a series of mysterious incidents in this cinematic adventure game. Track down Detective Pikachu Returns when it launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 6. Pre-orders begin later today in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
Super Mario RPG: Originally released on Super NES, Super Mario RPG has been overhauled with new graphics! Join Mario, Bowser, Princess Peach, and original characters Mallow and Geno, in an RPG filled with twists, turns and treasure. Mario must team up with his allies to face down a menacing force known as the Smithy Gang in order to recover seven stars and repair the Star Road. Whether you played the original game or have yet to take the journey, you can dive into this Nintendo Switch version of the very first RPG in the Super Mario series! Super Mario RPG launches for Nintendo Switch Nov. 17.
Princess Peach will star as the main character in her own new game, which will be available in 2024. Stay tuned for more information about this game in the future.
A visually enhanced version of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, originally released on Nintendo 3DS, is currently in development for Nintendo Switch. Can Luigi summon the courage to save Evershade Valley? Explore haunted mansions full of spooky specters and bone-chilling challenges next year. More information will be available in the future.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy: Become Gotham City’s ultimate protector in Rocksteady’s critically acclaimed trilogy, headed to Nintendo Switch in one complete package, including all DLC. The hit-and-run skirmishes of Batman: Arkham Asylum escalate into the devastating conspiracy against the inmates in Batman: Arkham City and culminate in the ultimate showdown for the future of Gotham in Batman: Arkham Knight. Tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of Gotham City in the ultimate and complete Batman experience coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch this fall.
Gloomhaven: Lead your mercenaries to riches or doom in this adaptation of the hit board game, featuring turn-based card battles with RPG elements. You’ll explore cursed dungeons with unsavory mercenaries – choose from 17 different characters and master more than 1,000 unique abilities. Hone your deck, set up synergies and face an ever-growing challenge where each choice matters. Gloomhaven launches on Nintendo Switch Sept. 18. Pre-orders for the Mercenaries Edition and Gold Edition begin today in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
Just Dance 2024 Edition: The popular music video game franchise is back with its latest update – Just Dance 2024 Edition, featuring 40 songs from new hits to beloved classics. Connect with up to five friends and family members as you experience the never-ending dance party via online and local multiplayer. Every season will bring new content – like songs, a dedicated progression track and rewards. Win avatars, backgrounds, name badges and aliases to personalize your Dancer Card and show off your personality in the game. Plus, the Nintendo Switch version of the game will include one-month free access to the JustDance+ streaming service, giving you access to hundreds of songs and exclusive seasonal benefits. Just Dance 2024 Edition launches Oct. 24.
Silent Hope: Seven wordless warriors must work together to find the reclusive King. In this action-RPG, you’ll explore the Abyss and its ever-changing dungeons with seven silent heroes, each with their own abilities and fighting styles. After each dungeon run, you’ll return with your treasures and craft better equipment to dive deeper and grow stronger, leveling up your heroes to tackle the challenging bosses lurking in the depths. Silent Hopelaunches on Nintendo Switch Oct. 3.
Fae Farm: Your magical home awaits in this multiplayer, cozy, farm-sim RPG. Craft, cultivate and decorate to grow your shared homestead and explore the magical island of Azoria. Create your character and customize your adventure with new outfits and decorations for your farm. The cozier your home, the more rewards you’ll unlock! Cultivate an enchanted farm with up to four players in local or online multiplayer. You can even share your progression by crafting items, tending crops and exploring your surroundings together. Fae Farm launches as a console exclusive on Nintendo Switch Sept. 8. Pre-order the game in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com to receive the exclusive Cozy Cabin Variety Pack!
HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2 – TURBOCHARGED: The world’s raddest cars are back and taking fun to the next level! Zoom into wild racing action with over 130 vehicles and pull off outrageous stunts to avoid obstacles, find shortcuts and knock your rivals out of the way. Unleash your creativity by modifying your vehicles and building your own tracks. Race locally with friends in split-screen co-op or up to 12 players can hit the track online.*** Grab the wheel when this game speeds onto Nintendo Switch Oct. 19.
