Nintendo Switch

[JohnBM01]

I have been thinking a lot about independent/indie gaming with the Nintendo Switch. Or as Nintendo is sort of marketing as, "Nindies." Considering the nature of the Switch console, the indie potential is immense if one can come up with a solid package to utilize the Switch's hardware capabilities.

One thing I've heard about was how people who have the GameMaker Studio can develop games to the Nintendo Switch, especially 2D style games. So even casual and hobbyist developers can make titles for the Switch. Even us folks here on GTPlanet could develop for the Switch. Granted... you have about $500 USD for a license and register as a developer for Nintendo. The one thing that becomes questionable is if people knock on the Switch so much for having not as many quality games from top-level developers to where the Switch seems to "lean on" indie games to help shore things up. It's basically the same talk that derailed the OUYA Android console- not many solid top-level developer games. This is basically an age where the indie developers are becoming stronger and may eventually be close enough to be on par with even lackluster AAA titles.

I would still buy a Nintendo Switch had I the money or if I won one in a contest or something. Though my gaming interests have waned in recent years, I still have a decent amount of love for systems like the Switch.

 

[Bjorn Lucas]

I have all current gaming systems, ps4 is my main console, and i have way more fun with my switch then i have with my xboxone.
For me the Switch is like Apple, damn good product, works like a charm!!

if you like RPG's there are plenty of them for the switch
like platformers, plenty of them

If you like FPS'ers its not your console (at the moment)

i only have my switch for 2 months but my choice of play; PS4, Switch and then the rest!!

 

[JohnBM01]

I seen streams and videos of "Mario Tennis Aces." Man- this game has crazy tennis action! Pretty insane action. I haven't played it myself, though.

 

[Wolfe]

Battle Princess Madelyn looks like it is coming along nicely. This preview has moved it up my list of upcoming indie games to watch. 👍

 

[JohnBM01]

I think if you love the "Ghosts and Goblins" games, you may vastly appreciate "Battle Princess Madelyn." It is almost like a total throwback to Super Ghosts and Goblins. I'm impressed with this title.

 

[Brend]

Octopath Traveler is out tomorrow. Really excited for this one, been missing a proper JRPG with plenty of grinding.

 

[Lain]

I'm about 10 hours into Octopath, and I'm loving it so far. I started with Ophilia and went counterclockwise collecting characters, right now I've got 5 (Ophilia, H'aanit, Therion, Alfyn and Primrose). Ophilia's 2nd chapter was nearby though, so I decided to take a break from gathering new characters to take a stab at that instead... despite the recommended level being 23 and my party only being between level 12 and 16 after getting Primrose.

The higher level random encounters were tough but doable, and rewarded an abundant amount of EXP and JP. By the time I got to the boss, my party was between levels 17 and 19. I put up a good fight and got the boss down to yellow health, but got reckless and made a few careless mistakes which cost my party their lives, so I'll need to take another stab at it later today. But I think I'll be able to do it now... I scrounged up 30,000 monies to buy Ophilia a very potent staff upgrade and also optimized my other characters' equipment with stuff that I was able to acquire using Therion's extremely handy path action. I'll probably gain a few more levels making my way back to the boss, too.

 

[Tired Tyres]

I'm waiting for any news on a Let's Go Pikachu special edition Switch.

 

[Wolfe]

@Lain -- Octopath Traveler's launch snuck up on me between diving into The Crew 2 and being busy the week it launched, so I missed picking it up right away and had to track down a copy because online orders are sold out or closed. That is rectified now. It's good timing because I've done just about everything there is to do in Xenoblade 2 for a first playthrough (after ~270 hours), leaving New Game Plus for me to come back to at a later date.

I've only just started OT but I had already sunk some hours into the first demo (I skipped the later one) just enjoying the battle mechanics and optional dungeon, so I knew I'd love it. I chose H'aanit to start with and she's a perfect fit for me. I'm going to go collect three or four characters -- I'm considering Therion, Cyrus, Olberic, and Primrose -- and then I might explore a bit before collecting the remaining party members.

