Booting up and starting a new game presents you with the difficulty options of normal and hard. No easy? Once into the game, you step into the shoes of Martin, an ardent esports enthusiast who finds himself at a crossroads in life. A chance encounter introduces him to the captivating game Horizon 4.2, setting the stage for a new chapter in his journey towards becoming an esports champion. With the Horizon 5.0 expansion looming on the horizon, Martin and his friend Adam plunge headfirst into the game, eager to ascend to level 100 and secure their place in the esports pantheon.

Entering into Horizon 4.2, you go through a character creation process…or your character does. According to Martin and Adam, there are tons of classes and three factions from which you can choose, but the game doesn’t give you a choice. More so, it gives Martin the Neogician class (what is a Neogician?) and Adam the Berserker class. I feel like giving the player control over the character would have been nice, but it isn’t necessary.

The gameplay has you journey through the world of Olydri, where you, under the username “Baster,” and Adam, under the username “Drek,” complete quests, unlock chests, and gather materials for different jobs. There are plenty of different towns and areas, all with unique and hard to pronounce names that you can find on the world map, most of which is story locked. Along the way, you join forces with Leo/Logs the Elementalist, and Sarah/May the Cartomancer (What is a Cartomancer??).

You can only play as the four characters. This is perhaps logical considering the source material, but I found it disappointing for partially the same reason as the character creation thing. In addition, the different enemies and some bosses have classes you never get the chance to use or control. There is also no way to speed up the gameplay, and skipping cutscenes often leaves you with no idea what’s happening story-wise and—in some cases—gameplay wise.

Unlike most RPGs, you can’t save anywhere and everywhere. Instead, you have to find a save points. This can be really frustrating to deal with, especially because of some of the enemies in the world map can just one shot you because you aren’t at a certain level.

Loading can range from a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes. Worse, it can be glitchy; the game just won’t load sometimes, forcing you reload from your last save. Because of the forced save locations, this could be anywhere from a couple minutes ago to hours at some places.

Noob – The Factionless has pretty good animations. The 2D and 3D models are very well made, even though they don’t exactly line up with each other some of the time.

The story is pretty decent, but it isn’t really anything too special. This game has potential to be really amazing, but there are a lot of things the developers need to fix before I would recommend it.

The post Review: Noob – The Factionless (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

I’m happy to report there’s plenty to look forward to with all three titles, and we’ll start this trio of articles by looking at…

Super Bomberman R 2

I don’t have much history with the Super Bomberman series, and I was barely into my demo time before realizing that was my mistake. Super Bomberman R 2 is bursting with joyful chaos, offering the kind of hyperactive fun that can occupy an entire game night with friends and family…provided they’re cool with you attempting to blow them up.

It helps that the gameplay is surprisingly accessible. At its most basic, you’re running through mazes, dropping bombs to blast away the walls and your opponents. Your goal will change depending upon the game variation you’re playing, with Standard, Grand Prix, and Battle 64 all returning from Super Bomberman R. The new mode in R 2 is Castle, in which one side defends the castle’s treasure chests from the opposing team. Defenders are tasked with patrolling an area around the treasure chests, setting up defenses with the available gadgets to help keep the attackers away. It’s up to the attackers, of course, to find a way around them…or blast their way through them.

Even better, Castle mode includes a level editor that allows players to generate their own maps and share them online. I didn’t get hands-on time with the level editor, but the benefit is obvious even if you’re not the type to generate your own map. Players should expect a solid amount of content to keep the battles feeling fresh well after the game’s initial release. And who knows? You may find after spending time with the game that you have some solid map ideas of your own.

And don’t worry if you’re new to the series. I was, but within a few rounds my strategies were advancing beyond simply dropping a bomb and running the other direction. Timing is important. So is using the ability to kick bombs away for surprise attacks or to defend yourself. There’s plenty beyond that, but you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself in party games while you figure it all out; Super Bomberman R 2 includes a single player component. The game does lose some impact without the chaos of multiplayer, but the story appears goofy and cute enough to propel you forward as you learn the nuances of combat and control.

The Story Mode introduces small, ghostly creatures called Ellons that seem to be having some survival difficulty. By rescuing them, Bomberman and his friends will be able to utilize them to solve puzzles and access new items/locations across the adventure. The Ellons trail behind the player as you work your way through each level, and that can spell trouble; the Ellons are susceptible to damage, too.

The Switch release of Super Bomberman R 2 is set for September 12th for the physical edition. The digital release will launch the following day, and pre-orders are now open in the eShop. For more information, visit www.konami.com/games/bomberman/r2/.