Manic Mechanics: In this chaotic co-op game, you and up to three friends are cast as travelling mechanics who must repair vehicles quickly to earn points and work your way through the town of Octane Isle. Repair as many cars, trucks, choppers (and tractors, mini-subs and UFOs …) as possible before the timer runs out. The faster you work, the more chaos you’ll unleash – fuel spills, exploding tires, short-circuiting robots, stampeding cows and even alien abduction. Get your crew in the shop when Manic Mechanics launches first for consoles on Nintendo Switch July 13. Pre-orders begin today in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: The Last Spark Hunter: Introducing the newest paid DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope – in The Last Spark Hunter, Mario and friends journey to a musical planet, filled with new areas to explore and new enemies to battle. Discover the wonders and dangers that await you in this world of melodies. The Last Spark Hunter launches later today! A demo of the main game is also available now in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince: Follow Psaro, a cursed prince, and his companion Rose as they travel through the demon realm of Nadiria. Explore and scout monsters, freely combine raised monsters to create more powerful allies and take on enemies with your powerful dream team through changing seasons. DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Princecomes to Nintendo Switch on Dec. 1.
Pikmin 4: Welcome to the Rescue Corps. In this game, you are the newest recruit, and you’ll customize your character before setting off to meet the capable Rescue Pup Oatchi and the plant-like creatures called Pikmin. New to the series? Don’t worry – this is a great entry point for anyone that wants to learn more about Pikmin. Collect treasures around the planet to fix the Rescue Corp’s spaceship’s radar and open new areas to explore, including underground caves, where a completely different environment from the surface awaits. Pikmin 4 also features Dandori Battles – try to collect more objects than your opponent within the time limit to win and save the castaway. Plus, for the first time in the Pikmin series, you can eventually set out for night expeditions. But nightfall sends creatures into a frenzy, so stay alert. Thankfully, you’ll come across the new Glow Pikmin to drive them away. Much more awaits on this uncharted planet. Discover it when the Pikmin 4 game lands on Nintendo Switch July 21. Plus, a demo of Pikmin 4 will be available in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com on June 28.
Pikmin 1and Pikmin 2: HD versions of the first two Pikmin games, originally released on the Nintendo GameCube system, will launch in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com later today. The games will be available individually or in a digital bundle that contains both games at a discounted price. A physical version that includes both games will also be available on Sept. 22. With the inclusion of these two games on Nintendo Switch, all four main games in the Pikmin series – Pikmin 1, Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3and, as of July 21, Pikmin 4 – will be playable on one system.
METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.1: The origin of stealth action comes to Nintendo Switch. Experience the thrilling cinematic story of the METAL GEAR series as you infiltrate enemy fortresses and complete your mission to stop those wielding weapons of mass destruction from triggering total war. This collection features Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, along with the games that started the series – Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, and the NES versions of Metal Gear and Snake’s Revenge – and plenty of bonus content. METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.1 launches on Nintendo Switch Oct. 24. Pre-orders begin today in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com. Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater will also be available for purchase individually in Nintendo eShop.
Vampire Survivors: The devils are here and there’s no place to run or hide. Survive a 30-minute onslaught of monsters who grow increasingly stronger the longer you hold out. Gather treasure from defeated enemies to acquire upgrades in your attempt to outrun death. With couch co-op, up to four players** can run, die and build their power together. Do you have what it takes? Find out when Vampire Survivors launches on the Nintendo Switch system Aug. 17.
Headbangers Rhythm Royale: Play online in this rhythm-based battle royale and aim to be the last bird standing. Up to 30 players can ruffle each other’s feathers in more than 20 musical minigames. Get ready to shake those tail feathers when Headbangers Rhythm Royale bops its way onto Nintendo Switch Oct. 31.
