Because we live in the future, the answer is now, finally, “Yes.”

In Ship Graveyard Simulator you play a white dude (you can see your arms) who lives in a village of brown people (you can see them) and whose job it is to ram sailing vessels into the ground, then break some of the parts, then sell them.

That’s it. That’s the game.

In some ways, this is the purest version of a crafting game I’ve ever seen, and I must admit the simplicity of it is very relaxing. You order a boat, climb on to it, and use your tools to break it down. You can either sell those component parts directly or, for more profitability, take on contracts and combine them into more worthwhile alloys.

As you go along, you power up your tool seller (why am I paying for a business I paid to increase?), your storage space (to achieve better alloys), and your barracks (to hire NPCs to more quickly strip the vessels).

The gameplay is very simple. You approach a component, and it tells you what tool (hammer, saw, blowtorch, etc.) you’ll need to break it down. Use that tool, collect the bits, fulfill requests, build better facilities, get bigger ships. You don’t break down the entire ship, although later in the game you will start to take apart the hull, and every component tells you what tool you must use to deconstruct it. Cleats and pipes need a sledgehammer. Other items need a power saw.

And then there is my personal Satan: the blowtorch. The blowtorch is by far the most difficult part of the game, as the items you use it on are mounted on the wall, which makes it hard to maneuver around. Also, to “cut” with the torch means to drag the tool along a narrow line. The controls aren’t really sensitive enough to do a slow, steady movement. It’s more like watching a small child color with a crayon, desperately dragging it back and forth.

Cutting with a handsaw can also be a pain, as the component will display how much of it remains to be cut. But if you end up with a stump attached to a wall, figuring out where to position your player so he can actually make the cut can be difficult.

Story-wise, there isn’t any. It’s not that the game is mindless, the point of the game is to be mindless. There are no enemies, there is no conflict (other than your profitability), and it is immensely satisfying to hit L several times to break up whatever it is on the ship. There’s also a lockpicking mechanism that’s straight out of, well, most games, that allows you to find bonus materials.

But the main appeal of this game is just beating the crap out of old steel hulls and selling it to others. The graphics are janky (circa ’90s), and there’s no world-saving plot, just an idea to make a buck doing an honest day’s work.

I found it oddly appealing.

The post Review: Ship Graveyard Simulator appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

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.

If you haven’t experienced Quake II, now’s your chance! This classic title is hitting the Switch for the first time, bringing updated HD support and a rocking soundtrack to support the sci-fi setting. Meanwhile, Bomb Ruch Cyberfunk involves graffiti artists, lost heads and inklings of artifical intelligence. Two different games that both sound very intriguing.

If you’re a mobile gamer who enjoys Fire Emblem, you’re in for a treat. Players of Fire Emblem Heroes can experience Round 7 of the special Choose Your Legends event, which brings top-ranking heroes from across the Fire Emblem series. Along with new story maps, there’s plenty to enjoy on this free-to-play title.

Check out the full list of new releases below. Which titles will be joining your download queue this week? Let us know your game of the week! And don’t forget to check out our latest episode of the Pure Nintendo Podcast for our latest thoughts on the latest Nintendo Switch games and news.

Nintendo Switch

• Red Dead Redemption – When federal agents threaten his family, former outlaw John Marston is forced to hunt down the gang of criminals he once called friends. Experience Marston’s journey across the sprawling expanses of the American West and Mexico as he fights to bury his blood-stained past in this critically acclaimed adventure. Also included is Undead Nightmare, the groundbreaking horror story expansion that transforms the world of Red Dead Redemption into an apocalyptic fight for survival against a zombie horde. Featuring the complete single-player experiences of both games, Red Dead Redemption also includes bonus content from the Game of the Year Edition and more. Red Dead Redemption is available today.
• Quake II – Originally developed in 1997, Quake II is a first-person shooter that built on its predecessor by introducing a new science-fiction narrative and setting. Experience the authentic, enhanced and complete version of Quake II, now with high-definition widescreen support, enhanced models and cinematics, improved enemy animations, the original heavy rock soundtrack and more. Quake II is available now.
• Bomb Rush Cyberfunk – Red is a graffiti writer who lost his head and instead has an AI robohead. In search of his roots, he joins the Bomb Rush Crew, Tryce and Bel, who are aiming to go All City. Together they discover who it was that cut off his head and how deeply Red’s human side is linked to the graffiti world. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is available on Aug 18.