The post Hands-On With Super Bomberman R 2 appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Nintendo Switch players in North America can access the demo on the Nintendo eShop. The demo will allow single-players to access the pop songs “Shake Senora (featuring T-Pain and Sean Paul)” by Pitbull and “TiK ToK” by Kesha. European players will be able to access the demo later this month.

Of course, if you like what you see (and hear), pre-orders are now open for both the standard ($39.99) and deluxe ($49.99) editions. Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition on the Nintendo eShop will receive the following in-game items on top of the standard edition of the game:

• The Sonic the Hedgehog Music Pack that includes fan-favorite tracks such as “Open Your Heart” from Sonic Adventure, “Reach For The Stars (Re-Colors)” from Sonic Colors: Ultimate, and “I’m Here” from Sonic Frontiers.
• The SEGA Music Pack (available on September 27, 2023) that features popular tracks from SEGA’s historic roster of franchises: “Baka Mitai (Taxi Driver Edition),” “Go Go Cheer Girl!” from Space Channel 5: Part 2, and “Rhythm Thief Theme” from Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure.
• Special costumes and accessories from Sonic the Hedgehog, Space Channel 5, Super Monkey Ball, and Puyo Puyo.

As for the game itself, Samba de Amigo: Party Central allows players to use Joy-Con as maracas while dancing to 40 hit songs from the world’s most popular genres, with even more song arriving as post-launch DLC. More specifically:

• Groove with your friends and family with different party modes.
• Complete the StreamiGo! challenges to help Amigo rise to fame.
• Strut that style by customizing your character with unique costumes and accessories.
• Take the party to a global level by hitting the floor with 12 Amigos and up to 8 of your friends online in World Party Mode.
• Show the world what you’ve got by competing on the online leaderboards.

For more information on Samba de Amigo: Party Central, visit sambadeamigo.sega.com.

The post Samba de Amigo: Party Central demo now available appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

If you’re a fan of action and adventure, puzzles and platformers, you’ve most likely enjoyed Frozenbyte’s Trine series. First launched in Windows in July of 2009, the series has grown to encompass multiple games for multiple platforms. Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is now heading for release, and will hit the Switch on August 31st, 2023.

Do any of the characters need an introduction? If you’ve played any of the games, be it individually or as part of the ultimate collection, you know of the exploits of Pontius the knight, Amadeus the magician and Zoya the thief. But if you’d like a refresher, Frozenbyte has provided the above video meet-and-greet for Pontius the Knight, “…Protector of the Realm and also the biggest pie lover the land has ever seen!”

Your sword and shield will aid you on your journey – if you know how to use them! As a skilled knight and professional pie eater, Pontius can use his sword to fight off enemies, get rid of obstacles, and even use it as a platform to help him reach higher areas. The shield, not only made to protect, will come in handy to reflect light, skate across water, and even use as a glider!

Charge, smash, fight, and puzzle-solve your way through the dangers that await with your fellow adventurers. And should you need further help, the Prismatic Talisman will be your best friend – literally. Clones can be useful!

As for the rest of the game, we know it’ll provide fans with:

• A beautiful 2.5D world with twenty levels ready for players to explore.
• Local and online multiplayer for up to 4 players.
• Puzzles with plenty of replayability and dynamic physics. Players will utilize fire, air, light, magnets, electricity and more, with puzzles tailored both for solo and co-op play.
• Challenging tactical combat that pits players against the unstoppable Clockwork Knights and the cunning Rat Gang. Try your wits and courage in formidable boss fights!
• Difficulty settings for combat, puzzles, and character resurrection. The game welcomes everyone’s own play style.
• A mesmerizing soundtrack, with songs that capture the essence of each unique environment.
• A voice cast of returning favourites and charming new additions

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is being developed by Frozenbyte in Helsinki, Finland. Learn more at www.frozenbyte.com.

The post Reacquaint yourself with Pontius the Knight ahead of Trine 5 release appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Meanwhile, there’s a couple of additions to some existing Nintendo mobile outings, namely Fire Emblem Heroes and Pikmin Bloom. Plus, to further celebrate the release of Pikmin 4, there’s an eShop bonus for digital downloads, as well as a sweepstakes offer. It’s all about Pikmin 4 this week!

Check out the full list of new eShop releases below. What’s on your wishlist this week? Let us know iwhat you’re playing right now!