Penny’s Big Breakaway: In this 3D platforming adventure from the team behind Sonic Mania, you’ll explore the bright and colorful world of Macaroon as Penny and her newly animated friend, Yo-Yo. Perform stylish, acrobatic tricks to avoid the clutches of the grouchy Emperor Eddie and his massive horde of pushy penguins in Story Mode. Power up Yo-Yo to protect Penny and put your speed running skills to the test in Time Attack Mode to unlock special items and complete secret stages. Penny’s Big Breakaway launches on Nintendo Switch early next year.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5: Squeaky Clean Sprint, a new course, is racing into Wave 5 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC.* More characters are also being added – Petey Piranha, who originally hit the track in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Wiggler, from Mario Kart 7, and Kamek, from Mario Kart Tour. Wave 5 zooms onto the Nintendo Switch system this summer. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass includes six separate waves, with eight courses each, which will all be released by the end of 2023. Buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass separately in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com, or enjoy it for no additional cost as part of a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.***
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R: For the first time Nintendo players can experience the visually explosive and fast-paced action battles of the second installment in the STAR OCEAN series. After a mission goes wrong, federation officer Claude is stranded on an undeveloped planet. There, he meets Rena, who possesses mystical powers. Play as either Claude or Rena and make decisions that will impact your destiny. STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is a full remake of the 1998 science-fantasy RPG, rebuilt with striking graphics that combine 3D environments and 2D pixel characters. Plus, new combat features let you execute battles with strategic precision. STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R launches on Nintendo Switch Nov. 2.
WarioWare: Move It!: It’s time to move it, Wario style! Get ready for more microgame mayhem in the latest WarioWare game. Hold a set of Joy-Con controllers, then move your body to take on a flurry of lightning-fast microgames. React quickly with the right movement, and you’ll be on the road to victory. Sync up your actions to beat each microgame. Plus, up to four players** can live it up across various minigames in Party Mode locally. Get your body moving to over 200 microgames in WarioWare: Move It!, launching on the Nintendo Switch system Nov. 3. Pre-orders begin today in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
Nintendo Live: Join the fun at Nintendo Live 2023 in Seattle! Play games, enjoy live performances, take photos with your favorite characters and more! Plus, cheer on your favorite players in two championships, and eligible attendees may have an opportunity to compete in on-site tournaments and participate in a last-chance qualifier (space is limited).**** This free event is an all-ages celebration of Nintendo fun and will take place Sept. 1-4 at the Seattle Convention Center. Registration for a chance to receive a ticket to Nintendo Live 2023 ends June 22, so head over to the website and enter the random drawing for a chance to receive tickets. PAX West badge holders who are interested in attending Nintendo Live 2023 can visit the official PAX West website for details (one ticket per person maximum, regardless of entry method). See you there!
