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Contents
06 Joy Division
Part console, part
handheld: can
Nintendo Switch put
the house of Mario
back on top?
Game previews
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 20 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 64
110 The Link List 112 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
d i v i
s i o n
Part console, part
handheld: can
Nintendo Switch
put the house of
Mario back on top?
By Nathan Brown
presents Nintendo switch 7
Joy division
Joy-Con tricks
It can do an awful lot. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe area,
for instance, has wireless multiplayer on eight
networked consoles in handheld mode, a two-player
Battle Mode throwdown using the new, endearingly
dinky steering-wheel peripheral, and another two-
person setup played with the detachable Joy-Con
controllers and the handheld screen propped up on
its kickstand, which Nintendo calls tabletop mode.
Elsewhere are games playable only in tabletop, or
with players using a Joy-Con each, or pairs of them.
There’s nothing at the event to show it off, but
Switch has a capacitive touchscreen in handheld
mode, too. The overall impression is of a console,
and a company, that is in a bit of a muddle about
what it wants its new system to be, and has decided
that it should be everything. And this unveiling
suggests, whether by accident or design, that in fact
Switch’s greatest trick isn’t its much-hyped hybrid
blend of portable and big-screen consoles after all.
Instead, it’s the Joy-Cons that are brought to the
fore. In hindsight, we were foolish to think that
Nintendo would focus solely on a new console’s
additional controllers.”
move. When detached and
shared between two
players, they mean Switch
supports multiplayer out
of the box, without the need for additional
controllers, both within and without the home.
Built-in gyroscopes mean Nintendo can return its
gaze to motion controls, something that always felt
like a fudge on Wii U, where motion could only ever
be an optional extra, rather than the de facto
standard, relying on users to dig out their old Wii
Remotes. HD Rumble, meanwhile, offers the
platform holder the new-way-to-play hook that feels
so essential to each new piece of Nintendo hardware.
However, that’s an awful lot for one controller to
do – even if it is, in fact, two controllers in one. The
Hold everything
They’re a touch too small, too, an unavoidable
consequence of their needing to sit flush with the
handheld display. We see the commendably patient
staff on hand to demonstrate Arms continually
having to stop play to remind players of how the Joy-
Cons should be held – side-on, with the inner edge
pointing towards the screen – and playing
1-2-Switch’s Milk right-handed using the left half of
the Joy-Con is just baffling, despite our repeat visits
to the booth after urging fellow attendees to indulge
in its uniquely onanistic style. Are we supposed to
While Breath Of The hold it upside down? Back to front? Maybe both.
Wild is the only game Either way, it never feels intuitive, and for perhaps
that we see
showcase Switch’s
the first time ever, we find ourselves grateful for the
display-swapping assistance of a demo bod’s trained pair of hands.
feature, every game The resulting impression is of a console that, by
for the system will
support it. It’s as offering so much, has been forced into a series of
much a new compromises. Its controllers are detachable from the
Nintendo handheld
as it is its new tablet screen, so are a little too small; they can be
home console. shared by two players, so the D-pad must instead be
a set of face buttons; they can be held in multiple its Skyrim and Splatoon – were going to be the rule,
orientations, so none ever feels quite right in the rather than the exception, in Nintendo’s Switch-era
hands. Across its history, Nintendo’s hardware has software strategy.
tended to be defined by a single goal: N64’s analogue Perhaps Switch will fulfil the undeniable promise
stick, Wii’s motion controls, 3DS’s stereoscopic of its core premise in time, but it seems unlikely to
display, or Wii U’s offscreen play. We thought Switch do so at launch. Given the contents of the
was going to be a smart convergence of its maker’s announcement video, and the timing – Switch’s
previously separate console and handheld public debut was timed just seven weeks ahead of its
businesses. Instead, we leave Switch’s first public release – many expected that Nintendo was going to
showing thinking about the old gag about the real make us all an offer we couldn’t refuse. In the
definition of a camel: that it is a horse designed by absence of concrete information from the platform
committee. Switch is, as pledged, a hybrid handheld holder, the rumour mill span into overdrive,
and TV console. But it is also a Trojan camel for predicting a launch lineup for the ages, and it
motion controls, for touch, for flighty, fun but seemed plausible enough.
forgettable games such as 1-2-Switch, rather than Yet this is the most slender day-one offering
the lustrous, indulgent, full-fat games we thought, Nintendo has ever served up, if not in terms of
based on the reveal trailer – with its Mario, its Zelda, volume then certainly in terms of quality. Third-
party support is even worse than at Wii U’s launch, buys the fan of videogames an awful lot in 2017. Add
when the big names were at least prepared to give it an extra tenner and it will get you PS4 Pro or PS VR
a go. The remake of Mario Kart 8, and the deceptively hardware. You could buy a Slim PS4 with Uncharted 4
named Splatoon 2, had seemed like bankers for and keep £140 in your pocket. You could get an Xbox
launch day, designed to lure in those who never One S with similar cash to spare, or leave it all in the
bought a Wii U. Instead they are being used to pad bank and put it towards Microsoft’s Scorpio – which,
out a miserably barren release schedule leading up to as its maker is so keen to remind us, will be the most
the holiday-season launch of Super Mario Odyssey, powerful console in the entire known universe.
which some had suggested would launch alongside Or, most worryingly for Nintendo, you could carry
the console in March. It’s especially frustrating given on playing free games on the smartphone or tablet
that, knowing Nintendo, Odyssey is already all but you already own, and forget about the new console
finished, but will sit in a drawer until winter, when from the company that got you into games in the
its maker has decided it will be most useful. We were first place. Nintendo has said that its belated move
led to believe that, as a consequence of joining up its into mobile would be a handy way of introducing the
console and handheld businesses, Nintendo’s planet’s largest videogame market to the unique
development teams would be able to work at a faster appeal of Mario et al; that giving people games for
lick. On this evidence, little has changed. free would be a small price to pay if it meant being
able to sell them full-price software, playable only
The cost of innovation on hardware of its own design, later on. Judging by
the state of the comments we received in the days
Odyssey will be here for Christmas and will no doubt following the event, Nintendo has failed even to
be brilliant. But by then it may be too late. A UK persuade many of its long-serving fans that Switch
launch price of £280, without even a bundled game justifies its required investment at launch. What
to sweeten the pill, is a good deal higher than we’d chance of it convincing an audience that has been
hoped – and a 330 price tag on the continent means trained to expect everything for free? Suffice it to
we can’t even blame Brexit. The £60 levy for a Pro say that Nintendo stock ended the day of Switch’s
controller and eye-watering £75 for an extra Joy-Con full unveiling down by almost six per cent. Worse
set is even more painful. Yet it is the software may be to come.
pricing that truly takes the biscuit. The Switch
version of Breath Of The Wild will run you £60 on Switchcraft
launch day, a £20 markup over the Wii U release.
Ultra Street Fighter II, a gently updated port of an Still, we depart choosing to focus on the positives,
eight-year-old remaster of a 23-year-old SNES game, even if there are caveats to almost all of them.
is priced in Japan at the equivalent of £35. Switch is a fascinating piece of hardware with
1-2-Switch, novel and enjoyable as it is, contains tremendous potential for play, whether indoors or
minutes of actual gameplay, and out, alone or with others. There is magic in this
will cost £40. Mario Kart Deluxe, console: the witchcraft of changing displays; the
with its handful of extra playful, flexible functionality of the Joy-Cons; the
characters and complete absence intriguing new twist of HD Rumble. The Legend of
of new tracks? £50 to you. On top Zelda: Breath Of The Wild still astounds, and while
of that there will be a new, paid- it’s a big investment, it runs better than the Wii U
for online service, which finally version in TV mode, and offers parity with it on the
offers voice chat – but only handheld. This, it seems, is the most flattering way
through an app on smart devices, to look at Switch: while it may disappoint when
not via the console itself. You’ll considered as a home console, it’s a brilliant
also get one free game per handheld, powerful, generously well-featured, and a
month, including NES and SNES true generational leap over 3DS that can be
titles featuring all-new online connected to the family TV for a hefty bump in
play. Inevitably, however, there’s resolution and performance. Viewed from the other
a catch. The game is only free for direction, it’s a fully portable Wii U that supports
that month, meaning you lose multiplayer gaming and motion controls straight out
access at the end of the period of the box. It is too expensive, certainly, its first year
unless you cough up. of software looks patchy, and it lacks the singular
These are bad decisions in clarity of purpose that we associate with Nintendo’s
isolation that only look worse in a most successful past hardware. Perhaps there are
wider context. At launch, a better ways to spend your money in 2017, but
Switch with Breath Of The Wild nothing else on shelves may offer quite so much
will set you back £340, and that potential to surprise.
Left stick
L button
Directional buttons,
which mimic a D-pad in
single-player mode and
face buttons in
multiplayer
Sync button
Capture button,
for taking screenshots
SR button
SL button
Player LED.
ZL button
ZR button
R button
Plus button
Right stick
SR button
SL button
An infrared motion
camera, which can detect
simple hand motions
(Nintendo showed it
being used for a game of
rock, paper, scissors) and
will be able to record full
video in future
E
iji Aonuma is one of the most important
people at Nintendo. As a senior member
of creative staff, he’s been involved in
the design of Switch since the concept
was in its infancy. And as producer of
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The
Wild, he’s helmed development on a
game that is both the star of Switch’s
launch lineup and Wii U’s software swansong. Here,
he reflects on Switch’s development, on the
reception to its unveiling, and on why it always
seems to fall to him to make a game for two
generations of hardware.
you can take not just the single-player experience convinced that over time it can be converted to
out of the living room, but the multiplayer positivity, when more people have had the chance to
experience as well. That’s important for us, and play with the hardware and see what it can do.
something we’ve wanted to achieve [for a long time].
How about speeding up development
The reception at the Switch event was processes? Does the Switch architecture
largely positive among people who had mean you can unify your handheld and
hands-on opportunities, but there’s a lot console software teams?
of concern over the price, and the
release slate. What’s your response to There’s an element of that, but it doesn’t
those sentiments? automatically mean things will happen more quickly
or easily. Plus, Nintendo 3DS still has plenty of titles
There will always be negative reaction to anything in development. The concept of the Switch is that
that you do in life. With Switch, the people that are you have a home console that you can take with you
getting it in their hands understand its appeal, and on the go, and in that respect it is both home console
how good it is. I’m not overly worried by any negative and handheld, but it doesn’t mean for us that the
reaction that might have come out, because I’m concept of a dedicated handheld will disappear.