 

[Brend]

Octopath is really an incredible RPG. The battle system is phenomenal and the visuals are stunning. Just about finished the seventh chapter 1 so I'm nearly able to be a high enough level to start diving deeper into someone's story. I think it will be Primrose, she's the most interesting of the bunch I'd say.

 

[Lain]

Did Alfyn and Ophilia's chapter 3s the other night... the boss in Alfyn's was pretty brutal, but after I grinded my party up to the recommended level, I was able to get through the fight without too much trouble. The recommended level for Ophilia's chapter 3 was 6 levels higher, but I had an easier time with it. I actually skipped all the random encounters in the dungeon because I was just planning to check out how nasty the boss was before putting the game down and going to bed, I wasn't planning to try and win so I didn't even heal up before going into the boss fight... but soon I realized I could probably win the fight, so I started trying and I was right.

After that, I jumped straight into Ophilia's chapter 4 because I'd like to unlock the ability to swap my starting character out of my party... it's a lot tougher, the random encounters can absolutely wreck me if I'm not careful. Right now I'm just sitting by the save point at the dungeon entrance trying to carefully grind at least one of my party members up to the recommended level of 45. The highest I've got right now is Ophilia at level 40.

 

[Wolfe]

It really is something special. @Mrs Wolfe really likes it too; she chose Tressa, who suits her just as perfectly as H'aanit for me. She's all about loot in RPGs.

I changed my plan because of how each new character's first chapter is more difficult as you go (which is cool), and places off of the chapter one loop are higher-level than I expected anyway. I recruited Therion first to not have to revisit any locked chests, then doubled back and collected Cyrus for his spells, and then Primrose to be able to escort NPCs. By then I decided I better get the rest of the characters to enjoy the challenge of the remaining first chapters without levelling up too much, so I now have Olberic and Tressa -- along with Primrose, I went through those three quickly because I played the first demo and I already watched @Mrs Wolfe play Tressa's chapter.

Next is Alfyn, and then I can take care of a sidequest or two on my way to Ophilia. I skipped the healers on purpose, but by now my grape consumption is rising, so they may be nice to have before venturing into a non-story dungeon. The balancing and pacing of the game seems pretty tight.

 

[Lain]

Well, I was doing a bit of grinding for Ophilia's chapter 4. I was just trying to get at least one of my characters up to the recommended level of 45, but then this happened when I was using Bewildering Grace:

Which resulted in me going from slightly underleveled to, well, this:

Gotta say though, Ophilia's final boss was still pretty tough... there were some moments where I was on the brink of losing, though I was able to stabilize and ultimately win.

 

[Brend]

Well, I was doing a bit of grinding for Ophilia's chapter 4. I was just trying to get at least one of my characters up to the recommended level of 45, but then this happened when I was using Bewildering Grace:

Which resulted in me going from slightly underleveled to, well, this:

Gotta say though, Ophilia's final boss was still pretty tough... there were some moments where I was on the brink of losing, though I was able to stabilize and ultimately win.

I always end up with JPx5 when I use Bewildering Grace. Talk about frustrating.

 

[Wolfe]

Where I am so far, with a few second chapters complete, I'm more concerned about getting overleveled. I do prefer to push a little on the low side. I decided to try H'aanit's second chapter (recommended L27) with H'aanit at L26, and Olberic, Alfyn, and Ophilia at ~L19. The boss was a nice challenge, though H'aanit's support skills and Alfyn's Concoct ability almost seem like cheating. The thrill from exploiting the various mechanics and skills is great.

I also have to say the soundtrack has exceeded my expectations. I like how the combat themes change up as you progress, Xenoblade-style. I've already ripped myself an MP3 of a YouTube cover -- this SPC700 arrangement of the chapter one battle theme. I hope people make more SNES covers.

 

[Cherokee]

After thinking about it a few times, I got mine saturday, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Poken tournament for my girfriend.

Have to say the handheld and tabletop console conversion is very well thought out. Really liking it so far.

 

[Lain]

Made a concept render for a clamshell Switch Mini (& Mini Joycons) that is the size of a 3DS XL:

 

[Liquid]

I've purchased a Nintendo Switch. It's my first new game console since the Playstation 3 in 2008.