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: New amiibo figures of Zelda and Ganondorf are planned for release holiday 2023. A vast number of players are currently exploring Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and this journey can be enhanced by scanning select amiibo figures to unlock valuable in-game items, as well as special fabric for the paraglider, to help Link in his adventure.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder: The next evolution of 2D side-scrolling Super Mario Bros. games is headed to Nintendo Switch! When you touch a Wonder Flower in the game, the wonders of the world unlock – pipes could come alive, hordes of enemies may appear, characters might change their looks, for example – transforming the gameplay in unpredictable ways. Excitement and different surprises await in each course. Super Mario Bros. Wonder features Princess Peach, Princess Daisy and Yoshi as playable characters, in addition to familiar characters like Mario, Luigi and Toad. Plus, Super Mario Bros. Wondersees the debut of Mario’s newest power-up, which allows him to transform into Elephant Mario! What other wonders could this game contain? More details will be shared at a later time, so please look forward to it! Super Mario Bros. Wonder launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 20. Pre-orders begin today in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
Release Schedule
If you’re wanting to know how those game and DLC release dates fall for the rest of the year, we’ve got you covered on that too:
June
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope DLC 2: The Last Spark Hunter (June 21, 2023)
Pikmin 1 HD remake (Digital – June 21, 2023)
Pikmin 2 HD remake (Digital – June 21, 2023)
Pikmin 4 Demo (June 28, 2023)
July
Manic Mechanics (July 13, 2023)
Pikmin 4 (July 21, 2023)
August
Vampire Survivors (August 17, 2023)
September
Fae Farm (September 8, 2023)
Gloomhaven (September 18, 2023)
Pikmin 1 HD remake (Physical – September 22, 2023)
Pikmin 2 HD remake (Physical – September 22, 2023)
October
Silent Hope (October 3, 2023)
Detective Pikachu Returns (October 6, 2023)
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbo Charged (October 19, 2023)
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (October 20, 2023)
Just Dance 2024 (October 24, 2023)
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Volume 1 (October 24, 2023)
Headbangers Rhythm Royale (October 31, 2023)
November
Star Ocean The Second Story R (November 2, 2023)
WarioWare Move It! (November 3, 2023)
Super Mario RPG (November 17, 2023)
Persona 5 Tactica (November 17, 2023)
December
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince (December 1, 2023)
Release Windows
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5 – Squeaky Clean Sprint, Petey Pirahana, Wiggler, Kamek (Summer 2023)
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet DLC Part 1 (Fall 2023)
Batman: Arkham Trilogy (Fall 2023)
Sonic Superstars (Fall 2023)
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet DLC Part 2 (Winter 2023)
Palia (Holiday 2023)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom amiibo – Zelda and Ganondorf (Holiday 2023)
Mythforce (2023)
Penny’s Big Breakaway (Early 2024)
Princess Peach game (2024)
Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon remake/remaster (2024)
What did you think about all these announcements? Let us know in the comments below or in our Discord community!
Nintendo is touring the United States again for Summer of Play 2023. This free event will happen from June 15 – August 28 in eight different locations around the country.
Attendees will receive:
Summer of Play passport
Nintendo goodies (after receiving all the location stamps, while supplies last)
My Nintendo gift (upon check-in, while supplies last)
100 My Nintendo Platinum Points
GameStop coupon: $10 off $75
Also, experience the Mushroom Kingdom Yourself Photobooth.
From the press release & photo, here are the games we’re expecting:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Mario Party Superstars
Super Mario 3D World
New Super Mario Bros. U
From the press release & photo, here are the photo-ops we’re expecting:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Pikmin 4
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
Splatoon 3
Super Mario 3D World
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Locations:
June 15-18: Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
June 22-25: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Auburn Hills, MI
June 29-July 2: Meatpacking District Pop Up, New York, NY
Just Dance 2024 will be dropping on October 24, 2023, and features 40 brand new tracks. Here are the six of them they announced today:
“How You Like That” by BLACKPINK
“Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
“Sail” by AWOLNATION
“My Name Is” by D Billions
To celebrate this announcement, Ubisoft is giving early access (from June 12-20, 2023) to “Sail” by AWOLNATION to all Just Dance 2023 players.
If you own Just Dance 2023, you will be able to play those songs as well, having all of your content together. Players also have the ability to play online with friends who own the 2023 edition, even if you do not own those songs.
Just Dance 2024 players will also get a free one-month trial of the Just Dance + subscription service, which grants access to a growing catalog of songs from previous versions of the game.
Finally, Ubisoft, in partnership with the World DanceSport Federation, also announced that Just Dance will be coming to the Olympic Esports Series 2023. On June 23, players will compete on the Nintendo Switch in Singapore’s Suntan Centre. To learn more, click here.
Developer and publisher, Eastasiasoft, showed off 17 indie titles in their “Late Spring 2023 Showcase” earlier today. Some of the highlights included Mugen Souls, Valeria the Pagan Priestess, and Boo Party. Check out the video below, as well as the entire list of games, release dates, prices, and systems.