Game previews
44 1-2-Switch
1-2-Switch 44
Arms 54
Disgaea 5 Complete 86
Fast RMX 76
Has-Been Heroes 68
I Am Setsuna 78
Lego Worlds 62
Redout 85
Rime 80
Snipperclips 67
Sonic Mania 42
Splatoon 2 38
Stardew Valley 70
Steep 90
Super Bomberman R 48
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 88
64 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Yooka-Laylee 60
Link’s
REAWAKENING
Breath of the Wild is
Nintendo’s most
ambitious game in years
B
ounding emphatically out of the mouth of a
mountain – from a tomb encased in stone –
Link once again finds himself proving the
old idiom true: you can’t keep a good hero
down. The young hero quickly finds himself
standing on the edge of the world; his eyes weary
from a hundred-year sleep. They settle on a
beautiful, sprawling vista quite unlike anything he
has seen before across his adventures through time.
Luscious green fields and forests greet the distant
horizon, the calm blue sky unfazed by the calamity
occurring beneath it. Silhouettes of ancient Hyrulian
landmarks, such as the Bridge of Eldin, Death
Mountain, Hyrule Castle and the Temple of Time,
cast long shadows against the expansive landscape;
relics of an old world in need of restoration. Link’s
memory of the kingdom may have vanished, but its
legend survives on the breath of the wind.
All of this space is yours to conquer. The untamed
wilds of Hyrule are yours to explore, their mysteries
waiting to be uncovered by the brave and the bold.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild’s opener is
a stunning statement of intent from Nintendo, quite
unlike anything we’ve ever seen from the series or
studio. It’s an immediately striking moment and the
sheer (almost daunting) scale of the world is worth
taking pause in. All of this was built by long-
standing Zelda manager Eiji Aonuma and his team at
Nintendo EPD, a group that has long been criticised
for failing to stray from the beaten track.
But no claims of resting on familiarity could be
made in regard to this upcoming Wii U and Nintendo
Switch release, as Breath Of The Wild introduces left to explore the open world at your own pace,
mechanical upgrades and systemic innovation to just directed by your own initiative. Whether you decide
about every aspect of Zelda. It all spirals out of the to follow the story, visit the villages, or head out in
colossal overworld, some 12 times the size of the one pursuit of dungeons is your decision – Nintendo is
found in 2006’s Twilight Princess. That revelation done with hand holding.
may cause some concern, and justifiably so, as some Which makes Breath Of The Wild something of an
gamers feel Twilight Princess’ vast Hyrule Field is a oddity among modern Nintendo releases. It’s a
hollow façade; something that looks impressive but difficult game, obstinately challenging at times in
fails to engage in any real tangible sense. But it’s fact. Zelda veterans will have no trouble getting into
clear that – even at this early stage – this iteration of Breath Of The Wild – the basics of its real-time
Hyrule has countless secrets to discover, dungeons combat largely unchanged – though mastering it is
to explore and creatures to encounter. clearly going to take some time.
Given the open-ended nature of the game, every
A deep Breath moment of Breath Of The Wild feels like a puzzle in
and of itself. Your control over Link has been
The Great Plateau, an area that represents just two upgraded, as the hero is now able to manoeuvre
per cent of the total map space, was the playground himself around the environment freely with a
in which we could run wild in our lengthy hands-on dedicated jump button. You can scramble up just
session with Breath Of The Wild, and it felt more about any surface too, from trees and mountains to
expansive than anything we’ve seen before in a even the bodies of some of the larger enemies – all
Zelda game. The tragedies of this land’s past may of which is governed by a stamina gauge. Link can
have been obscured by the unchecked aggression of swiftly paraglide from great heights and even use his
nature, but rich environmental storytelling ensures shield to surf down hills or slopes, firing arrows as
that there’s always something impressive to be he skims across the environment.
Combat is familiar,
though deteriorating
weapons now give it
a tactical edge. You’ll
have to rely on
swords and shields
you find in the world,
stumbling across
new ones or stealing
them from enemies.
The Fallen Hero timeline essentially chronicles Hyrule falling There is plenty of evidence that Breath Of The Wild could
further and further into disarray following Link’s failure in indeed slot into the timeline after Twilight Princess. At a
OOT. We see the Temple Of Time standing in ruin and basic level, the Amiibo support for Twilight Princess’ Wolf
Calamity Ganon has overtaken Hyrule Castle – a shadowy Link is either dysfunctional fan service or a hint of what’s
force to be contained, a threat not unlike the one to come, while Nintendo still affirms that returning to
teased during the fail-state of Link’s Adventure. the game will prove useful for fans of the lore when
Nintendo keeps referring back to the original Breath Of The Wild is released. Then there are
Legend Of Zelda and how it has worked tirelessly recognisable locations, such as the Bridge of Eldin
to recreate its famous imagery; this version of to consider – is this the link (ahem!) to the past
Hyrule is beautifully barren, an open wasteland we we’ve been searching for? Perhaps, but
not unlike the one found in the first game, there are inconsistencies, such as the
while the presence of the Sheikah is telling. condition of The Temple of Time. It was in
Could the Link we see waking from a 100- complete ruin by Twilight Princess.
year slumber be the one we first played
as 30 years ago?
Convergence
Adult Link The placement of Koroks and the discovery of an Hyrule after the sea, as the Deku Tree prophesied,
item called Rock Salt in the mountains, which swallowed it? Adult Link disappeared after the OOT
Ganondorf is
supposedly originated from an ancient sea events – leaving a new hero to emerge in Wind
sealed away
receding, makes a strong case for Breath Of The Waker – could this be the original MIA for 100 years?
following Adult Wild being set in the Adult Link timeline. Could this Then again, Spirit Tracks has the hero searching for
Link’s triumph be the Great Sea from The Wind Waker? Did the a new land to replace Hyrule, which seems to throw
evolved Koroks succeed in their plight to rebuild this theory into the sea.
Modern warfare
Much like Breath Of The Wild’s open-ended design
structure and staggering open world, this approach
to combat feels less of a nuisance and more of an rupees; now you’ll need to spend time foraging and If you want a real
awakening; it’s made Zelda feel refreshingly preparing for… well, anything that the game may challenge, you can
play through Breath
modern. For 30 years, Zelda’s combat has revolved throw at you. Of The Wild as a
around a now-iconic structure: at the centre of the You are going to need to rely on food that you have nearly-naked Link,
forgoing the option
experience is Link’s trusty sword and shield, beyond found and cooked to keep you going, not only in to wear any armour
that is an array of tools which can double up as battle but during exploration too. Fruit can be found at all. Saucy!
weapons that you can collect as you progress through and gathered from bushes, while hunting a pack of
the linear narrative. Of course, Wind Waker toyed boar will fill your pouch with uncooked steaks.
with the idea of picking up and utilising enemy Enemies will sometimes leave behind other
weapons back in 2003, but Breath Of The Wild is all consumables, along with their weapons and armour,
in; a dramatic and welcomed change to the dynamic. that you can gather too. You’ll need to find a fire to
Each weapon has its own stats (which are light a cooking stove, put the ingredients together
incredibly easy to parse), attack animations and from the pouch and then sit back and watch through
durability. It’s different, but fluid in a way we haven’t an adorable animation as Link whips it all together.
seen demonstrated from the studio in some time. It’s Not everything will combine to become a tasty
as if Nintendo has taken the standard found in every dish, though smart assembly of your ingredients will
other action-RPG currently on the market and produce hardier meals. Potions and elixirs that have
simplified it. It’s increased the fun factor without application outside of health regeneration can be
diluting the inherent challenge such systems impose created this way. One may boost your speed while
on a game experience. Basically, it’s largely others will make you quieter. Some may even bestow
impressive stuff. a temporary health boost – increasing the amount of
These changes also apply to the loot and resource hearts you have is perfect prep for a boss battle.
systems too. No longer are you able to slash through We’ve even managed to whip up an elixir that
long grass to find rogue hearts or break pots to find provided benefits outside of combat entirely, helping
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Super Mario Odyssey
Super
Mario
Odyssey
If Nintendo gets it right, Odyssey
could be Sunshine meets Galaxy
Developer Nintendo Publisher Nintendo Release Q4 2017
T
hey say 30 is the Super Mario 3D World is fine.
new 20. They also It’s a party game. It’s fine. Super
say 40 is the new Mario Maker is great, but that’s
30, and 50 is the mostly down to the imagination
new 40, and of the community making the
perhaps we should levels. And smartphone game
be concerned about Super Mario Run? Meh. So when
whether or not Super Mario Odyssey was
these people understand announced during the Nintendo
numbers, but the point is this: if Switch preview event, people
you think you’re confident and were understandably sceptical.
put together at 20, just wait a Will this game usher in the
decade and you’ll be surprised at second Mario renaissance we’ve
how wrong you were. been waiting for, or be another
Mario, the plumber who’s never relative disappointment for our
actually plumbed in his entire rotund friend?
career, is 32 this year, and despite
looking every bit his age, he’s Super Mario Real World
currently experiencing that ‘30 is
the new 20’ renaissance (just Well, we won’t know more fully
don’t call it a quarter-life crisis, until this winter, when the game
okay). After a difficult few years is due to release – barring any
as a teenager, during which the delays between now and then. But
somewhat contentious Super from what we’ve seen already, it
Mario Sunshine came out, Mario looks like it’s going to be a
hit his stride in his early 20s with modern update of Super Mario 64,
Super Mario Galaxy, a game that but instead of a castle hub world
stunned us all with its intelligent and magical paintings that hide
and inventive level design. It was new levels behind them, it’ll be a
the Mario game we’d all been bit more like Skyward Sword
waiting for: a Super Mario Bros for meets Super Mario Galaxy, as you
the new age. It’s also been ten fly between levels in an airship. because New Donk City is not a
years, ten whole years, since We know a fair bit about the place that has ever existed) which
Super Mario Galaxy came out – hub world, and not all of it is raises a lot of interesting and
and, let’s be honest, Mario has good. For starters, it takes place slightly philosophical questions.
lost his way since then. in a real city (not a real city, The city is populated by humans,
actual humans, who are twice the
height of Mario and much more
well-proportioned. Is Mario
human? What do the other people
think of this cartoonish, chubby
Italian man running around their
city? Can Mario get run over by
the taxis? What happens if he
jumps off the top of a building?