Nintendo mobile

• Chosen Legends Arrive in the Fire Emblem Heroes Game for Smart Devices! – Special versions of the top-ranking Heroes selected in the Choose Your Legends: Round 7 event have arrived in the Fire Emblem Heroes game as part of a 5★ summoning focus! Plus, there are new story maps in Book VII, Chapter 10: Light’s Fading – along with some limited-time quests, too. Please check the game for the full event schedule. Download the free-to-start Fire Emblem Heroes game for smart devices to get in on the tactical fun! For more information, visit the official site: https://fire-emblem-heroes.com/en/.

 Nintendo eShop sales

• Save Up to 30% On Multiplayer Games! – Party up with awesome deals on select multiplayer games and DLC for the Nintendo Switch system! Get on these deals while you can— the sale ends Aug. 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Remember, you earn 5% in My Nintendo Gold Points for your purchases. You can then redeem your Gold Points toward the purchase of other eligible games, DLC, Nintendo Switch Online memberships and more. For more information and the full list of games available, visit https://www.nintendo.com/store/games/deals/.
• Maximum Games X Modus Games Publisher Sale – Save on great titles from Maximum Games and Modus Games! Get great deals on games like Afterimage, Teslagrad 2 and more! This sale ends Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For more information and to see the full list of games, visit https://www.nintendo.com/store/sales-and-deals/#maximus-games-x-modus-games.

 Also new this week

• A Castle Full of Cats
• Aery – Flow of Time
• Airplane Race Simulator – 2 Player Game – Available Aug. 18
• Arcade Archives MAD SHARK
• Arcade Snake Go!
• BOKURA
• Brave Bow Archer: Princess Rescue Simulator! – Available Aug. 22
• Candle Fire Run!
• Cat’s Cosmic Atlas – Available Aug. 18
• Chrome Wolf
• Die After Sunset
• Duck Race
• Embraced By Autumn – Available Aug. 18
• Forklift 2024 – The Simulation
• FRMaster – Formula Racing Simulator – Available Aug. 19
• Funny Jokes
• Gauntler
• Hidden Shapes: Cat Realm + Trick or Cats
• Luck Breaker
• Marble It Up! Ultra
• Neko Journey – Available Aug. 18
• Quantum: Recharged
• Rescue Team 911 Simulator – Ambulance,Police, Firefighter – Available Aug. 19
• Sable’s Grimoire: Man And Elf – Available Aug. 18
• Satay Shop Tycoon
• SHINOBI NON GRATA
• Skateboard Drifting with Maxwell Cat: The Game Simulator – Available Aug. 19
• The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood
• Tsugunohi
• Vampire Survivors
• Virgo Versus The Zodiac – Available Aug. 23
• Vostok 2061
• Wizards Legacy – Nightmare Park Manager Simulator
• Wroom Wroom Puzzles

The post Quake II and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk join this week’s eShop roundup appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

You absolutely should, by the way. Pikmin 4 is my favorite game in the series. This is mostly because the new elements Nintendo has rolled in perfectly complement the core gameplay. Compare this to most of the recent Fire Emblem games, for example, where all the tacked-on diversions interrupt and distract from the action.

Before I get to those elements, here’s a quick setup. In Pikmin 4, our recurring hero Olimar has crash-landed his spaceship on an unknown planet. A rescue team is dispatched to save him, and they also crash land. You’re then sent to rescue all of them, and our adventure begins.