Nintendo’s recent Indie World Showcase gave us information on 18 games and 3 updates/DLC packs. If you missed it, and want to watch it, check out the video below. If you’re more of the reading-type, we have the full list below, compliments of Nintendo of America’s press release.
Mineko’s Night Market from Meowza Games and Humble Games: As the adorable Mineko in this narrative adventure-sim, you’ll do various jobs, befriend the townsfolk and craft all sorts of doodads for the weekly Night Market. There are a ton of things to do, like joining parades, entering cat races and performing on stage. And if you’re just itching to explore, the island has many secrets to uncover and puzzles to solve. Stop by Mineko’s Night Market, setting up shop on Nintendo Switch Sept. 26.
My Time at Sandrock from Pathea Games and PM Studios: Through a captivating story rife with dozens of characters and side quests, you’re tasked with restoring a post-apocalyptic desert community to its former glory in this sequel to My Time at Portia. You’ll gather resources to assemble machines and transform a derelict workshop into a finely tuned facility. Why not venture into ancient ruins and scavenge for relics? Or say hi to the locals and make some friends? This town’s popular with the monsters, so take ’em down in melee combat. Plus, if you have the main game, a separate online* multiplayer version will be available after the game launches, so you and your friends can help Sandrock thrive together. My Time at Sandrock launches on Nintendo Switch this summer.
PlateUp! from It’s happening and Yogscast Games: Create, decorate and automate the restaurant of your dreams in the roguelite management-sim PlateUp!, the game where lots of hungry customers clamor for meals at lightning-fast speeds. Manage both the kitchen and front of house to keep your customers happy. At the end of every randomly generated shift, you can acquire new high-tech appliances like turbo ovens to upgrade your kitchen and make your next restaurant venture even more successful. Up to three friends can join you locally** or online* to help run your culinary empire. Serve up some deliciousness when PlateUp! launches on Nintendo Switch in October.
Quilts and Cats of Calico from Monster Couch: Make a purr-fect quilt from patterned pieces of fabric in this adaptation of the tabletop game Calico. Place pieces on a board and sew buttons to score points and attract adorable cats! Each cat has a preferred pattern, so stitch in style to become an expert quilt maker. You can also take some time to customize your cats and give them a paw-sitively great look. Get cozy with up to three friends in local** and online* multiplayer, join ranked matches against online players or try your hand at weekly challenges. Cuddle up with Quilts and Cats of Calico, launching on the Nintendo Switch system this fall.
Rift of the NecroDancer from Tic Toc Games and Brace Yourself Games: In this spinoff of Crypt of the NecroDancer, move to the rhythm with a new musical twist to lane-based combat. Monsters will come flying at you, so match the on-screen prompts to kick ’em to the curb. Each one has a different movement pattern, and some take multiple hits to defeat. Look forward to boss battles that’ll really get you groovin’ and a special minigame to play for each of the five character storylines. Keep the beat alive when Rift of the NecroDancer launches on Nintendo Switch this year.
A Little to the Left Cupboards & Drawers from Max Inferno and Secret Mode: More puzzles await in the paid Cupboards & Drawers DLC*** for A Little to the Left. Get tidying across 25 new puzzles as you explore a world of small spaces, secret compartments and surprising bits and bobs stuffed into every drawer. Charming new illustrations and scenarios are also included in this DLC, which launches on Nintendo Switch this June.
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon Puzzler’s Pack from Vine and Yacht Club Games: Dig into more roguelite puzzle action in the free Puzzler’s Pack DLC*** for the Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon game. Venture forth as two newly playable characters, test your puzzle prowess with Quandary Challenges and make your way through the perplexing halls of Castle Quandary. You can also pay Mr. Hat a visit for over 20 in-game hats to modify runs or pick up some nifty new relics in Chester’s Shop. This DLC shovels its way onto the Nintendo Switch this spring.