Nintendo Switch

• Pikmin 4 – Meet Pikmin: small, plant-like creatures you can grow, pluck, command and overpower your enemies with during your grand mission as the Rescue Corps’ newest recruit! Use your loyal squad’s miniature might (and a bit of strategy) to explore a mysterious planet in search of your crew and treasures to fix the Rescue Corps’ ship, the S.S. Shepherd. Don’t worry, the dependable Rescue Pup Oatchi can help to get the job done while you lead the charge on this expedition. With the Pikmin and a powerful pup at your side, no challenge is too big! The Pikmin 4 game will be available on July 21.

Pre-orders

• EA SPORTS FC 24 – Heralding a new era for the world’s game, EA SPORTS FC 24 features PlayStyles optimized by Opta and a revolutionized Frostbite Engine powering the most true-to-football experience ever. Partake in the full Ultimate Team experience, which welcomes women’s footballers to the pitch, or hit the field in Clubs and VOLTA FOOTBALL – now all headed to the Nintendo Switch system. EA SPORTS FC 24 is available on Sept. 29. Pre-order today!

 Nintendo mobile

• Forge an Alliance With Alear: Dragon Youth in the Fire Emblem Heroes Game – The Fire Emblem Heroes game for smart devices is adding additional Heroes from the Fire Emblem Engage game! Alcryst: Tender Archer and others appear in a New Heroes summoning event. To celebrate, summoners can get a 5★ Hero gift just for logging in. Starting July 18 at 12 a.m. PT, you can make 5★ Hero Alear: Dragon Youth your ally! Open the game during the event period and check your in-game Present List to enlist him. Please check the game for the entire event schedule. For more information about the Fire Emblem Heroes game, visit the official site: https://fire-emblem-heroes.com/en/.
• Pikmin Bloom Adds New Missions To Celebrate Pikmin 4! – Celebrate the launch of the Pikmin 4 game for the Nintendo Switch system with the Pikmin Bloom app for smart devices! You can get the new Pikmin 4 Spaceship Decor Pikmin in the Pikmin Bloom app by playing and completing the new event challenge starting from July 21 at 12 a.m. until Aug. 13 at 11:59 p.m. local time. The Pikmin Bloom app is available to download for free on smart devices! For more information about the Pikmin Bloom app, visit the official site: https://pikminbloom.com/en/. Remember to be alert at all times and stay aware of your surroundings when playing.

Activities

• Earn Double Gold Points With the Digital Version of Pikmin 4 – Your chance to earn DOUBLE My Nintendo Gold Points on the digital version of the Pikmin 4 game is ending soon! That means you can earn 10% in Gold Points – which you can then use toward your next purchase on an eligible digital game or DLC. Already pre-ordered digitally? Those points are coming your way, too! Hurry, this offer ends July 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For more information about Gold Points, be sure to check out My Nintendo.
• Soak Up Some Sun This Summer With Pikmin Pizzaz! – Enter the My Nintendo Pikmin Piknik Sweepstakes now for a chance to win a plucky picnic-themed prize package perfect for a leisurely afternoon outdoors with food, friends and Pikmin! To learn more, visit https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/3de9f46446caceb4.
• Fire Emblem Engage Character Button Pins Are Back in Stock! – The Fire Emblem Engage Character Button pin set is back in stock! This My Nintendo physical reward includes 16 button pins featuring several iconic heroes from past Fire Emblem games, along with new characters from the Fire Emblem Engage game. My Nintendo members can redeem 700 Platinum Points to get it.
• My Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Sweepstakes – The My Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Sweepstakes ends July 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT! Enter now for a chance to win a legendary prize package, which includes a Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Crystal Master Sword Statue; a SanDisk 1TB microSD Card; a PowerA The Legend of Zelda Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch – Sworn Protector; a Game Traveler Deluxe The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom travel case for Nintendo Switch; and an authoritative The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Strategy Guide – Collector’s Edition from Piggyback, the all-encompassing guide featuring stunning, annotated maps. For more information, please visit: https://my.nintendo.com/news/05dc9e0e181fcf07.

Nintendo eShop sales on Nintendo Switch:

• Warner Bros. Games Publisher Sale – Keep cool this summer with up to 85% off some of your favorite Warner Bros. Games! This sale ends July 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For more information and to view the games on sale, visit https://www.nintendo.com/store/sales-and-deals/.
• SQUARE ENIX Summer Sale – Enjoy the summer with titles like OCTOPATH TRAVELER II, PowerWash Simulator, NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition, THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE and more! This sale ends July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For more information and to view the games on sale, visit https://www.nintendo.com/store/sales-and-deals/.