We can only predict that many, if
not all of these questions will be
answered by vigilant YouTubers,
because Mario’s arrival in the
real, human world makes for one
hell of a good meme.
In the trailers, we can see Mario
climbing lampposts and traffic
lights, vaulting off skyscrapers
and bouncing off cars. Though
this is only a hub world, it’s not
too hard to imagine that there
will be things going on here, too –
Hat-tastic
We’ve only seen one of Mario’s hats in
the trailers, which serves as a bouncing
platform and Frisbee. But what other
hats could we see? A hat that makes
Mario fly, like in Super Mario 64? Or a hat
that turns him into a wall-climbing cat,
like in 3D World? There will definitely be
new abilities in this game – so what
about a hat that makes Mario look like all
the regular humans in New Donk City,
allowing him to live out a peaceful
human life like a normal guy? Meet a girl
who doesn’t keep getting kidnapped,
raise some kids, rent an apartment you
can’t afford and work as a genuine
plumber. That’s the dream!
quite creepy. Yes, kidnapping is The urban setting of that a Rare game will be
creepy enough, but there’s Odyssey appears to mentioned, which makes the Rare
have a bunch of fun
something unpleasantly non- references to Mario’s comparison seem like it might
consensual about the whole first appearance as even be on purpose, especially
Jumpman in Donkey
marriage thing that, eh, is maybe Kong, such as all the given the upcoming Yooka-Laylee
best left in the 1900s. This is 2017, girders and (see p60), but the hat looks like
construction gear
after all – can we not have a plot something out of Banjo-Kazooie.
you’ll see around.
in which people don’t want to It’s even got those trademark Rare
marry Peach? It doesn’t even googly eyes, which is fine, but
make that much sense. Marriage considering that Banjo-Kazooie
is a social construct, which came out nearly 20 years ago, it’s
doesn’t change the fact that she a weird nostalgia piece.
Either way, this cap seems to be
an evolution of the hat mechanics
“Bowser stomps on Mario’s in Super Mario 64. As a plain old
iconic red cap, apparently hat, it’ll give you something to
jump on, and seemingly functions
rendering it useless… but in as a frisbee, maybe for attacks? It
exchange Mario gets a new also seems like you’ll be able to
hat – one that’s alive.” upgrade the hat or buy new
versions of it, as there are weird
purple tokens in each level that –
doesn’t like you, dude. She’ll just and we’re maybe speculating too
run away again. You don’t own much here – could be used to
her. Anyway. purchase hats, since that seems
Another new part of the plot is to be a big part of this game.
the subtraction and addition of a There are billboards for a hat
hat. Bowser rather unkindly shop, ‘Crazy Cap’ , in New Donk
stomps on Mario’s iconic red cap, City, and later in the trailer Mario
apparently rendering it useless as is seen going into one of them.
a hat, but in exchange, Mario gets Maybe those hats will then
a new hat – one that’s alive. This unlock new areas or abilities?
is the second time in this preview Who knows.
The strange thing is that we climbs up a skyscraper, King The common theme Mario games had something
don’t actually see in any of the Kong-style, presumably to fight of hats is a striking unique about them, whether that
one with Mario’s new
trailers what the actual game is. Mario as well. There’s also a very sentient headgear was location, mechanics or pitch-
Sure, we see Mario jumping short section where Mario chases and Bowser’s snazzy perfect level design. Putting eyes
top hat, but Mario
around, collecting mysterious a small pink rabbit with a turnip – also appears to fly on a hat is not enough if you won’t
purple tokens and doing other there were rabbit chases in Super around in a hat show us what that means.
house to get from
things like jump rope and dancing Mario 64, but they were Super Mario Odyssey may
one stage to another.
to a beatbox, but none of those frustrating, so a return to those How TARDIS-like is represent the more stable years of
things are the actual game. What wouldn’t exactly be the most that titfer inside? the Super Mario franchise, and
will we be collecting? How will we exciting thing. here’s hoping it does. There’s not
be beating Bowser? much to go on – that hat likely
It’s a safe guess to assume that Epic mystery plays a big part in what makes
there will be some kind of system Odyssey unique, but we won’t
similar to Stars or Shine Sprites at But, still, it would have been nice know more for a while – but this
the end of each level, probably in to know what needs doing in this could be a return to a more
a similar way to Super Mario new Mario world. Just an idea of a complicated Mario after years of
Sunshine, which had Shine central mechanic – Super Mario resisting that direction. A Mario
Sprites as rewards for cleaning up, 64 explored the platforming genre world that’s full of things to do,
winning races, beating mini- in 3D for the first time, Sunshine secrets to find, and, uh, stuff to
bosses and various other quests. It focused on graffiti-cleaning and jump on, rather than the Super
looks like there will be bosses, too Super Mario Galaxy had self- Mario 3D World approach of
– some menacing-looking rabbits contained levels that you had to keeping things simple, limited
turn up halfway through the perfect as well as complete. and obvious. Odyssey could be the
trailer, and Mario is seen fighting Odyssey looks fun to explore, but game Sunshine might have been
one a few seconds later. There’s whether or not it has substance is if it were more confident, and that
also a mad caterpillar thing that unclear. The other great Super would be truly special.
Skylanders
Imaginators
Make your own hero
A
s Skylanders slowly Developer
conquered the world, Toys For Bob
gamers have come to Publisher
know its heroes as their Activision
very own. There’s Release March
Spyro, the purple dragon who
moved away from his own series
of videogames to kickstart the
Skylanders adventures. There’s
Washbuckler, the bubble-
shooting octopus who acts as a
pirate. There’s Stink Bomb, who
uses his own smell to hide
himself and launch sneaky stealth
attacks on enemies. But now
Skylanders Imaginators is letting
you do something the series has
never allowed before – you can
create your own hero. Ultimate categories, the ideal goal Bandicoot, who even has his own
When creating these being that you create an all- Thumpa Wumpa Islands level.
Imaginators, you have full control powerful, all-conquering The venerable orange marsupial
over every aspect of the character. Imaginator made with Ultimate is up against his old rival Dr Neo
You can choose their battle class parts and show it off online to Cortex, and to make sure he fits
(knight, swashbuckler, brawler, your friends. Called Poop Lord. in properly with the Skylanders
etc) and elemental class (earth, Or Bantersaurus Rex. It’s entirely series, the developers changed
water, fire, and so on). Then you up to you. the life mechanic and even gave
choose their names, voices, It adds a new dimension to him a spin attack. So it’s just as
Imaginators, as finding parts he used to be! Except with much
becomes the main incentive to better graphics.
“Skylanders is letting you do play. As a nice added touch, you There is some bad news,
can even take a selfie of your however. Skylanders Imaginators
something the series has Imaginator at certain points in on Switch won’t support traps or
never allowed before – you the game. But whether you use an vehicles, both of which were
The developers
added tribal
markings to
Chopscotch, so she
didn’t look too cute
and had an air of
menace about her.
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gamesradar.com
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2
Can the all-ages
shooter stay fresh
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
A
s one of the few Dualies’ for more on that). Special
highlights of Wii U’s moves are all brand-new, and
brief shelf life, Splatoon we’ve seen a few fun ones so far –
was an unexpected the Tenta-Missiles that snake
success that stood out through the air before splatting
from Nintendo’s other first-party their target with an enormous
offerings. Not only did it utilise a amount of ink, and the String Ray,
brand new IP to successfully put a a narrow long-distance blast that
family-friendly spin on the is powerful enough to pierce
competitive shooter, but it was a walls. Nintendo has revealed new
predominantly online-focused sub-weapons, and there are
game from a company not brand-new stages to wage warfare
traditionally known for making in, but we’re not entirely sure how
them, and it sold an impressive many of each are included yet.
4.5 million copies as a result. Moving away from the Wii U
Splatoon 2 can’t be the surprise gamepad hasn’t done any harm to
hit that its predecessor was, but the game, for the most part –
everything we’ve seen so far gyroscopic aiming remains
suggests that the game will offer responsive whether you’re using
plenty of worthwhile upgrades the Switch itself or the Pro
over the original experience. Controller. However, losing the
The core gameplay mode of permanent presence of the
Splatoon 2 remains the Turf War, touchscreen map is a tad
a four-on-four battle in which disappointing. While you can still
teams compete to cover the bring it up and ‘super jump’ to
surface of the stage with their assist teammates at the touch of a
colour ink. All of the weapons button, it’s never quite as
from the first game return, seamless as it was on Wii U,
including the Splatling and where a quick glance between
Slosher types introduced in the thumbs could tell you the next
long-term DLC support. We’ve area in need of your colours
also only seen one new type of without any substantial
weapon so far (see the ‘Splat interruption to the fun.
Splat Dualies
The only new weapon on show during
our time with Splatoon 2 was the
intriguing Splat Dualies – a pair of low-
damage, high-speed handguns that do
the most damage when your target is
centred and thus in range of both your
targeting reticules. While using these,
your Inkling character gains the
secondary ability of an evasive combat
roll, which can be used twice in
succession. However, the most
spectacular ability of the Splat Dualies is
the special weapon mode, the Inkjet –
your Inkling fires both guns straight at
the floor with sufficient speed to lift itself
into the air, covering the ground below
with ink and doing major damage to
anyone foolish enough to wander
beneath you.
Improvements beyond that are will go a long way to making this while before moving on, as we’re
largely structural. One of the worthwhile for hardcore fans of unsure how far it can differentiate
most surprising decisions with the original. itself from the original game.
the original game was the lack of What’s more, Nintendo is Right now, it feels largely like an
communication options; this has promising that Splatoon 2 will expansion pack for the original,
been rectified with Splatoon 2, receive substantial post-launch offering a very similar experience
which will offer voice chat via the DLC support, just like the first with a variety of added bonus
smart device app that Nintendo game received ongoing updates elements – but in part that’s
has placed at the centre of its with extra stages and weapons, so because we don’t know what the
online offering. Also welcome is the game that exists on day one is final balance will be between new
the increased focus on offline unlikely to resemble the one we’re content and returning content,
multiplayer – while the original playing after six months. not to mention any additions to
game only offered one-on-one While existing fans are likely to the first game’s short-but-sweet
Battle Dojo matches, Splatoon 2 love it and the players who missed single-player content. If Nintendo
allows for full eight-player Turf Wii U will have no reason not to, does prove able to keep things
War matches over a local wireless our concerns with Splatoon 2 are sufficiently fresh, Splatoon 2 is
network. The simple presence of mostly centred on those who likely to be one of the first great
voice chat and local multiplayer enjoyed the Wii U version for a Switch exclusives.
