Monthly Archives: January 2017
ARMS Is to Fighting Games What Splatoon Is to Shooters
That title, ARMS, will probably be revealed to be a comedy backronym – "Accentuated Reach Mechanism Seventhousand" or something – but I prefer to think of those four capital letters as a title named after the noises made by some Nintendo bigwig strolling past a young developers' cubicle: "What in god's name is going on with her ARMS?!"
What indeed! On first glance, ARMS is Wii Boxing gone anime, a quite literal extension of the motion control classic's core principles – camera perched behind some young slugger's head, you block, shuffle, dodge and, most importantly, throw gloved punches using the Joy-Con controllers' (thankfully, practically 1:1 accurate) motion sensors.
But play two matches – one to learn the basics, and one to see what happens when you start actually thinking about them – and it feels a little different. Pitched somewhere between Punch Out!! and Windjammers, it's a game that – with the right opponent, at least – pivots wildly from tense, tight circling to wild flurries of fantasy sports violence.
1, 2 Switch Is the Switch’s Wii Sports
Like Wii Spots and Nintendo Land before it, 1, 2 Switch is the game that showcases all the Switch's little sensors and buttons with a brimming sense of imagination and fun that is distinctly Nintendo.
At the Switch's UK debut, there were six games on show, but I was told by a senior Nintendo representative at the event that they represent a "small sample" of the experiences included in the full game.
Important note for the below: a lot of the hats were provided by Nintendo, and while entirely optional, they definitely put me in the right frame of mind to milk an imaginary cow and shoot my boss.
Sit down, ideally on a wooden stool, and look into the eyes of your opponent. Grip the Joy-Con – which, for all intents and purposes, is now an udder – and begin to tug. (Yep, that sounds rude.)
Nintendo Switch Touchscreen Powered By Immersion Corp.
The Nintendo Switch's tablet screen will utilize the haptic touch technology from Immersion Corporation.
Immersion has signed a multi-year agreement with Nintendo to adapt its TouchSense software for the Switch, which "will help developers provide immersive touch-based gaming controls to players around the world," according to a press release from Immersion.
"Nintendo sets the bar with their gaming systems, and adding advanced touch effects will give them an additional edge in delivering an incredible gaming experience to their customers," Immersion CEO Vic Viegas.
Aside from its technology, Immersion is known for an ongoing lawsuit the company filed against Apple for haptic touch technology used in the iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, and Apple Watch. The company filed a second complaint early in 2016 claiming that the MacBook and MacBook Pro also violate one of the company's haptic feedback patents. Immersion also filed this complaint against AT&T.
Miyamoto Offers a Few New Super Mario Odyssey Details
Shigeru Miyamoto shared a few new details about Super Mario Odyssey, confirming that the upcoming Nintendo Switch title will be more focused on the core gamer.
During today's Nintendo Switch Treehouse Live event, Miyamoto acknowledged that after Super Mario 64 and Sunshine, the company shifted to a more casual-friendly approach to 3D Mario games, but with Odyssey they are looking to return to the more exploration-based gameplay seen in those earlier titles.
After having made the Galaxy games and 3D World, which were designed to appeal to a broader audience, Super Mario Odyssey will be "something a little bit more on the core side," Miyamoto said.
Nintendo is looking to "go back to the roots, to Mario Sunshine," Miyamoto said with regard to the upcoming Switch game. He noted that some players had trouble with the camera of aforementioned GameCube title, so with Odyssey they have "made sure the camera controls are really smooth and easy to use."
Splatoon 2 Feels Improved but More of the Same
I had the chance to play Splatoon 2 at the Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 held at Tokyo Big Site. A sequel to the hit Wii U game, it felt like a fresh and more intense version of Splatoon, while preserving the feel of the original game.
First I played two 4-vs-4 rounds in Switch’s TV mode, using the Pro Controller; this was followed by a round in handheld mode, with the two Joy-Con controllers attached to each side of the Switch unit. As before, the aim of the game is to lead your team to victory by covering a greater area of the map in your team’s colored ink. Of course, there is also an advantage to be had in taking out rival Inklings with a well-aimed squirt.