Also new this week in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch:

• Aery – Heaven & Hell
• Arcade Archives STRATO FIGHTER
• Armored Lab Force VULVEHICLES
• Beauty and The Beast: Interactive Book
• Cross Tails
• Crowded Mysteries
• D-Corp – Available July 21
• Doomsday Hunters
• Forest Fire
• Frank and Drake
• Ghosty
• Haunted Hell House
• Hollenburg ‘Hell Castle’
• Hospital Doctor – Fix me up for KIDS (Boys & Girls) – Available July 22
• Legends of the Eternal Flame
• Lucy Got Problems
• Mage & Monsters
• Masquerade Kiss
• MetaDude
• Metal Storm X
• Might & Magic – Clash of Heroes : Definitive Edition
• Moto Racer Simulator GT Games
• Mr. Run and Jump – Available July 25
• NightmareScape
• NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION: Awakening
• Oaken
• OMNIMUS
• Otoko Cross: Pretty Boys Breakup! – Available July 21
• Punch a Bunch
• Puzzle by Nikoli S Hitori
• Ramp Car Racing – Available July 21
• Ring Racer – Available July 21
• Road Bustle 2
• Sailing Era
• Sephonie – Available July 21
• Skeljump – Available July 25
• Snow White: Interactive Book
• Summer Party Time
• Super Dinoblasters – Available July 21
• Super Intern Story – Available July 26
• Sweets Pusher Friends
• Sword of Glory – Available July 21
• Takoyaki Party Survival
• THE KITTY in The Spaceship
• The Snow Fable: Mystery of the Flame – Available July 21
• Wathitdew Record Game Studio BATTLEFIELD
• Whispike Survivors
• Wood Cube Block: Classic Casual Puzzle
• Words Of Wisdom – Available July 21

The post Pikmin 4 joins this week’s eShop roundup appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

In the game, players move around the pit area and use the various tools provided to perform maintenance on the vehicles that need assistance. For example, you may need to change a bad tire. This involves grabbing the jack, jacking the car up, removing the tire, grabbing a new tire, attaching it, then removing the jack. You will also do things like replace bumpers, fix dents, replace parts under the car, put out fires, etc. This sounds like a lot, and it is if you’re playing solo, but Speed Crew really shines when you have two or more players in the Pit. When a car pulls up, you will diagnose its issues which will be highlighted in yellow so you know what you need to work on. Splitting up and focusing on different tasks is your best bet.

It seems more frantic, but a lot easier when you have multiple teammates. This will allow you to get through more cars faster, and complete each level with a higher score. It’s also just more fun in general when you’re not playing alone. I thought it was funny that players can get hit by the cars if they’re not careful and out of the way when they pull in to the garage. This made for some funny moments, seeing my teammates fly across the screen. No need to worry though, as they will respawn after 3 seconds. You can also slap your teammates for some reason. This is just something silly the developers added for a little extra fun.

The controls felt a bit sluggish for such a fast-paced game. Having to grab all of the tools and put them back where they go before I could move on also felt frustrating; it kind of slowed things down when all I wanted to do was move faster and get to the next car. This is also a gameplay mechanic that is less frustrating with more players, as you can assign tasks to your teammates, like putting the tools up or getting rid of the scrap/garbage. Don’t worry if you are lacking local friends to play with; Speed Crew has an online multiplayer mode that will allow you to join three other players for the various levels. So, there’s really no need to play alone unless you want some practice or you like a solitary challenge.

As far as graphics go, I feel Speed Crew could have looked a little better. The way it looks kind of reminds me of a smart phone game. It’s nothing horrible, but I wouldn’t call it appealing in terms of character design or environments. It has moments where it looks good, but other times it just looks a bit generic. The music isn’t much better, but it works for the theme of the game. Overall, I think the main appeal with Speed Crew is the fun you will be having while playing with friends.

If this looks interesting to you, in I highly recommend checking out the demo on the eShop before you buy it. That way you can get a good feel for the controls and multiplayer mode. Speed Crew is a fun game to play with the family, a group of friends, or online with three strangers. However, I don’t think it’s very fun when you play it alone. If you’re looking for a fun, co-op game, definitely add this one to your list.

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

We’ve both been spending some time with the Pikmin 4 demo, which debuted just last week. The demo is pretty meaty, with quite a few hours of gameplay. In it, we’re introduced to the new Ice Pikmin, as welll Oatchi the dog, all while using our custom-made astronaut to rescue other stranded travellors. It’s a great time and we’re very much looking forward to the full game’s release later this month.

Kirk also gives a comprehensive update on the mysterious JRPG we mentioned a few weeks ago. With the embargo now lifted, we can reveal the title, which is Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. Kirk gives us a neat wrap up of the series and this latest entry.