Cult of the Lamb Relics of the Old Faith from Massive Monster and Devolver Digital: Expand your flock in this free update to the Cult of the Lamb game. Dozens of new items, relics and enemies are scattered across remixed dungeons, guarded by new versions of the four guardian bishops. Take your spoils back to the cult with new buildings to construct and followers to recruit, plus a new unlockable quest. And after beating the game, keep the faith going with the new Permadeath, Gauntlet and Boss Rush modes. Relics of the Old Faith launches on Nintendo Switch on April 24.
ANIMAL WELL from Shared Memory and Bigmode: In this atmospheric pixelated world, you’ll search for treasures as you gradually uncover a dense environment. Where you go is entirely up to you. Many interesting creatures live here, but some might be hostile, so stay alert. Any items you’ve picked up can be used in a number of ways, like making a quick getaway or even having friendly creatures help you out in a pinch. There’s a lot to uncover, so get crafty with your items and see what you find. Summon your courage and curiosity for ANIMAL WELL, launching on Nintendo Switch this winter.
Crime O’Clock from Bad Seed and Just For Games: There’s no time to waste in this puzzle-exploration game; you’ve got over 40 cases to solve across time and space. There are many eras to visit, from the Lost Age to a cybernetic future. In each era, you’ll see how crime scenes develop for different time ticks, and taking action in one era can change events in another. By traveling through time, meeting characters and resolving each case, your map will change and more adventures will be unlocked. Set your alarms to Crime O’Clock when it launches on Nintendo Switch June 30.
Teslagrad 2 and Teslagrad Remastered from Rain Games and Modus Games: Harness electromagnetic powers to solve physics-based puzzles and move seamlessly through Scandinavian-inspired environments. Yet, this land holds many dangers, as fearsome beasts stand in your way. Master the art of Teslamancy and defeat them to discover additional areas to explore. Plus, play a remastered version of the first Teslagrad game with enhanced visuals and 10 extra challenge levels in the Teslagrad Power Pack Edition featuring both games when it bolts onto the Nintendo Switch system later today! You can also purchase Teslagrad 2 and Teslagrad Remastered separately later today, too.
Shadows Over Loathing from Asymmetric Games LLC: Set in the 1920s within the West of Loathing universe, Shadows Over Loathing is a slapstick RPG full of silliness and stick figures. Venture through a sprawling black-and-white world filled with talking frogs, sentient math and eldritch horrors. There’s also a ton of roles to play: From marching to the beat of your own nefarious schemes as a Jazz Agent to holding the curds of the cosmos in your hands as a Cheese Wizard. The digital version of Shadows Over Loathing launches on the Nintendo Switch system later today! Pre-orders for the physical edition of the game will be available at many retailers soon and will ship in the fall.
Blasphemous 2 from The Game Kitchen and Team 17: Calling all calloused and wounded souls: Return to follow The Penitent One again through a mysterious land filled with nightmares in this sequel to the nightmarishly fun hack-’n-slash platformer Blasphemous. Explore a dark world that’s faithful to the original game with its skill-based combat and tricky platforming elements, that also improves upon its signature pixel art style and the range of abilities at your disposal. Featuring progression systems, custom builds and an expanded player move set, your judgment awaits on Nintendo Switch this summer.
OXENFREE II: Lost Signals from Night School Studio and Netflix: Set five years after OXENFREE, Riley returns to her hometown of Camena to research strange electromagnetic waves. Tune the radio to communicate with supernatural beings and manipulate the world around you. And watch out for a shadowy cult attempting to open a reality-altering portal. While exploring the town, use the new walkie-talkie conversation system to connect with local contacts. Your choices will have an impact on Riley’s development, relationships and the story. Tune in to OXENFREE II: Lost Signals, launching on Nintendo Switch July 12. Pre-orders begin today in Nintendo eShop and the My Nintendo Store.
Paper Trail from Newfangled Games, an adventure game where you fold, twist and rotate the world itself to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, launching in August.