Remember Dr
Robotnik at the end
of Green Hill Zone?
This is the revamped
version of that
classic boss
encounter.
42 presents
presentsNintendo
Ninetendo
switch
switch
Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania
Gotta go fast…
S
onic is going back to his Developer Sega forward, see the first ring box, heads attacking Sonic and Tails in
roots!” are words every Publisher Sega bounce on the first mechanical a similar manner. If this seems
Sonic fan has come to Release 2017 crab, run across the bridge where like a lot of talk about Green Hill
dread. This phrase is piranhas snap at your heels, race Zone, it’s because Sega’s gentle
usually wheeled out by through the loop-the-loop, and reworking of a classic level is
Sega before it foists another half- roll into speed tunnels. This isn’t symbolic of the Sonic Mania
hearted outing starring the blue just a simple retread of one of project overall.
hedgehog onto the world, usually gaming’s most famous levels, There are new levels as well.
one that completely ignores his though. Sonic has his brand-new Studiopolis Zone is one such
roots. In recent times we’ve had Drop Dash move, where he can example. Set in a high skyscraper
Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice (glitchy come out of a jump into a at night, it looks and plays like a
mess), Sonic Unleashed (Sonic spindash. He also has items that cross between Chemical Plant
turns into a werehog), and Sega were introduced in later games, Zone and Casino Night Zone, both
Superstars Tennis (well… it’s from Sonic 2. The neon lights, the
tennis). But Sonic Mania does quick changes of speed, the clever
actually seem to be recapturing gimmicks sprinkled in
what made Sega’s mascot famous.
“It feels fresher and faster, throughout the level – it’s a world
Play through Green Hill Zone, without losing any of the away from the straightforward
the classic opening level of Sonic
gameplay that made Sonic blitz through Green Hill Zone. But
The Hedgehog, and it hits the even though it’s an entirely
right notes of nostalgia. You run a classic to begin with.” different level, it still feels and
plays like classic Sonic. Another
new zone, Mirage Saloon, goes
such as the electricity shield from even further. Themed after the
Sonic 3. Most of all, Sonic has his wild west, it has a pistol that fires
sidekick Tails with him, a foxy Sonic into new areas, piano keys
chap who can carry him across to bounce on, and indoor saloons.
gaps and help attack enemies. Again, through all this, it keeps
The level has also been tweaked the traditional Sonic gameplay –
slightly, with ramps in new places fast, simple, instinctive, fun.
and floating platforms bridging That’s the key. Sega knows what
gaps, so it’s not quite being a makes Sonic work but rather than
replica of the original’s blueprint. adding to the classic platforming
It feels fresher and faster, without gameplay and causing the
losing any of the framework to buckle, it’s working
gameplay that within it. Nothing here drastically
made Sonic a moves Sonic away from what
classic to begin made the original games great to
with. Remember begin with. Sonic Mania is like a
the boss at the end whirlwind visit through the
of Green Hill Zone, hurrying hedgehog’s greatest hits,
Dr Robotnik refreshing classic levels from
swinging a deadly years gone by while using that
ball and chain to same design philosophy to create
and fro? That new ones. It’s no wonder Sonic
challenge has also fans are excited. For the first
returned in time since the series began, Sega
tweaked form, might actually be keeping its
with two giant promises and taking Sonic back
spiky Robotnik to his roots…
1-2-Switch
Cracking safes, milking cows, and eating lunch
C
ompetitive milking is the Developer Another favourite from our don’t even need to look at the TV
unlikely star of this Nintendo hands-on is Ball Counting, in for the most part with games like
motion-controlled game Publisher which you tilt the Joy-Con to work these, as sound and haptic
compilation because, Nintendo out how many virtual balls are feedback from the Joy-Con give
well, when was the last Release 3 March inside. It’s the best example of the all the info you need. A table
time you milked a cow in a game Switch’s HD rumble – so clear that tennis game, for instance, is
– or in real life, in fact? Exactly. you’re sure you can hear each ball playable entirely by listening to
Milk is, we are supremely rolling around. Another great the ball whistling through the air.
unqualified to tell you, eerily rumble demonstration is Safe 1-2-Switch is a system showcase
close to the actual process. Crack: rotate the Joy-Con like a in the vein of Wii Sports and
You grip one Joy-Con upright safe’s dial until you feel tiny Nintendo Land, and the test will
like a teat and jiggle it mechanical tremors, then hold it be how many microgames (you
rhythmically, pressing and in place to unlock the door. couldn’t call these minigames) it
releasing the SL and SR buttons to contains. Nintendo has revealed
squeeze out that precious white Smooth moves sandwich eating, plate spinning,
gold. Your Joy-Con vibrates with shaving, yoga, pose holding, and
each tug, and the sound of Then there are Quick Draw and more, although we doubt
sloshing fluid accompanies Samurai Training. In the former anything will beat the experience
successful extractions. Whoever you face a partner with Joy-Con of competitive milking.
fills the most cups with liquid lowered and lift it when you hear
calcium by the time the bell rings the prompt; in the latter you
is the winner. It’s slight, if basically play schoolyard slapsies
strangely satisfying, and a much – one person slashes their Joy-
easier way to break the ice at All the joy of eating a Con down and the other quickly
sandwich, apart from
parties than leading an actual cow little things like clasps both hands around theirs
into your flat. flavour and nutrition. in a bid to ‘catch’ the blade. You
O
ne of the big problems Developer flawlessly in the Switch’s a bunch of new characters has
with the Wii U’s poor Nintendo handheld mode – this ‘Deluxe’ been added to the already hefty
sales has been that Publisher version actually adds a few new roster. Dry Bones, Bowser Jr, and
many of its best games Nintendo features, most notable of which is King Boo return from previous
ended up reaching a ETA 28 April the return of a proper battle Mario Kart games, and Splatoon’s
smaller audience than usual. mode. Mario Kart 8 already has a Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy make
Mario Kart 8 is a perfect example: battle mode, but it’s a rubbish one their karting debuts (along with
although it sold, fittingly, eight which uses the game’s normal their own battle arena). The fact
million copies worldwide, it’s still tracks instead of special battle- that Nintendo has also included
a fraction of the 37 million that only arenas. This time Nintendo’s all the DLC from the Wii U game –
Mario Kart Wii shifted. seen the error of its ways and 16 extra tracks and seven
That’s a shame, because Mario characters, including Link and the
Kart 8 is arguably the best entry Animal Crossing villagers –
in the series. But thankfully it’s “Nintendo’s added four means that this is now the biggest
now coming to Switch, meaning
that those Sad Goombas who
custom levels to host Mario Kart game ever.
Let’s be honest, most of us
missed out on the fun the first the two battle modes: would rather have a brand-new
time around will get another Balloon Battle and Mario Kart game than a port of
chance to take it for a spin. one released three years ago. But
Bob-omb Blast.” these things take time, and
Luxe interior having the best Mario Kart so far,
added four custom levels to host on a console we can play on the
Although a straight port of the the two battle modes: Balloon move, will probably keep us
Wii U game would have been good Battle and Bob-omb Blast. happy for now – especially if
enough for us – especially To keep things interesting for Nintendo can build a strong new
considering it already runs anyone who owns the Wii U game, online community around it.
46 presents
presentsNintendo
Ninetendo
switch
switch
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
presents
presentsNinetendo
Nintendo switch 47
Super Bomberman R
Super Bomberman R
A blast from the past makes an unexpected comeback
T
here was a time back in Developer across a variety of arenas and
the day when Konami using different gimmicks to blow
Bomberman was Publisher Konami one another to smithereens.
considered the king of Release 3 March As you’d expect, there’s a lot of
multiplayer gaming. fun to be had here, but there’s
Don’t believe us? Back in the last also a major issue: you can only
century, Bomberman ’93 on the really play multiplayer on a TV.
TurboGrafx-16 was a multiplayer We tried a two-player match
must-have – just the thing when using the Switch’s ‘tabletop’ mode
you had a bunch of pals over. (where you prop it up with the
Over the years, though, kickstand) and it was nearly
Bomberman’s star has faded, and impossible to play properly
these days the series only sees the because the characters are simply
light of day in an occasional too small. Both of us were
digital release. It’s safe to say that squinting and trying to get as
Bomberman hasn’t been doing close to the Switch as possible to
too well for himself. What he see what was going on, and that
was with just two people: with
eight of us it would have been a
“Battle mode is the star complete shambles.
Will it bother people that
attraction, with every player multiplayer Bomberman isn’t
dumped into an arena and really making the most of
Featuring...
WILL MURAI
MARK MOLNAR
PETER MOHRBACHER
WYLIE BECKERT
NADIA MOGILEV
AND MANY MORE!
D
rake and Josh. Knife and Developer Sonic to allow for mixed chains; Swap
fork. Gravity and idiots. Team switches the gametypes after a
There have been many Publisher Sega set length of time; Solo Arcade
great pairings Release Spring contains matches and endurance
throughout history, but against the CPU; and Sprint tasks
this remaster of the 2014 Japan- you with clearing a certain
only mashup might well stack up number of lines from your game
to be the best. On one side of the within a time limit.
screen: Puyo Puyo (which you
might know under its original UK Opposites attract
release name, Puyo Pop). On the
other: Tetris. Whoever scores the As in the best combinations, the
most points in their game wins. subtle differences between Puyo
Up to four players can join in, Puyo and Tetris complement one
and several game modes vary the another. The former is chaotic,
action. Fusion drops tetrominos like scooping water from a
into your puyo field and vice versa sinking boat, the latter’s ordered,
like demolishing a block of flats
with a hammer and chisel. It’s a
“On one side of the screen: killer combo, with Switch-only
Puyo Puyo. On the other: Tetris. additions including online A worlds-colliding
support, new characters, new story sees Amitie
Whoever scores the most skins for puyos and tetrominos,
and co team up to
solve the case of the
points in their game wins.” and fresh backgrounds. falling tetrominos.