We also discuss a couple of interesting titles coming out later this year that are sure to be popular with a younger audience. Firstly, there’s The Grinch: Christmas Adventures, which presents our favorite villain-cum-hero on a platformer quest to steal Christmas.

Then there’s Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party. It was only a matter of time before the uber-popular Baby Shark made its way to the Switch, and now we know this puzzle game is heading ourway later this year. Jemma even has a fun Baby Shark story to go with this announcement!

Support the show!

Please support the show by leaving us a review on Spotify or liking on YouTube, and tune in each and every Monday for more Nintendo-related goodness. It’s all happening on the Pure Nintendo Podcast!

You can also find our podcast on:

• Spotify
• Apple
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You can also subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine over at patreon.com/PureNintendo and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/PureNintendo.

Epsiode music

Gigakoops – Tunnel of Hate
Rolemusic – If Pigs Could Sing

The post Pure Nintendo Podcast EP18 | Pikmin 4 initial thoughts! appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

ATLUS recently announced that Persona 5 Tactica will be hitting the Switch on November 17, 2023. And today at Anime Expo 2023, they debuted a character trailer for some of the game’s combatants, including someone we haven’t met previously.

Check out the trailer above, where you’ll learn more about the backgrounds and unique skillset for Joker, Morgana, and the all-new Erina. These are just some of the characters you’ll be using to fight against the tyrannical Legionnaires.

And unlike with Persona 5—which is now also available for the Switch—the turn-based combat in Persona 5 Tactica will be grid-based along the lines of XCOM 2 or Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. An isometric view of the battlefield allows players to strategically position the Phantom Thieves so they can take advantages of their individual strengths and attacks.

As for the story:

After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves wander into a bizarre realm where its citizens are living under tyrannical oppression. Surrounded by a military group named Legionnaires, they find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary named Erina rescues them and offers an enticing deal in exchange for their help. What truth lies behind Erina and the deal she offers to the Phantom Thieves?

Persona 5 Tactica will launch on Nintendo Switch and other platgorms on November 17th. For more information, check out the Nintendo eShop or visit persona.atlus.com.

The post Meet (Some of) the Team of Persona 5 Tactica appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Do you like your platformers hot, tasty, and simmered in retro sauce? If so, you’ll happy to know Ratalaika Games and Sylph have announced that Garlic will be released for Nintendo Switch and other platforms on July 7th. A spoof of genre classics, Garlic is “…a tough but fun platformer outing perfect for both new and experienced players alike.”

In the game, Garlic (known to his friends as “Onion Boy Head”) is a brave but somewhat nasty hero who just wants to climb the sacred tower to meet the Cyber Goddess. It’s good to have goals.

Garlic presents endless challenges with platforming, evasive action, jumping, and confrontations are the order of the day, as you would expect. Complemented with a compendium of mini-games, 12 zones, containing nine levels, plus one special boss, marks this as one feast of action. Garlic coins, tons of enemies with some neat variations of environments for each zone keeps interest high.

The precision platforming action in Garlic features an eight direction dash and a super dash you can perform by slamming floors, walls, and even ceilings. The is allows players to pull off some crazy moves if you’re daring enough to use it. And in addition to the minigames, Garlic features a timerush mode to test your skills as a speedrunner.

Garlic will be available July 7th for $14.99. For more information, visit the Nintendo eShop.

The post Nintendo Switch gamers can enjoy Garlic this week appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Bloober Team knows how to scare us, as evidenced by games such as Layers of Fear and Observer. Now, Switch players can descend into the award-winning psychological horror of The Medium…or rise into it, considering the Switch release is cloud version only.

Either way, the game’s available with a 15% launch discount available through July 6th.

Originally launched in 2021, Medium offers dual-reality gameplay that allows players to navigate between real and alternative worlds to solve puzzles.

The game is set in the late ‘90s following Marianne, a psychic investigating the abandoned Hotel Niwa in search of answers about her past. She explores the physical world and the spirit world simultaneously, which lets players use the interactions between them to solve dual-reality puzzles, unlock new paths, and awaken memories of past events.

The spirit world is a dark mirror reflection of our reality, and it has been modeled and designed under the inspiration of Polish dystopian surrealist, Zdzisław Beksiński’s paintings. The incredible visuals were enhanced by the original soundtrack co-composed by Arkadiusz Reikowski and Akira Yamaoka.

The Medium – Cloud Version is available now in the Nintendo eShop at the discounted rate of $42.99 through July 6th. A demo is available if you’d like to try it before braving the full puzzle/adventure. For more information, visit www.themediumgame.com.

The post The Medium – Cloud Version now available for Nintendo Switch appeared first on Pure Nintendo.