The two games I got with it are Mario Kart 8 and the Crash Bandicoot trilogy and I am very impressed. I'm not quite sure what games I will buy in future, apart from FIFA, but I do really like the console and the novelty of the wireless controllers.

What games are good on the switch? Any genre, just tell me what it is.

 

[DDastardly00]

I was away from my main consoles that I play, Xbox One and my PC all week while I was on vacation, all save for the Switch, which we brought a long. I mainly played BOTW, finished up some shrine quests and got a bunch more Korok seeds and explored more of the map, I now have most of it unlocked. I watched my son play a ton of Hyrule Warriors, he can't seem to get enough of it, so glad I bought it for him.

I concur with the above, the switch is a great little system in it's own right and it's very portable which is nice.

 

[Wolfe]

What games are good on the switch? Any genre, just tell me what it is.

There's Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild of course, both among the best of their respective franchises. I also love Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Octopath Traveler, both thoroughly impressive games for each form of JRPG they represent. FAST RMX is another fine racing exclusive with a good bang-for-your-buck in tracks to race, even if the online multiplayer is desolate. Steredenn: Binary Stars is a quality shmup with unique replay value thanks to its roguelike-ish format and co-op play that makes it a good fit for the platform.

Speaking of genre, I'm pleased with how the Switch is becoming the console to have for RPGs. That's something the GBA, DS, and 3DS arguably used to siphon away from Nintendo's home consoles, which kind of irked me for a long time. Now the Switch's hybrid form means the Japanese market gets their handheld RPG fix while I get to enjoy the games on the big screen. Otherwise, I'm sure Octopath Traveler would have been another handheld exclusive like Bravely Default...

 

[Liquid]

There's Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild of course, both among the best of their respective franchises. I also love Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Octopath Traveler, both thoroughly impressive games for each form of JRPG they represent. FAST RMX is another fine racing exclusive with a good bang-for-your-buck in tracks to race, even if the online multiplayer is desolate. Steredenn: Binary Stars is a quality shmup with unique replay value thanks to its roguelike-ish format and co-op play that makes it a good fit for the platform.

I was thinking of getting Sonic Mania and Mario Odyssey, to be fair. And actually, this place is probably the best place to ask about the racing games for Switch.

I might try Steredenn if it has good replay value; that's definitely a quality I look for in a game.

 

[JohnBM01]

For the first time ever, I played on the Nintendo Switch! Earlier today, I played on a kiosk with Super Mario Odyssey and ARMS. I spent more time playing ARMS. ARMS is kind of like an extreme combination of "Wii Sports Boxing" and "Punch-Out!!. As for "Super Mario Odyssey," I had a lot of getting used to using the Switch controllers. The last player who was playing it had Mario in a very cool looking Mafia style outfit. Sadly, I was the one getting whacked on various hits.

I had ideas on the Switch previously as far as games for it. Now, I am starting to think clever and experimental types can put together some solid games for the Switch. I still mostly have to get used to the Switch, but I can see the Switch being amazing to play. It's going to have a very good shelf life. It will last much longer than, say... the Virtual Boy (even though I wanted one back then). The Switch operates very well whether separate or with that connector thing for the controllers. A lot of inventive thinking has gone into the creation and execution of the Nintendo Switch. This is more like a system that will uniquely intrigue you and grow on you, yet it doesn't blow you away with unreal performance or a really stacked lineup of games.

All of this said, I'd still get a Nintendo Switch had I the money or if I got one as a gift or something.

 

[TS050]

Splatoon 2 is slowly taking over my life, and I'm not sure if I should be angry about it.



This game is an addiction.

 

[Brend]

I've purchased a Nintendo Switch. It's my first new game console since the Playstation 3 in 2008.

The two games I got with it are Mario Kart 8 and the Crash Bandicoot trilogy and I am very impressed. I'm not quite sure what games I will buy in future, apart from FIFA, but I do really like the console and the novelty of the wireless controllers.