J
ust Dance 2017 is a game Developer have to pull that move off – in momentary lapse into marketing
that needs no introduction. Ubisoft Paris time, as accurately as you can. You speak. Just Dance 2017 packs a
Not just because the last Publisher Ubisoft have to shuffle around, flail your truckload of songs (and yes,
outing, Just Dance 2016, Release Launch arms, spin around, punch the air, ‘truckload’ is an officially
sold roughly 87 million and do all sorts of moves that recognised unit of measurement).
copies (possible exaggeration). No, expose a near-criminal lack of Examples of songs included with
it’s because the series is called rhythm and co-ordination. the game are “Can’t Feel My Face”
Just Dance. That’s what you do in However, Just Dance 2017 is by The Weeknd, “Don’t Wanna
the game. Dance. In the same way lenient with its scoring, so you Know” by Maroon 5 and “Sorry”
that Mario could be called Just won’t feel bad about it. In fact, by Justin Bieber. If you’re
Jump or Street Fighter could be it’ll just push you to do even particularly sharp, you’ll have
called Just Fight, there’s nothing better next time, with a score at noticed ‘songs included with the
complicated about what you have the end of each song letting you game’ is an odd turn of phrase,
to do in Just Dance. You… well, track your performance. and that’s because you also get a
you just dance. You don’t need to buy any fancy free three-month subscription to
More to the point, you have to peripherals to play Just Dance. Just Dance Unlimited. This music
copy the dance moves on the You don’t even need an extra Joy- service adds over 200 tracks,
screen. A small boogieing including ‘How Deep Is Your Love’
silhouette in the corner indicates by Calvin Harris. New songs are
what the exact move is, and you “Six of you can dance at the added to the service all the time –
hence the name Just Dance
same time to the same song Unlimited. Ubisoft definitely got
without having to shell out the art of naming things spot on
T
en years since Wii’s Developer at the same time and you’ll
arrival, Nintendo has Nintendo attempt a grab; bring both hands
proved that motion Publisher together, as if offering up two fist
Nintendo
controls and depth bumps, and you’ll block incoming
needn’t be mutually ETA Spring attacks. When your meter’s full, a
exclusive. It turns out the answer tap of either trigger launches your
was staring – okay, smacking – us super, which gives you a few
in the face all along: the fighting seconds to unleash a frantic flurry
game is where austerity means of punches.
strategy, where a sparse selection Those are the building blocks,
of inputs is able, in the right the required fundamentals for the
hands, to give rise to spectacular, rock-paper-scissors design that
deeply tactical action. So it is with has powered the fighting game
Arms, Nintendo’s first new IP across the decades: block beats
since Splatoon, and a game that attack beats grab beats block.
puts a similarly silly, and There’s a simple kinetic thrill in
effective, spin on established just successfully performing these
genre conventions. basic moves – a punch that lands
The game is played with a Joy- feels all the better when you’ve
Con in each hand, and puts two actually thrown it – and the fact
characters in a succession of that you and your opponent are
enclosed 3D arenas. As is using motion controls adds a
tradition, each fighter has a delicious layer of tactical
health bar, and a super meter that awareness to proceedings, since a
fills as they deal and take watchful player will see an
damage. You move by tilting the incoming blow before the
controllers; the left shoulder on-screen animation has begun.
button performs a quick dash, and That’s assuming you can take
the right one a jump. Push a hand your eyes off the screen,
forwards and your character admittedly. While Arms is far
throws a punch with the from the fastest-paced fighting
appropriate arm; push both hands game around, it feels a lot more
Character
count
There may be only five spring-
sporting brawlers in the demo build
we played, but they’re varied even
before you start thinking about your
arm loadout. Springman is an all-
rounder with a lofty jump; Ribbon
Girl ticks the fast-but-weedy box;
and Master Mummy has a large
health pool, and can refill it while
blocking. Our early favourites,
however, are Ninjara, whose Blink-
like air dodge is a brilliant escape
option, and Mechanica, who blends
Overwatch’s D’Va and Marvel Vs
Capcom’s Sentinel: this mech-suited
girl can jump multiple times in
succession and even fly for a time.
All are unified by identical movesets,
including their combo-flurry super
moves – a sharp point of difference
from the command lists of
traditional fighting games.
58 presents
presentsNintendo
Nintendoswitch
switch
arms
dynamic than it is, since your punching motion launching a Splatoon and Virtual On, among
quick little real-world jabs are blow that arcs out, then back in, others – nothing quite hits the
translated into lengthy making it harder for an opponent mark. This is a singular game,
animations as telescopic arms are to counter. The distance of Arms’ easy to understand but deeply
flung across the arena. While engagements also means tactical, the blend of accessibility
presumably designed to mask any Nintendo can be creative in and complexity that is the
delay between the start of a weapon design: each character fighting game’s holy grail. We
player’s punch and it being can choose between three punch leave our demo reluctantly,
replicated on the screen, it also types for each hand, the selection hungry for more.
affords little tweaks to the going from spring-loaded boxing In a running theme for Switch’s
fighting game’s tactical formula. gloves to homing missiles via software lineup, content is a
If two punches meet in mid- lobster claws and buzzsaws. concern. Just five characters are
screen, they’ll cancel each other The results are intoxicating, and available in the build we play, and
out, like projectiles clashing in a while comparisons as we go to press Nintendo has
game of Street Fighter and spring to mind – yet to confirm if more will
fizzling out. The same will Punch-Out, feature in the final
happen if both players try game. With that in
to throw at the same time. mind, price becomes
As such, movement is key, an issue, especially
since a dash or jump can given the fact that
change your angle of playing Arms in local
attack, reducing the threat multiplayer will
of a punch being cancelled necessitate the
out and countered. purchase of an extra set
There are further of expensive Joy-Con
benefits to fighting from controllers. The game is
such range, ensuring this playable without motion,
is more than just a game using the sticks and
in which two powered- buttons of a Pro controller
up Dhalsims do battle or Joy-Con, but it simply
in silly costumes. wouldn’t be the same.
Punches can be bent There is no more resounding
like football free- endorsement of a motion-
kicks, a curved controlled game than that.
Yooka-Laylee
Has Playtonic crafted the feelgood hit of the spring?
O
riginally penned to Developer later release date. Those who know exactly what we mean.)
launch on Wii U Playtonic Games preorder on Xbox One, PC or PS4 Then there are the myriad puns,
alongside versions for Publisher Team17 now will be given access to the quips, single- and double-
other consoles in April, Release 2017 Toybox, a prototype world entendres that litter the script –
developer Playtonic designed to showcase the game’s even if it’s not quite the barrage it
Games has changed plans and is controls and systems, which was was in earlier builds. Writer Andy
now working on a version for previously available only to Robinson describes the editing
Nintendo Switch. The game owes Kickstarter backers. It’s a bold process as “slightly soul
a debt to the 3D platformers built choice in many respects, but it destroying” , but admits that a
by its makers when Rare was in also demonstrates Playtonic’s little dad-joking goes a long way.
its N64 prime, and the studio’s confidence in the core of its new Exchanges are now brisker and
much-anticipated, part- game. Few players, once they’ve less self-indulgent, and funnier as
crowdfunded debut feels like it spent some time rolling and a result, while some near-the-
truly belongs on a Nintendo leaping around this inchoate knuckle gags have been excised.
platform. After spending some sandbox, will be asking for their
time with the latest PC build, money back. Collection point
we’re confident that less capable It feels good, then, which is half
hardware would surely have the battle with a platformer. And Otherwise, Yooka-Laylee is
meant technical compromises. it undeniably captures the spirit defined less by the Rare favourites
Gamers who backed the project of its late-’90s forerunners, from it resembles, and more by how
for its Wii U incarnation will be the cast of outlandish characters much it builds upon their classic
offered the game on another Poor old Dr Puzz and their babbling speech shared formula. Yes, there are
here had an accident
platform. You can opt to get it on with her DNRay. patterns to the custom typeface various collectibles, but finding
PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac or Linux However, she’s the used for dialogue. (Long-term them gives you more than just a
boffin who helps
on 11 April, or to Nintendo Switch, Yooka and Laylee Nintendo fans with fond virtual pat on the back. Quills
though that version will have a transform. memories of Banjo-Kazooie will aren’t just squirrelled away in
hidden nooks, but scattered in
places designed to draw the eye or
to encourage feats of skill. The
HUD is conspicuous by its
absence; collectibles will be
acknowledged in the top right of
the screen when you grab them,
but otherwise it’s refreshingly
clutter-free. As such, you can take
in the full scale of these sprawling
stages, which combine size and
detail in a way that would’ve been
impossible on N64.
The lack of a mini-map is
another surprise. Anyone
accustomed to being led by the
nose will be shocked that there
are no giant flashing mission
markers, glowing breadcrumb
trails or waypoints to help guide
them. Playtonic is confident that
its players are smart and curious
enough to find their way around.
That naturally extends to how you
Lego Worlds
Traveller’s Tales builds on Lego’s creative side
T
hink of the ideal Lego Developer any kind of survival element, of player feedback; its controls
game and it’s likely that Traveller’s Tales which rather confused players at and features have been greatly
none of the instalments Publisher Warner first. Instead, exploration was refined, and a good deal of new
in Traveller’s Tales’ long- Bros Interactive largely driven by finding items content, from tools and weapons
Entertainment
running series of block- which, once found, appeared in to biomes and blocks, have now
ETA Feb 24
smashing 3D platformers fits the players’ menus of objects they been added.
bill. Not to take away from their could place in the world. Steam Still, Lego Worlds feels of the
incredible success, but the games players soon complained that same lineage as Lego Star Wars. It
have only barely scratched the there wasn’t enough to do, that has the same floaty jump and
surface of the creative medium on the game lacked direction, and punch controls, four hearts, and
which they’re based. Then that there were no threats or that beguiling plasticky rattle as
Minecraft came along and seemed crafting systems. you collect studs. Despite its debut
to beat Lego at its own game. Early Access has been a critical on Steam, Traveller’s Tales has
But on June 1, 2015, Lego Worlds process for a game that has kept its eye firmly on the players
was simultaneously announced imposed a very different way of who have appreciated Lego titles
and released on Steam Early working upon Traveller’s Tales. most so far: the parent and child.