The planet is populated by a species called Pikmin, which is good news for you. These little fellows seem lost without having something to do, and they eagerly accept your every assignment. Toss them at enemies to kill them, at plants to harvest them, at objects to retrieve them.

Differently colored Pikmin have different specialties: red are strong and fast, yellow fly higher and are immune to electricity, and blue can swim. Those are your primary Pikmin, but various other types/colors can break sturdier objects, carry heavier items, fly, and more. New to Pikmin 4 is the Ice Pikmin, which can freeze water for easy traversal and freeze enemies for easy destruction.

Perhaps the biggest immediate change in Pikmin 4 is the communal feeling. Unlike Pikmin 1, 2, and 3—which focused on 1, 2, and 3 characters, respectfully—Pikmin 4 involves a growing commune of people who help in various ways. The more you play, the more rescuers and castaways you uncover. These characters can then be used to provide the training and items necessary to complete your goal of rescuing everyone and escaping the planet.

The gameplay progresses in intervals that provide a complete day to explore the area for various treasures, characters, and the precious sparklium that’s used to repair the ship, provide building materials, and unlock new abilities. Your available Pikmin can carry these items back to your ship, but you’ll first need to make sure you’ve cleaned out enemies along the way.

It’s also important to open more direct paths between the items and your ship. Pikmin 4 is big on the concept of “dandori,” which is described in the game as, “…the art of organizing your tasks strategically and working with maximum efficiency to execute your plans quickly.” Why make the Pikmin carry a treasure across the entire map when you can bust upon an electric gate and move your ship right next to where the treasure is? Why follow your Pikmin around as they harvest sparklium when they’re perfectly capable of carrying it on their own? Be efficient; you can (and should) have tasks running simultaneously.

It helps that you have a trusty companion this time. New to the Pikmin franchise is Oatchi, a dog, of sorts, that’s capable of carrying Pikmin on his back, attacking enemies, and defending his territory. Oatchi is able to reach areas that your character cannot, and he can control Pikmin when separated from you. He’s great when working with your character, especially for charged attacks that burst into an enemy and instantly fling all the Pikmin onto its back for heavy damage. But there will be times when separation is important, especially during the numerous challenges presented throughout the game. Oatchi learns new abilities throughout the game, allowing you to assign him objectives or just work with you on getting things done faster.

The latter is key, as there are numerous side-events in Pikmin 4 that are required for completion. These include two types of dandori battles in which you either must complete tasks in a certain amount of time or battle against another character in split-screen to see who can collect the most items within the time limit. These get very tough by the game’s end, but you don’t need to be perfect to complete them; achieving bronze level is enough to win, often resulting in the release of another castaway.

But you’re not done there. The castaways are inflicted with a leafy condition that makes them unidentifiable, so you’ll need to go on new night missions to obtain the luminol that can cure them. These are basically tower defense levels in which you and Oatchi must defend one or two luminol bases with the help of Glow Pikmin. These new creatures are obtained by carrying sparklium back to the luminous, but if you spend too much time collecting, you won’t be able to defend. Stressful? Yes. But if you’re having trouble, you can bypass them altogether by having a castaway complete them for you.

It’s certainly a lot more to manage than in previous Pikmin games. As I mentioned earlier, however, each new gameplay element serves a purpose. They complement each other well, breaking up the gameplay mechanics just enough to keep things feeling fresh as you build your dandori skills. I also believe this is why—unlike with Pikmin 3—there is no true co-op multiplayer. A second player can help you fight by tossing pebbles at monsters, but you can’t explore with a partner. Why? Dandori. The very point of Pikmin is to use the resources available to you to organize your tasks into efficiently achieved objectives. Relying on a second player would somewhat defeat that purpose.

Let’s also not forget that they all look fantastic. Whether you’re above ground or underground—exploring by day or by night—the world of Pikmin 4 is wonderfully detailed and lushly colored. It’s a beautiful game that’s easy to get lost in.