Little Kitty, Big City from Double Dagger Studio, in which a peaceful catnap turns into a whimsical adventure full of sandbox exploration and plenty of customizable kitties, launching in 2024.
Chants of Sennaar from Runedisk and Focus Entertainment, which launches on Sept. 5 and features an endless labyrinth where ancient languages are both the lock and the key.
Brotato from Blobfish and Seaven Studio, a top-down arena shooter roguelite that lets you play a potato wielding up to six weapons at a time to fight off hordes of aliens, launching this year.
Escape Academy: The Complete Edition from Coin Crew Games and iam8bit, featuring hand-crafted escape-room puzzles that can be played locally** or online* with friends, launching this fall.
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach from Steel Wool Studios and ScottGames: In the latest installment of the family-friendly horror games you’ll play as Gregory, a young boy trapped overnight in Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex. With the help of Freddy Fazbear himself, Gregory must survive the near-unstoppable hunt of reimagined Five Nights at Freddy’s characters – as well as new horrific threats. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach is available later today!
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk from Team Reptile, a game where you can dance, paint, pull off tricks, face off with the cops and reach new heights of graffiti, launching Aug. 18.
* Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online
** Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems and some accessories sold separately.
*** Full version of game required to use DLC for that game. Sold separately.
What did you think of the Indie World Showcase? What games stood out to you? Let us know in the comments, or head over to our Discord to discuss the event with us!
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope revisits the unlikely crossover between the characters from Nintendo’s Mushroom Kingdom and Ubisoft’s kingdom of Rabbids. Mario, Rabbid Mario, and company partner up for their second journey across the universe.
Ubisoft takes some more risks in this tactical game. Most notably, they removed the grid during battles. While some hardcore fans of this genre may miss this mainstay, its omission truly opens up the battlefield. The lack of constraints give the feeling of freedom that should definitely appeal to tactical newcomers and those who have always been turned off by grid-based battles (including me).
As opposed to the first game, Kingdom Battle, you will only be playing single-player mode, but you will get a variety of characters to control, each with their own weapons. On top of that, you can attach Sparks, a combination of Lumas and Rabbids, to each character to give them even more options on the battlefield. This really levels up the strategy side of the game. For example, you may face enemies who are vulnerable to fire but resistant to splash attacks, you need to swap out some Sparks before the fight begins. All of this really adds to opening up the tactical style to more players.
The overall storyline is interesting enough to keep me moving along, and there is enough content to keep it going for several hours. The mini-stories of each planet you visit, though, are less interesting, which has to do more with the way they are told—usually through paintings you observe in the main buildings. Do note that if you do not enjoy this as much, you can skip right by the paintings and move on to the battles and progress the main story.
Speaking of things that will pull you off the main story, the side-quests in Sparks of Hope are numerous, and they distracted me multiple times—in a good way. While I wanted to progress quickly for this review, I found myself going for 100% completion on the first planet. There is also some backtracking necessary to do this. For example, some battles require you to have a set number of Sparks before you begin. So you will need to hit that number after moving on to the second planet before you can revisit the first for that challenge.
The planets are quite large. They are packed with characters and challenges that will take maybe an hour or so to complete the main story but several hours to complete all the side-quests. All of this makes each planet feel alive. If you need to get somewhere quickly, though, Ubisoft included a very easy way to fast-travel between key landmarks within the map. This means if you need to travel back to a planet to fight a battle you missed, you can get there quite quickly.
The aesthetics of the game are spot-on. This is one of the better looking games on the Nintendo Switch, especially when it comes to the cut-scenes. The music and voices are spot-on too, and the humor is clearly there and relevant. They even joke about pumpkin spice being overrated at one point.
As far as negatives, there are a few weird moments with animation, like characters do not always face the correct direction when entering a door, but these are so small, I wasn’t even sure they were worth noting. The in-game menus also take a bit of time to learn how to navigate, but once you figure it out, they are not that bad. My advice is to poke around for a bit when you first begin the game, and you should get the hang of it soon.