Access. This open sandbox game, It’s taken three years to make, “There aren’t that many games
set in procedurally generated compared to under a year like the that do it still,” executive producer
worlds, allowed free shaping of developer’s other Lego titles. Loz Doyle tells us.
the land, placing prefab Sophisticated tech had to be But Steam players’ call for a
constructions such as houses, and developed that could manage greater sense of direction have
bespoke, brick-by-brick hundreds of thousands of bricks caused one important course
constructions. While this focus on in the world, all of which could be correction. Traveller’s Tales was
building seemed to place it close removed, added to, or blown up. quick to quash any hopes for a
to Minecraft, its intentions were The game has undergone constant survival game on the game’s
quite different. It entirely lacked iteration and updating as a result forums: “It wasn’t right for this
62 presents
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Ninetendo
switch
switch
LEGO Worlds
lego worlds
game, for the way we wanted to golden bricks, the key to the
go, for kids to do what they want,” progression system. You start the
Doyle says. But quests and game on a small island which
progression systems are coming, takes only 30 or 40 seconds to
all procedurally generated. “So traverse, but with golden bricks
the player has to work for them a you can power up your rocket and
bit more, rather than just walking blast off from this world to a new,
up to a character,” Doyle says, larger one, with the ultimate aim
giving the example of coming of becoming a ‘master builder’.
across a wizard who might want With so many months in Early
you to give him a dragon’s egg. So Access under Worlds’ belt, it’s
you’ll need to defeat a dragon, but doubtful it’ll have put a foot
that’s only possible if you can get wrong for what it’s trying to
a gold sword. achieve. It’s a Lego sandbox in
Or you might be asked to paint a which you can build and play with
house or build a castle, and there the same blend of accessibility
are procedural dungeons to be and promise that underpins the
discovered, too, featuring locked greater Lego series. And it’s not
chests and traps to avoid. Succeed simply a Minecraft clone. For
and you’ll be rewarded with that, it’s all the stronger.
presents
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Nintendo switch 63
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder
Scrolls V: Skyrim
From the dungeons to the mountains…
F
US-RO-DAH. Skyrim’s Developer blunt-force warrior. You can
famous war cry unites Bethesda develop other skills too.
anyone who has ever Publisher Blacksmiths can create their own
picked up a pad, as all Bethesda armour, for example, while
gamers recognise it as the Release Q3 2017 alchemists can make their own
sound of the powerful in-game potions. Do you want to use
spell that blasts away anyone and strength potions to punch your
anything in your path. It became way through the entire game
the soundtrack to a thousand viral using your bare hands? It’s
videos, the crescendo of the epic difficult, but it can be done.
title theme, and the concussive It’s not just the gameplay that’s
force that sent your followers varied either. Your adventure is
tumbling down a snow-specked too. You’ll journey across reaches
mountain when playing Skyrim far and wide, battling skeletons in
itself. Bellowing FUS-RO-DAH, in dark dungeons, defending small
case you haven’t worked it out, is towns from dragon attacks,
a lot of fun. scaling mountains to reach monk strangely appealing. Yet there’s
Nintendo fans will get to FUS- sanctuaries, and wading across bigger news here besides a
RO-DAH their way through giant rivers when you’re too lazy portable version of Skyrim
Skyrim’s world for the first time, to find the bridge. If this all making its gaming bow. It also
thanks to its Switch release. sounds a bit too sober and serious helps that this will also be the
Skyrim is the story of you versus for your tastes, the moment-to- Special Edition of Skyrim. It
an enormous dragon known as moment gameplay provides lots means Switch owners will be
Alduin, also known as the World- of laughs. You can attack a giant getting the enhanced graphics of
Eater (because as a name, Alduin and lead it to a bandit camp, the recent rerelease on Xbox One
obviously doesn’t make it clear before hiding and watching the and PS4 rather than the slightly
how powerful he is). You discover chaos unfurl. You can put buckets worn, slightly tattered original.
on the heads of shopkeepers, so The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has
they can’t see you stealing apples. rightfully earned its place in
“Skyrim’s huge world, epic You can lead your loyal followers gaming’s hall of fame. Its huge
into traps and pratfalls in world, epic storyline, and
storyline, and unpredictable dungeons, just because you can. unpredictable gameplay make it
gameplay make it an Skyrim’s world is a giant medieval an all-time classic. Most of all,
There’s a massive
world to explore in
Skyrim, with lots of
areas that each have
their own distinct
history and
personality.
Snipperclips
Chop till you drop in this crafty co-op puzzler
Y
ou and a friend control Developer the right place to snip the correct
Snip and Clip, two shapes Nintendo bits – thankfully you can reset
with an apparent death Publisher your body if it goes wrong by
wish. You see, when they Nintendo pressing the D-pad left. Then you
overlap you can press the Release March rotate your bodies using SL and SR
D-pad right and make them cut and both get into position to
chunks out of each other. This create the shape demanded by the
deleted area can be anything from level, such as a heart or a toucan.
a thin sliver to a massive slab,
leaving behind little more than a Cut scene
pair of cowboy boots. But there’s
a bigger, friendlier goal here – It gets rather more devious when
you’ll use your new gaps to solve the physics puzzles come along.
puzzles together. Each level adds new challenges,
Things start off such as having to dunk a very
straightforwardly. You busy bouncy basketball in a net. First,
yourselves with overlapping in we duck down to allow our friend
to jump on our head and slice, the
shape of his rounded bum
“We duck down to allow our forming a basketball-sized
The cutting is just
friend to jump on our head and groove. Now we can catch the ball the start – the real
in that dent, gently walk right, fun comes when you
slice, his rounded bum forming and jump to throw it. A fun co-op
interact, working
together to lift, push,
a basketball-sized groove.” game that makes the cut. or throw.
Learning to rotate
lanes between your
party members at
the right time is the
key to success in
Has-Been Heroes.
68 presents
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Ninetendo
switch
switch
Has-Been Heroes
Has-Been Heroes
Put your thinking helmets on
S
witch’s library caters for Developer down the screen and you have to adapt rapidly because Has-Been
every type of gamer. Frozenbyte rotate your party between each of Heroes is a rogue-like game,
Those after high-speed Publisher the lanes to defeat them. which means permadeath. When
thrills can play Fast RMX. GameTrust It sounds easy enough, and character dies, they’re gone.
Adventurers can choose Release March 28 certainly seems easy enough to Forever. All that time you spent
between The Legend of Zelda or begin with, as you move party levelling them up, pouring
Skyrim. Switch owners who want members around when it’s their experience points into them…
to lay the smackdown on their turn to attack. The difficulty lost. It makes Has-Been Heroes a
friends have Ultra Street Fighter comes when stronger monsters really tense affair when you head
II. But what about those who love appear and you begin to feel the into a difficult battle.
to use their brains as much as pressure, as the screen fills with
their virtual brawn? Which game more and more enemies for you to Beens means fights
caters for the armchair generals take out. You encounter enemies
who prefer strategy as their who can attack from distance, You do have help on your side. The
weapon of choice? plus enemies that are only weak game auto-pauses every time you
Has-Been Heroes has taken up to certain attacks or spells (such attack, which gives you a chance
the quest of filling that niche. It’s as the yetis made from ice, who to review your tactics and assess
not a serious game by any means the situation. Or, more often than
– the plot is that you have to not, just to take a breather from
escort the King’s twin daughters “The difficulty comes when the action. You also have a wide
to Princess Academy – but it’s range of special moves on your
definitely a challenging one. The
stronger monsters appear side, depending on your hero. The
game takes place in three lanes, and you begin to feel the mage, for example, can use debuff
with a mage, a thief, and a warrior
each taking position in a lane.
pressure as the screen fills.” moves such as Curse of Frost,
which freezes an enemy in place
Waves of monsters slowly amble for five seconds following a
you encounter in the mountains) successful attack, or Doublestrike,
and before long, you’ll start losing which allows for a stronger
hair through the stress of trying follow-up attack. Keeping in line
to keep up with it all. And that’s with the ridiculous plot – don’t
before you even get to bosses, forget, you’re escorting a pair of
who have the nastiest tricks of junior royals to Princess Academy,
all, such as summoning shadow not saving the world from
versions of themselves who can menacing evil – some of the
kill you in one hit… spells are ridiculous. The warrior
Has-Been Heroes isn’t designed can throw a hot potato at the
as a game where you can enemy, which burns them for a
memorise what’s coming next few seconds. Because why not?
and learn to plan in that manner. Has-Been Heroes doesn’t have
Each map is randomly generated, the looks to compete with the
so you’ll never get the same upper tier of Switch titles, nor
experience twice. As you play, does it have the flashy combat to
you’ll also discover over 300 get disbelieving eyes popping out
spells and 200 items to use, with of skulls. But very close to the
12 heroes to choose from for your console’s launch it fills a niche
party. So the trick isn’t that no other Switch title does
memorising what’s coming next and with the developers
but learning how to be flexible, so promising 300 hours of gameplay,
you can quickly adapt to any you should definitely get your
situation. You need to learn to money’s worth.
Stardew Valley
Outstanding in its field
W
ho knew farming Developer outside. Eventually this leads to continuing to push out further
could be so much ConcernedApe you buying seeds to plant, and further into the reaches of
fun? No-one. Even Publisher watering crops, and then selling Stardew Valley.
farmers didn’t know. Chucklefish Games the fruit and vegetables that grow.