There’s plenty more I could cover here, but I think it’s time to let you appreciate the game on your own. If you haven’t already tried the game, the demo is still available. And no worries if you’ve never played Pikmin before; Pikmin 4 is a great place to start. The games get tougher as you go back, and they’re all available on the Switch. Join the celebration, won’t you?

The post Review: Pikmin 4 (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Last week, we chatted about the latest Switch 2 rumors. It’s an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan! But while we wait for a new system to be announced, there’s plenty going on with our fave hybrid console.

Firstly, there’s a whole lot of new Pokémon content to talk about. Whether it’s a new show, upcoming DLC, or classic titles making their way to Switch Online, there’s something for almost everyone. Not to mention Detective Pikachu of course!

Last week it was announced the the classic Western action of Red Dead Redemption is making its way to the Nintendo Switch. It marks the first release of this popular 2010 title on a Nintendo console, but there’s some debate about its high price tag. We give our thoughts on this situation.

Moving Out 2 also hit the Switch this week. Jemma was a fan of the original title, but if you’re not familiar with this crazy multiplayer game, we talk about what it’s like and what makes it so much fun.

That’s a lot to cover, and we hope you enjoy the show! Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the channel, and if you leave a question, we’ll answer it on the next episode.

Until next time, game on everyone!

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 find our podcast on:

• Spotify
• Apple
• Amazon

You can also subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine over at patreon.com/PureNintendo and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/PureNintendo. We’d love your support!

Epsiode music

Gigakoops – Tunnel of Hate
Rolemusic – If Pigs Could Sing

The post Pure Nintendo Podcast EP24 | Why we love Detective Pikachu 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.

Well, nearly every minute of it. There remain remnants of the reason why I didn’t finish it a decade ago. Shall we proceed?

Might & Magic – Clash of Heroes: Definitive Edition is a puzzle RPG based on the Might & Magic franchise that dates all the way back to 1986. Clash of Heroes does tie into the series; it’s a prequel to Heroes of Might & Magic V. However, its color-matching puzzle mechanics vary distinctly from the main series’ focus on tactical turn-based combat. As such, you need no knowledge of traditional Might & Magic lore or mechanics.

Clash of Heroes focuses on five different characters, each of whom is embroiled in a demonic plot to take over the kingdom of Ashen. The story begins with a surprise attack that turns the various regions against one another. Each playable character, in turn, must figure out what’s going on and then level up to the point where he or she can mount an effective counter offensive.

By handling one hero at a time, the narrative basically becomes five separate stories. This isn’t great for the narrative, but it makes sense from a gameplay perspective. Clash of Heroes begins each encounter by randomly dropping the soldiers of two armies on a split field. Your army is on the bottom facing the enemy at the top. Your soldiers consist of various grunts and higher-powered elite units, all of which are acquired either through story progression or via purchase with your in-game rewards. You can place up to three different grunt types and two elite types on the field at once, allowing up to five different units. But you don’t always want to do that.

Combat, you see, is based on aligning the units to initiate attacks (vertical) or to convert them to defensive walls (horizontal). The grunts must match not only in unit type, but in color. So, the more unit variations you have, the less likely it is you’ll get matches. The elite units can’t be matched horizontally, but they can be combined vertically with any grunt unit with a matching color.

Still with me? Because it gets a bit more complicated. You get a limited number of action points to align your units, but you can gain more in certain ways. Removing a unit to collapse the line into a defensive wall, for example, can get you that action point back. Connect more than one chain in a single move and you’re awarded additional action points. It’s a lot to consider, especially when you’re weighing whether to defend against a pending enemy attack or to hurry up and launch attacks of your own.

You’ll also want to keep looking ahead, as basic attacks will rarely get you a win. The goal with the attacks is to hit the enemy’s line behind its soldiers, but your opponent also has walls and units in the way that will weaken your attack. It’s therefore important to chain your attacks by having similarly colored units attack at the same time. This is tricky, because different unit types attack at different speeds. An elite unit in Anwen’s story may take four turns to attack after alignment, while the basic archer grunts only take two. So, you’ll need to wait a couple turns to align the archers, but leaving them as single units makes them vulnerable to enemy attacks.