While you’re poking around the menu, you will notice the large amount of customization Ubisoft has given in this game. You can change your difficulty level between three options, but if you want to dive even deeper, you can. Options exist for players to choose inverted axis, camera controls, how much you want characters to heal, and even the ability to turn off taking damage altogether. The menu also contains challenges as a part of Ubisoft Connect. If you like lots of options in your game, you might get lost in the menu for a while.
I have seriously had so much fun playing Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, a statement I never thought I would say about a tactical game. While this genre has always been one I avoid, Ubisoft has roped me in and made me a fan. While I don’t know if it has changed my opinion on all tactical games, I am definitely enjoying this one! If you are looking for a great game with a solid story, really good graphics, worthwhile humor, fun and challenging combat, and lots of options, I highly recommend Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. We don’t usually score games on NintendoFuse, but if we did, I would give this one a solid 9 out of 10.
GAMEPLAY TRAILER
GAME: Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope PLATFORM: Nintendo Switch PUBLISHER: Ubisoft ESRB: E10+ (Cartoon Violence) OBTAINED: Code provided by publisher for press purposes
Building with LEGO bricks is fun, but building with digital LEGO bricks on a screen can be a bit frustrating. While the story and overall premise of LEGO Bricktales is certainly enticing, the execution leaves a bit to be desired. If you can push past that, though, you will find a charming game that has a great deal of promise.
Your goal is to travel to five locations (jungle, desert, city, castle, and island) to solve puzzles and overcome challenges in order to unlock more skills and eventually help your grandfather reopen his amusement park. Along the way, you will have help from a floating robot head named Rusty that seems to have some history with your grandfather. In fact, the way it was introduced, I kept thinking this must be a sequel to a game I had missed, but that is not the case. While it was an odd way to introduce Rusty, I did quickly forget about it as the journey began.
The isometric stage design has a locked camera and it seems to work most of the time. There were moments when I would have liked to rotate the camera just a bit to get just the right angle on a set of stairs, for instance, but it was never something that killed the experience for me. What you can do, though, is pause the game and rotate the camera around to see all angles of each of the five diorama biomes. This reminds me a lot of games like Captain Toad.
In most LEGO games, when it comes time for your character to build, you hold a button while their arms flail around and bricks begin to fly into place. LEGO Bricktales asks the question, “What if you actually built it yourself?” Instead of reaching an impasse and just holding down a button, you go to a building screen, where you assemble the bridge, part, or tool you need. If this sounds familiar, it’s because this game was developed by Clockstone, the same team behind the Bridge Constructor series.
Unfortunately, this is where the game seems to struggle the most. While the builds themselves make sense, and they certainly were reminiscent of my time with Bridge Constructor, I found it difficult to place bricks exactly where I wanted them. I would frequently place one where I thought it should go only to see it fall to the floor or be off by just one row of studs.
I thought it would be a better experience to use the touch-screen, and in many ways, it is better, but it was often not as responsive as I thought it would be. This is where a stylus control for precision would have been better. The best way to build is probably to use the analog sticks and buttons, but you will need to do quite a bit of memorizing in order to do it quickly. If not, you will find even a simple build taking much longer than it should.
I really want to like LEGO Bricktales; there is so much to like. It both looks and sounds great, and the puzzles are the right amount of fun and challenge. I like the different dioramas, and the characters are charming. There are tons of collectibles along the way. You can even customize your character, your builds, and the amusement park itself. The sandbox mode is a great place to just play around or improve upon previous builds. But in the end, it comes down to the main brick-building mechanic just not working. I found myself more frustrated than having fun, which is really sad, because this game has so much going for it.
GAMEPLAY TRAILER
GAME:LEGO Bricktales PLATFORM: Nintendo Switch DEVELOPER: Clockstone Studio PUBLISHER: The LEGO Group and Thunderful ESRB: E for Everyone OBTAINED: Code provided by developer/publisher for press purposes
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