The thought of Release 2017 So far, so simple. Yet these Pick yourself a winner
waking up before 6am to head humble beginnings lead to a
outside and shovel dirt to dig much bigger adventure. The more you explore, the more
crops in is abhorrent to… well, As you earn money, you can buy fascinating secrets and side
just about everyone who doesn’t more equipment for your farm, stories you discover along the
wear overalls and a straw hat for a more seeds, then earn more way. From bears in the woods to
living. And yet somehow, Stardew money. You can explore the world UFOs, from the ancient fruit
Valley has taken laborious of Stardew Valley, meeting the greenhouse to the journey of the
farming and turned it into one of eccentric residents of the town, prairie kings, from hidden Santas
the most compelling, addictive who all have their own stories to to the mystery of the merpeople,
games ever made. tell. Some of them will ask for Stardew Valley is stuffed with all
But how? The opening of your help and completing these sorts of goodies for enterprising
Stardew Valley doesn’t give much side-quests will yield rewards. players to pick out. And
away about the captivating You can even romance residents underneath it all is the farming
adventure that lies ahead. You of the town and marry them if that brings you back time and
start by inheriting a run-down you give them enough gifts – how time again, as you learn to
farm from your grandfather. It’s life-like! You build your own manage the seasons, the day/
falling apart and surrounded by house alongside your farm, filling night cycle, and your own energy
soil overrun by weeds. Your first it with furniture of your choice level. It’s not just planting crops
task is to breathe life back into (including rare one-off items if and watching them grow either –
broken farm, slowly repairing it you manage to find them, such as there’s fishing, foraging, looking
and digging up the ground a crystal chair), all while after livestock, and mining too.
You learn how to craft new items
with the resources you find,
whether it’s an aesthetic addition
for your farm or a sword to tackle
monsters in distant caves. There’s
always something to do in
Stardew Valley, and that’s what
made it a surprise smash hit when
it was first released.
What’s more remarkable is this
has been painstakingly put
together by just one man, Eric
Barone. Eric was inspired by his
love of the Harvest Moon series,
and with no new Harvest Moon
games on the horizon, he set
about making his own farming
game. After many years of hard
work – coding the game, making
the graphics, working out the
mechanics, doing literally
everything – the end result is
Stardew Valley. It might not have
the epic scale of The Legend of
M
ultiplayer gaming Developer hilariously-named Violent Ken. Ken, sports a wicked grin and
doesn’t get much Capcom Unless you are really into fighting rocks wild stumbled-out-of-bed
better than fighting Publisher Capcom games, to the point where you live hair. In terms of story, he’s been
games. Two players, ETA 2017 in practice mode and call brainwashed by M.Bison and now
one stage, best of crouching light kick “c.LK” , then has M.Bison’s Psycho Power
three rounds. It’s a genre that has Evil Ryu will play much like flowing through him. In terms of
been around almost as long as regular vanilla Ryu. He’s picked gameplay, Violent Ken has a
gaming itself. So long, in fact, up a few tricks from Akuma, in brand-new command dash, which
that Ultra Street Fighter II: The the form of a teleport, a fancy lets him slip past fireballs and
Final Challengers isn’t as new as new air hurricane kick, and stay in his opponent’s face, while
it might initially seem. Final Akuma’s notorious Raging Demon his super move is a rush of
Challengers is a new version of attacks that ends with a flaming
Super Street Fighter II Turbo shoryuken. Violent Ken has
Remix, which itself was a modern “If you’re not sure which cropped up before, bringing his
update of Super Street Fighter II wild hair and devilish grin to
Turbo, which was originally
fighter you prefer out of Evil fighting game curio SNK vs
released back in 1994. In gaming Ryu and Violent Ken, you Capcom: Chaos, but this is the
years, this is the equivalent of
Ryu’s teacher Sheng Long, a wise
can use them as a team.” first time we’ll be seeing him in a
mainstream Street Fighter game.
old grand master returning to If you’re not sure which fighter
show the young pretenders just super, but he’s still largely the you prefer out of Evil Ryu and
how it’s done. same fireballing, shoryukening Violent Ken, you can use them
The main addition to this outing warrior he’s always been. Just both as a team. Dramatic Battle
are the two new faces, the Final evil. Obviously. has been brought in from Street
Challengers referenced in the Violent Ken, as opposed to who Fighter Alpha 3, and this mode
game’s title: Evil Ryu and the we can only assume is Peaceful pits two fighters versus one at the
72 presents
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Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
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Nintendo switch 73
the k ids
ge t olved!
inv PACKED
FULL OF
REE
F TS!
GIF
d
Learn to buiL
Like me!
E n O w !
On S A L
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Fast RMX
Fast RMX
F-Zero in all but name
W
hen Nintendo had its Developer the futuristic racer genre (not that
glitzy Switch event Shin’en Multimedia the genre is crowded these days).
to show its new Publisher If anything, Fast RMX takes its
console off to the Shin’en Multimedia cues from PlayStation’s famous
world, the Release Launch WipEout series rather than
company’s fans had their fingers, Nintendo’s F-Zero series. If you’ve
toes, eyebrows, and everything played Fast Racing Neo on Wii U,
else crossed for a new F-Zero. The you will notice a lot of tracks have
futuristic racer set pulses racing returned alongside plenty of new
on SNES and GameCube but has circuits, bringing the total
been dormant since Game Boy number of tracks to 30. The studio
Advance’s F-Zero Climax for says it’s rebuilt the game from the
2004. Switch’s event yielded a ground up to take advantage of
brightly coloured racer, where you Switch’s power, and that’s clear in
blaze around futuristic tracks at the huge number of visual
eye-peeling speed, but it isn’t improvements made since Fast
F-Zero. It’s a brand-new game Racing Neo popped onto Wii U’s
called Fast RMX. digital store.
It’s the third game in the Fast
Racing League series, following The frame game
Fast RMX is going to be an easy
“A brightly coloured racer, choice for Switch owners looking
for a game that make quieten
where you blaze around cynics about the console’s power.
futuristic tracks at eye- It runs at 60fps and 1080p when owners are likely to spend most of
Exploring
underground tombs
and caverns will
yield treasure, if
you’re prepared to
search every nook
and cranny.
78 presents
presentsNintendo
Nintendoswitch
switch
I Am Setsuna
I Am Setsuna
Back to the old-school
R
PGs are lavish games. Developer despite being an RPG, I Am pore of the game, conveyed by the
They’re multi-million- Tokyo RPG Factory Setsuna is nothing like that. heroine’s planned doom, the
dollar projects that Publisher That is precisely why it’s so isolated world, the haunting piano
encompass epic stories, Square Enix appealing. I Am Setsuna is music, and the muted colours. It
huge battles, and Release Launch stripping back the excess of the doesn’t blow you away with
cutscenes that would make modern-day RPG in a throwback bombast or draw you in with its
Hollywood directors flush with to the genre from ye olde SNES upbeat drama, nor does it push
envious anger. When you play era. Without an enormous world you towards the next expensive
one, you could find yourself to get lost in or eye-melting set-piece, eager to strap you into
exploring enormous underground graphics to rely on, I Am Setsuna a linear rollercoaster of cutscenes.
caverns teeming with creepy puts its faith entirely in its story, Instead, it allows you to soak up
skeletons or tackling enormous its characters, and its gameplay. its unique atmosphere at your
dragons on cloud-piercing Those are the three essential own pace, as you poke and prod
mountains. RPGs are the biggest, pillars that form the basis on any around I Am Setsuna’s lonely and
boldest games around, designed good RPG, no matter what era it’s mournful world.
to make publishers’ accountants from, and it’s refreshing to see an
look at their development budget RPG that displays such confidence Guess your wait
spreadsheets and cry. And yet, in the foundations of the genre.
I Am Setsuna is also a throwback
to older RPGs with its gameplay
“It doesn’t blow you away mechanics too. The tried-and-
tested Active Time Battle system,
with bombast. Instead, it where you wait for a meter to fill
allows you to soak up its up before you can attack, cast
Rime
Back to the island
I
t’s perhaps unfortunate for Developer fox, which will help you along seconds later. Some puzzles will
Rime that it will be released Tequila Works your adventure, among other only unlock during the night,
so close to the blockbuster Publisher Grey animals and strange ruins. It’s while others will need the light of
that is a new Zelda game – Box Games not yet totally clear how the fox the sun for a solution, adding an
after all, the two games look Release TBC 2017 will help you on your adventures, extra level of depth.
similar, feature a young but we suspect he’ll act both as a There are also platforming
adventurer exploring a lush land, partner in some of the puzzles, sections mixed in with the
and feature puzzles and and as a hint system, to help to puzzles, odd machines powered
exploration extensively. However, point you in the right direction if by who-knows-what, a peculiar
what excites us about Rime isn’t you get stuck. We suspect that figure in a cloak that pops up
its similarities to the Zelda will happen a fair amount, too, repeatedly in the game’s trailer,
franchise; it’s the differences. after seeing some of the more and beautiful views to just sit and
The game will undoubtedly be than 500 puzzles that the ruins gaze at adoringly. The island’s
likened to Zelda – if not Breath of provide. At the centre of these design was inspired by
the Wild for its colour, then to The strange ruins is a huge, Mediterranean landscapes, and
Wind Waker for its island foreboding tower that might just beautiful, serene music will make
location. But Rime promises to be hold the secret to the island, and you wish you were actually there,
a much more intimate, more to why the boy washed up there… running along a beach in the sun.
isolated experience. It tells the To reach it, you’ll use sound, It’s packed with secrets, too –
tale of a young boy mysteriously light and perspective to change artefacts and collectibles are
shipwrecked on an island with the world around you. Some dotted across the island, and
more strange structures and puzzles will only reveal while collecting them will be
This is the young boy
buildings that you can shake a that you control in themselves from the right angles, totally optional, finding them will
magical conductor’s baton at. Rime. The only way while others will be activated uncover more of the boy’s story.
to find out more
As you explore the island as this about him is through with a shout. Most interesting of We already know we’ll spend
young boy, you meet a friendly exploration. all are the interactive elements hours looking for these, just to
that control time itself – as you find out who the boy is and how
push a boulder around a circular he came to be washed up in such
platform, you’ll realise that you a strange place.
are literally fast forwarding the Few games have kept fans
clock as the moon flies past waiting as long as Rime. The
overhead and the sun rises game was originally announced in
2013 as a PS4 exclusive, but almost
immediately it went totally off the
radar. Then, in 2016, Sony pulled
its publishing deal, and we started
hearing about the game again.
Now we finally know that Rime is
going to be a multiplatform
release, and is scheduled to land
on Nintendo Switch some time in
2017 – unfortunately we still don’t
know exactly when, despite it
releasing on Xbox One and PS4 in
May. We’re happy to wait a little
longer if needed, though; we’re
just excited at the prospect of
playing what is shaping up to be
one of the best puzzling
adventure games of the year.
Shovel Knight
Can you dig it?