No matter how solid your strategies and timing are, battles will often come down to luck. As you lose armies to attacks (the opponent’s and your own), your stock of replacements increases. You use an action point to call them in, but you have no control over what you get or where they come in. As such, they’ll often block units you planned to align. They could also inadvertently create walls, thereby removing units from the battlefield that you planned to use for attacks.

Of course, it always seemed the enemy got perfect draws when summoning more units. How convenient that three blue units dropped right on top of the blue elite unit that requires four grunts for an attack. Did I ever get that kind of luck? It sure didn’t seem like it, but I admit it’s easier to remember the bad stuff.

If Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes was just about this puzzle mechanic, it’d be nothing more than a decent casual game. But the heroes and their units require leveling up and using artifact bonuses in the grand RPG tradition. This also means grinding, as there are numerous unfair difficulty spikes as you progress. Completing the side missions in the proper order certainly helps, but each chapter also has random encounters you’ll need to engage in order to prepare for what’s to come.

You’d think these battles would become repetitive, but that’s not the case thanks to two smart development decisions. First, each hero has different abilities and elite unit types that make you relearn how to be effective in combat. As such, each chapter requires a slight strategy shift. Second, not every battle is about simply penetrating the enemy’s defenses. Some require you to simultaneously attack specific objects, for example.

One required me to push three enemies backwards until they fell off a cliff. One boss had a nasty habit of turning my unchained units into food, which he would then inhale to restore his health. The best defense against this was to chain up my soldiers or sacrifice them to get them off the battlefield. Then, there are numerous puzzle challenges in which you must figure out the precise progression to eliminate all of the enemies units in a single turn.

It’s a lot packed into one puzzle RPG, and it’s all wonderful. That includes the graphics and audio, which feature storyboarded animations with a live narrator. These are quick enough to not slow things down, and they do a good job of adding some dramatic weight to the proceedings.

Put aside my frustration with the anger-inducing random unit drops, and you’ve got a nearly perfect time-killer in Might & Magic – Clash of Heroes. Whether you’re playing at home or on the go, it’s fun. Whether a battle takes two minutes or ten, it’s fun. Whether you’re on chapter one or five, it’s fun. Whether you’re playing in story mode or online in competitive multiplayer, it’s fun. The game’s heavy reliance on RPG strategies and random luck will likely frustrate casual puzzle gamers, but once it clicks, you’ll want to see it through…even if it took a couple releases to do so.

The post Review: Might & Magic – Clash of Heroes: Definitive Edition (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

This adventure has a lot going for it. Let’s start with the story. It’s pretty bonkers, but it’s also charming, funny, and very tongue-in-cheek. You play the role of Imogen, a student at Stratford-Upon-Avon High. She wields a magical scepter that grants her magical powers, including the ability to teleport between dimensions. She also happens to be part of the school’s drama society. Between rehearsals for their next performance, her crew of wannabe actors forms a superhero-esque group. They go into action by suiting up in classic anime style; hence the earlier Sailor Moon reference. 

There’s a fair amount of dialogue, but it’s fast-paced and humorous. There’s also less ye olde English than you might expect, though it’s certainly present. The best part is, if you don’t understand a lick of Shakespeare, a quick tap of a button instantly translates it for you. Not only does this help out anyone struggling with those tricky phrases, it’s also translated in such a clever way that I found myself flicking back and forth every time just to see what they would say in modern English. It’s a unique mechanic that’s cleverly used.

The graphical style is another huge pro; it’s right up my alley. If you, like me, enjoy the 16-bit styling of titles like Secret of Mana, you’ll find yourself equally enamored. It’s not quite as stunning as that 1993 title, but it’s lovely to behold as you traverse various realms. The music is just as enjoyable, with catchy, fast-paced tunes that blend an upbeat anime style with older twinklings reminiscent of Shakespeare’s era. It’s very well done.