The biggest new addition in the demo is the Splat Dualies weapon. This two-handed dual-wield weapon also gives the player the ability to Dodge Roll twice to evade attacks. With this weapon, you get two reticules (corresponding to the two guns) that cover a wider area. After you perform a dodge roll, the reticules merge temporarily to allow for a more accurate counter attack. It's already apparent that the Splat Dualies make close encounters even speedier, forcing oncoming opponents to rethink their next move. Also, the Splat Roller from the first game can now be swung vertically, while the Splat Charger retains charge even when moving quickly in squid form.
Splatoon 2 Feels Improved but More of the Same
I had the chance to play Splatoon 2 at the Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 held at Tokyo Big Site. A sequel to the hit Wii U game, it felt like a fresh and more intense version of Splatoon, while preserving the feel of the original game.
First I played two 4-vs-4 rounds in Switch’s TV mode, using the Pro Controller; this was followed by a round in handheld mode, with the two Joy-Con controllers attached to each side of the Switch unit. As before, the aim of the game is to lead your team to victory by covering a greater area of the map in your team’s colored ink. Of course, there is also an advantage to be had in taking out rival Inklings with a well-aimed squirt.
The biggest new addition in the demo is the Splat Dualies weapon. This two-handed dual-wield weapon also gives the player the ability to Dodge Roll twice to evade attacks. With this weapon, you get two reticules (corresponding to the two guns) that cover a wider area. After you perform a dodge roll, the reticules merge temporarily to allow for a more accurate counter attack. It's already apparent that the Splat Dualies make close encounters even speedier, forcing oncoming opponents to rethink their next move. Also, the Splat Roller from the first game can now be swung vertically, while the Splat Charger retains charge even when moving quickly in squid form.
PowerA Reveals Nintendo Switch Accessory Line
PowerA has unveiled its line of Nintendo Switch accessories.
In the images below, you’ll see the Joy-Con Comfort Grip ($14.99), Joy-Con Charging Dock for up to four Joy-Con ($29.99), a Hybrid Cover with magnetic closure ($24.99), and a Switch messenger bag ($29.99).
All of the above will be available online and in stores this coming March. PowerA notes more accessories are planned for later this year.
There’s a heap of accessories coming alongside Switch this March. Earlier today IGN took a close-up look at the new Switch steering wheel, which comes in a pack of two for $14.99/£13.99. Retailer Hyperkin also announced six forthcoming accessories for Switch earlier this month.
PowerA Reveals Nintendo Switch Accessory Line
PowerA has unveiled its line of Nintendo Switch accessories.
In the images below, you’ll see the Joy-Con Comfort Grip ($14.99), Joy-Con Charging Dock for up to four Joy-Con ($29.99), a Hybrid Cover with magnetic closure ($24.99), and a Switch messenger bag ($29.99).
All of the above will be available online and in stores this coming March. PowerA notes more accessories are planned for later this year.
There’s a heap of accessories coming alongside Switch this March. Earlier today IGN took a close-up look at the new Switch steering wheel, which comes in a pack of two for $14.99/£13.99. Retailer Hyperkin also announced six forthcoming accessories for Switch earlier this month.
Fire Emblem Nintendo Direct Coming Next Week
Nintendo will broadcast a Fire Emblem Direct next week on Wednesday, January 18.
The upcoming Direct was announced during the Nintendo Switch Treehouse Live Stream and subsequently confirmed by Nintendo of America on Twitter.
The broadcast will air on Wednesday, January 18 at 2pm PT/5pm ET/10pm UK (Thursday, January 19 at 9am AET), during which we'll learn more about Fire Emblem Warriors, a new game from Koei Tecmo that was announced for Nintendo Switch during last night's presentation.
Fire Emblem Nintendo Direct Coming Next Week
Nintendo will broadcast a Fire Emblem Direct next week on Wednesday, January 18.
The upcoming Direct was announced during the Nintendo Switch Treehouse Live Stream and subsequently confirmed by Nintendo of America on Twitter.
The broadcast will air on Wednesday, January 18 at 2pm PT/5pm ET/10pm UK (Thursday, January 19 at 9am AET), during which we'll learn more about Fire Emblem Warriors, a new game from Koei Tecmo that was announced for Nintendo Switch during last night's presentation.