What games are good on the switch? Any genre, just tell me what it is.

If you're into hardcore platformers Celeste is a must.

Octopath Traveler is one of the best traditional JRPGs in years if that floats your boat.

Splatoon 2 is an incredible amount of fun.

Splatoon 2 is slowly taking over my life, and I'm not sure if I should be angry about it.



This game is an addiction.

Shame, it means that a consistent L lies for you when we race in Mario Kart.

 

[TS050]

Shame, it means that a consistent L lies for you when we race in Mario Kart.

Yesterday was a fluke! Next time we race I’ll beat you

 

[Lain]

I've purchased a Nintendo Switch. It's my first new game console since the Playstation 3 in 2008.

The two games I got with it are Mario Kart 8 and the Crash Bandicoot trilogy and I am very impressed. I'm not quite sure what games I will buy in future, apart from FIFA, but I do really like the console and the novelty of the wireless controllers.

What games are good on the switch? Any genre, just tell me what it is.

My go-to recommendations that aren't obvious picks like BotW/Mario/etc. are Golf Story and Shantae Half-Genie Hero. Both are super charming and fun, not to mention reasonably affordable. Golf Story in particular is outstanding, and is actually exclusive to Switch.

I'm still pulling for Shantae to make Smash Bros (with Risky Boots as an echo fighter), but it doesn't seem likely.

 

[JohnBM01]

Today was my first time taking on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch at a kiosk. I still had a lot to learn using the Switch. Once I got the hang of racing in MK8D, I was able to manage a 3rd Place finish at the game's Wario mine track. Not bad. I did lead the second lap. I will just need to spend more time getting better acquainted with the Switch, at least with the two-handed usage of the Switch.

 

[Wolfe]

The latest update for Xenoblade 2 sure caught my attention. What a game -- 280 hours into it and there's still more to do. I was basically uninterested in the two latest rare Blades, but Elma sure is one way to hook me back in for one more round of quests and affinity charts.

It warms my heart to see XCX acknowledged in at least some way on the Switch. I wonder if it has anything to do with gauging the reception of that side of the Xeno meta-franchise on a more successful platform -- I would love nothing more than for Monolith Soft to toggle back to making another game like XCX for the next Xenoblade. I'm also still crossing my fingers that Elma could make it into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

 

[PocketZeven]

Hi I am a PS4 gamer and really interested in Mario Oddessey and Zelda BoW. But I find it hard to shell out € 450 for just 2 games. Anyone here who actually regret purchasing the switch? I am absolutely not into JRPG or Pokemon like games. I have nobody (yet) to play smash bros or mario kart with so not interested in those. Anyone here who, like me, likes story driven games similair to uncharted, god of war, the Last of Us, horizon zero dawn, can sell me on the switch?

 

[Lain]

Hi I am a PS4 gamer and really interested in Mario Oddessey and Zelda BoW. But I find it hard to shell out € 450 for just 2 games. Anyone here who actually regret purchasing the switch? I am absolutely not into JRPG or Pokemon like games. I have nobody (yet) to play smash bros or mario kart with so not interested in those. Anyone here who, like me, likes story driven games similair to uncharted, god of war, the Last of Us, horizon zero dawn, can sell me on the switch?

I don't regret my purchase, but I'm not sure the Switch is the place to look for story-driven games at the moment... at least ones that aren't JRPGs. There are some, but they're mostly smaller fare and multiplatform. I'd reckon that the platform will eventually become home to a rich visual novel library due to its popularity in Japan... a Phoenix Wright collection and a new entry are supposedly planned for Switch, and the next game from Kotaro Uchikoshi (of 999/Virtue's Last Reward fame) is also Switch-bound. But if you're looking for big-budget cinematic experiences akin to what you find with Playstation's exclusives, you're probably gonna be disappointed.

Switch's biggest titles (Mario Odyssey, Zelda BotW) aren't really story-driven experiences. Currently, the Switch's biggest story-driven exclusive would probably be something like Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which is a JRPG. It's possible that the next Zelda might have a stronger narrative focus, but that could be years away and certainly isn't a guarantee.