The turn-based gameplay is another treat for players of classic titles. Your team attacks or defends by using weapons, magic, or items, then the enemy phase begins. The fun lies in testing different offensive strikes to see what works, with plenty of on-screen stats available to assist. You can also rest your character to replenish any depleted moves. The best part is a special team-up ability that combines your teammates in unique moves that deliver more damage. They’re also just fun to watch. 

There are plenty of options to keep players fulfilled in the accessibility department, too. You can save the game at any point, with multiple save spots available. This gives you the opportunity to revisit a previous save state and try a different path. The in-game menu also allows you to change your party’s items and weapons, or even let them have a short conversation. You can also adjust the difficulty setting at any time. One notable absence, though, is a map. It’s not always necessary, but I occasionally found myself wandering in circles during some scenes.

If this sounds amazing, well, it kinda is. And it comes at a budget price, too. Of course, at $9.99, there is a compromise on game length. This isn’t the type of JRPG that will keep you going for weeks or months; it’s more likely to be over within a few nights or over a weekend. That said, it’s an enjoyable time while it lasts.

Overall, This May Madness Lies uniquely blends JRPG elements with the world of William Shakespeare. It has everything going for it, from a humorous story to a wonderful 16-bit styling that smacks of classic ‘90s titles. It may not be the toughest or longest title, but if you’re a fan of anime, Shakespeare, or JRPGs in general, you’ll find enjoyment here.

The post Review: This Way Madness Lies (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for multiplayer mayhem, Moving Out 2 is sure to hit the spot. This sequel to the zany 2020 title comes from Swedish studio DevM Games and Aussie developer SMG Studio. It was a surprise hit at the time, and we can’t wait to see what the sequel brings.

As always, there are plenty of sales to tempt you this week as well. THQ Nordic and Ubisoft feature prominently, but even the original Moving Out is heavily discounted, so we recommend grabbing it while you can.

Check out the full list of new releases below. Which titles will you be playing next? And check out our latest podcast for our thoughts on the latest games!

Nintendo Switch

• Red Dead Redemption – When federal agents threaten his family, former outlaw John Marston is forced to hunt down the gang of criminals he once called friends. Experience Marston’s journey across the sprawling expanses of the American West and Mexico as he fights to bury his blood-stained past in this critically acclaimed adventure. Also included is Undead Nightmare, the groundbreaking horror story expansion that transforms the world of Red Dead Redemption into an apocalyptic fight for survival against a zombie horde. Featuring the complete single-player experiences of both games, Red Dead Redemption also includes bonus content from the Game of the Year Edition and more. Red Dead Redemption is available on Aug. 17.
• Moving Out 2 – Friends who move together, groove together in this wacky sequel to the world-famous, physics-based moving simulator, Moving Out. Working as a solo F.A.R.T, or with up to three friends in local* or online**multiplayer, slip into your Smooth Moves company uniform and help the residents of Packmore – and beyond – to pack up and ship out! Pre-order Moving Out 2 today, before the game launches on Aug. 15.

Digital spotlight

• Rock and Bowl – National Bowling Day strikes on Aug. 12, so take some time this weekend to roll your way to victory in the Nintendo Switch Sports game, where you can either play solo or in two-player teams** as you compete to knock down pins at the end of your lane. You can choose between two modes: Be the last person standing in Survival Bowling or weave your way through challenging obstacles in Special Bowling. Plus, with the options to play locally with friends or online** in random matchmaking, there are many ways to show off your striking bowling skills!

Game trials

• True Power Knows No Limits – Enter spectacular fights with all-powerful fighters in this week’s free Game Trial!** The DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ game is born from what makes the DRAGON BALL series so loved and famous. Charge into thrilling online battles, including ranked matches, an interactive lobby and unbridled six-player Party Match, or discover a scenario featuring a character introduced in the game, Android 21, in single-player Story Mode. The free Game Trial period will last until today at 11:59 p.m. PT. Nintendo Switch Online members can earn 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points*** by participating. As an added bonus, for a limited time you can purchase this digital title for 84% off, and the DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ – FighterZ Pass DLC**** for 72% off. Act fast – this sale ends Aug. 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT!

Activities

• Get the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Camping Coasters Set as a My Nintendo Reward! – Gear up for your next outdoor adventure with this set of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Camping Coasters, available now as a physical reward from My Nintendo! This set of four coasters features artwork of characters Noah, Mio, Eunie, Taion, Lanz, Sena, Riku and Manana from the game, plus two sheets of character stickers. For more information, visit https://my.nintendo.com/news/4e04834e1ff1bec6.

Nintendo eShop sales

• Save Up to 30% On Multiplayer Games! – Party up with awesome deals on select multiplayer* games and DLC**** for the Nintendo Switch system! Get on these deals while you can— the sale ends Aug. 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Remember, you earn 5% in My Nintendo Gold Points***** for your purchases. You can then redeem your Gold Points toward the purchase of other eligible games, DLC, Nintendo Switch Online memberships and more. For more information and the full list of games available, visit https://www.nintendo.com/store/games/deals/.
• THQ Nordic Showcase Sale – Wreck and wrestle your way through up to 70% off THQ Nordic favorites! This sale ends Aug. 20. For more information and to see the full list of games, visit https://www.nintendo.com/store/sales-and-deals/.
• Summer Splash Sale – Make a splash this summer with incredible savings on select digital games from Ubisoft, now up to 85% off! This sale ends Aug. 20. For more information and to see the full list of games, dive into https://www.nintendo.com/store/sales-and-deals/.

Also new this week

• A Castle Full of Cats – Available Aug. 17
• Acceptance – Available Aug. 11
• Ace Antigravity Combat Racing
• Aery – Flow of Time – Available Aug. 17
• Anthology of Fear
• Arcade Archives BARADUKE 2
• Astro Flame: Starfighter – Available Aug. 15
• Ball Master Up!
• Black Skylands – Available Aug. 15
• Bright Lights of Svetlov – Available Aug. 11
• Chickenoidz Super Party
• Chrome Wolf – Available Aug. 17
• Cinderella: Interactive Book
• Cooking Arena
• Creepy Tale: Ingrid Penance – Available Aug. 16
• Death Becomes You
• Detective Agency: Gray Tie 2 Collector’s Edition
• Die After Sunset – Available Aug. 17
• Draknek and Friends Puzzle Bundle
• Elypse
• Farm Frenzy: Refreshed
• Female Nation Takeover – 女性国家乗っ取り計画 – 盗賊の俺が王になる –
• Hamster on Rails
• Idle Zoo Park
• It’s Puzzles: Wild Nature
• Marble It Up! Ultra – Available Aug. 17
• Mondealy
• Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip XXL
• Moolii’s Dreamland
• Mouse Trap – The Board Game
• Mysterious Adventure of Michael
• Neon Blight
• Organ Trail Complete Edition
• Pipe Dream
• Prison Life Simulator Jail – Gangster Escape Games Scary Architect Battle – Available Aug. 11
• Pups & Purrs Pet Shop
• Puzzle Boys
• Quantum: Recharged – Available Aug. 17
• Rainbow Skies – Available Aug. 11
• SHINOBI NON GRATA – Available Aug. 17
• Slime Girl Smoothies
• Sonar Beat
• Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
• Summer Valley Hike – Available Aug. 15
• Sven – Completely Screwed
• The Rewinder
• TOW TRUCK Driver Simulator 2023 – Available Aug. 12
• Ultimate General: Gettysburg
• Vampire Survivors – Available Aug. 17
• Wash Simulator – Clean Garage, House, Cars Business Tycoons
• Wild Legion
• Witch’s Garden
• World Spin
• X-Force Under Attack
• Zombie Soup

The post Red Dead Redemption and Moving Out 2 join this week’s eShop roundup appeared first on Pure Nintendo.