I
n the absence of a certain Developer tricky jumps and tough boss game and its expansive DLC
Italian plumber at launch, Yacht Club Games fights will test even the most packs. On other consoles, players
Switch is looking surprisingly Publisher Yacht seasoned players when you push could purchase Shovel Knight,
light on the platforming Club Games up the difficulty. and then got access to all the DLC
front. Thankfully, Shovel ETA March 2017 The story in the main campaign for free. To date, we’ve seen two
Knight will help you scratch that will be unchanged for the Switch story-based expansions from
itch with some delightfully old- release, following Shovel Knight Yacht Club Games, each adding
school design. as he attempts to defeat the evil new levels, and allowing you to
This isn’t exactly the biggest Enchantress and save his love, explore parallel storylines from
news – Shovel Knight has Shield Knight. Along the way he some of Shovel Knight’s dastardly
already been released on must face off against The foes. The first, Plague of Shadows,
pretty much every console Order of No Quarter, a was released in 2015, and saw
you can think of – but it’s collection of other knights players take on the role of Plague
certainly a bonus for those who have been dispatched Knight. In March, alongside
worried about the quality of by the Enchantress to stop Switch’s release, players will also
Switch’s launch lineup. him. Along the way, he be able to play through the
Shovel Knight was one of meets a colourful range of Specter of Torment campaign as
the games of the year in characters, digs up a dragon- Specter Knight.
2014, combining classic pleasing amount of treasure, However, with the launch of
gameplay and beautiful and can buy upgrades to help Shovel Knight on Switch, Yacht
pixel graphics to create him survive. Club Games is changing the way
an experience that took The Switch version of the game is distributed entirely.
us right back to our NES the game brings The original game will be
days. Everything from the with it a new renamed Shovel Knight: Shovel Of
world map to the enemy way to buy Hope, and players will be able to
design ooze character, while and play the buy it on its own. Each DLC pack
82 presents
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shovel
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LEGO Worlds
redout
Redout
Who needs F-Zero?
E
very Nintendo event is a Developer
chance for the Japanese 34BigThings
company to announce a Publisher Nicalis
new F-Zero game, and yet ETA Spring 2017
every time Captain Falcon
and his futuristic friends get
passed by. The last F-Zero game
was made in 2004, and wasn’t
even released outside of Japan. If
you ever wanted an example of a
series that was due a reboot,
F-Zero is it. But fans of the damage your rocket-powered take part in an endurance sprint
franchise (and there are lots of vehicle. Your car (or space ship, or across multiple maps without
them) do have some hope on the whatever the hell it is) has a set dying, add some welcome variety.
horizon. Redout is the spiritual energy reserve, and if you boost it As you progress you unlock new
sequel to both F-Zero and will eat through some of this abilities and skills that you can
PlayStation’s WipEout series, and energy. Energy recharges over activate as you race to slow down
it might just be even quicker than time, so the risk/reward system other racers or improve things
both of them. can mean a boost might win you like handling. Whether the game
The racer feels like a child of the race, or see you explode in an has the same depth as the titles
both games, and one that has impressive ball of fire. that inspired it remains to be
been dunked into a bucket of neon There are plenty of modes, too. seen, but we’re just pleased to see
paint to boot. The courses swerve Aside from the obvious race an impressive, fast-paced racer
and twist through futuristic mode, you’ll find ones that ask landing on a Nintendo console.
cities, with kilometer-long leaps you to stay above a target speed to We just wish it had the Blue
and energy barriers that will knock seconds off your time, or to Falcon in it.
presents
presentsNinetendo
Nintendo switch 85
Disgaea 5 Complete
Disgaea 5 Complete
It’s all about finding the right person for the job
I
n the dizzying world of RPGs, Developer jobs available, and this is where
there are plenty of sub- Nippon Ichi Disgaea 5 excels. We’ve seen RPGs
Software
genres to consider as well. with Warriors and Thieves before.
There are JRPGs, which Publisher But how many games can you
NIS America
stands for ‘Japanese RPGs’ name that let you play as Skulls,
Release Q2 2017
and usually means linear games Maids, Celestial Hostesses, or
like I Am Setsuna (p78). There are Pirates? Each job has its own
action RPGs, which are games like distinct playing style too, so the
The Legend of Zelda (p20) that tilt unusual jobs here aren’t just
towards action over turn-based standard RPG classes with an
battling. There are MMORPGs, unusual name. Maid can use her
made famous by World of variety of teas to buff allies’
Warcraft. One sub-genre that movement, for example, while
doesn’t really get enough love is Pirates have ‘Accelerated Shot’ ,
tactical RPGs, and the Disgaea allowing their guns to do more
series has long stood at its damage over range.
summit with an addictive blend
of strategy and humour. Work smarter
First, a quick introduction. special effects should make the
Tactical RPGs take place on a There are 40 races and jobs to smaller screen sing. Neither do
choose from and finding out how screenshots convey the humour of
these classes synchronise and the game, which ranges from
“The Switch version will work with each other is an enemies squabbling over their
important part of the game – you curry being stolen to the main
include all the DLC content might want to use Maid to help characters pretending to
that bolstered the original Pirates gain more distance from understand art.
enemies, so they can do more There’s a wealth of content here
release – seven side-stories damage with Accelerated Shot. too, as you’d expect from a game
and seven new characters.” You can even unlock Alliance called Disgaea 5 Complete. The
Attacks if you prove adept at Switch version will include all the
battlefield divided into squares. fostering relationships within DLC content that bolstered the
The trick to combat is learning your party. There’s also Revenge original release, which means
the range of your attacks, the Mode, which is new to the series, Switch owners will get seven
range of your opponent’s attacks, and gives your characters bonus extra side-stories and seven new
and then moving around the stats when they see their allies characters, such as Nisa and
battlefield to attack your enemies taking a beating. Kunoichi, for free. That’s without
from a safe range. There’s just as Screenshots don’t do justice to taking into consideration the size
much emphasis on where you are Disgaea 5’s looks. It’s not the sort of the main game, which has
in combat, as there is on what of game that demands its difficulty spikes that stop you in
you’re actually doing in combat. screenshots are printed out and your tracks unless you’ve been
Disgaea 5 is a game that exposes hung in an art gallery but in paying close attention to your
you to lots of difficult situations. motion, it looks glorious. Attacks team’s formation. With the huge
Whether you’re battling against a fizz and pop with neon colours, number of jobs to play around
giant or a giant army of enemies, smooth animation breathes life with on top of that, Disgaea 5
fighting on a wide-open into the art, and every location is Complete should keep RPG fans
battlefield or a narrow map, you rich with detail. It’s the sort of happy for a long, long time. There
need a team that’s flexible and game that should thrive on Switch might be a dizzying number of
efficient. A big part of the tactical when it’s removed from the dock, RPG sub-genres out there but at
RPG appeal is creating your own as the visual combination of least the choice is clear when it
team from the sheer number of razor-sharp detail and explosive comes to tactical RPGs…
88 presents
presentsNintendo
Nintendoswitch
switch
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
When nature and technology collide
W
hat would science Developer ambitions grow larger and larger The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the
fiction look like if Monolith Software with each outing. The original Wild will. It’s worth noting that
you could measure it Publisher Xenoblade Chronicles was the developers have had a much
and somehow crank Nintendo released for Wii in 2010 as a spin- closer look at Nintendo’s famous
it up to 11? A Release 2017 off of sorts from the main series than any other studio in
ridiculous question, you may be Xenoblade series. Critics gushed the world. Nintendo brought in
thinking, and you’re right. But over its battle system, open world Monolith Soft to help with the
that’s just our elaborate and and smartly-designed quests. A ‘graphics and other artistic
slightly unusual way of saying spiritual successor, Xenoblade elements’ on Skyward Sword,
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a game Chronicles X, was released for Wii and Nintendo has called on the
that takes sci-fi concepts and U in 2015. Again, the open world studio’s help again with Breath
pushes them as far as they can go. drew praise from all quarters, Of The Wild.
Floating cities, colossal moving with the power of Wii U added What is clear, even from the
structures, combat mechs, some visual muscle to the series brief tease, is that Xenoblade
planet-dwarfing ships, all set that matches its gameplay. Chronicles 2 will keep the
amid lush green fields for a Despite the name, we don’t elements that have made the
nature-vs-technology backdrop. know if Xenoblade Chronicles 2 series such a draw for Nintendo
Nintendo has done little more fans. The open-world shows
than tease the forthcoming verdant fields stretching out for
Xenoblade Chronicles 2, with a “The Xenoblade series has miles, with towering structures
trailer that doesn’t give too much and colossal enemies looming
away, but that’s enough to get
always had the conflict menacingly in the distance.
Switch owners salivating. The between technology and Airborne cities show off the
Xenoblade series has slowly
grown in status from a hidden
nature at its heart.” ambition and the scale of the
game, with the action taking
left-field RPG gem to an explosive place among the clouds as well as
action RPG extravaganza, and its will follow on from the original’s on the ground. Meanwhile, there
storyline, which ended with are already intriguing elements to
protagonist Shulk becoming a Xenoblade Chronicles 2, such as
god. Shulk won’t return for the enormous whale-like creature
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – an that drifts past in the distant sky.
as-yet-unnamed hero will be Is this a ship? An animal? A
replacing him – and all we know mixture of both? The Xenoblade
about the return is that it focuses series has always had the conflict
on the hero’s quest to reach between technology and nature at
Elysium. It will also take place in its heart, and it looks like this
a brand-new world and will sport game will keep that theme.
a fresh art style, with a cutesy There’s a long way to go yet, as
‘chibi’ art style over the gritty Xenoblade Chronicles doesn’t
realism of the previous Xenoblade even have a release date at the
Chronicle outings. time of going to press, while the
What we do know is that finer workings of its combat and
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will keep gameplay are being kept under
the trademark open-world wraps. But one thing is clear – the
gameplay that powered history of the series, the talent
Chronicles and Chronicles X. In involved, and the dizzying
fact, it will be the first open- ambition in what we’ve seen so
world RPG for Switch, pushing the far have already made Xenoblade
freedom it gives the player to Chronicles 2 one of the most
explore even further than even exciting games on Switch.
Steep
Falling with style
S
ome people love skiing Developer
and snowboarding, but Ubisoft Annecy
throwing yourself down a Publisher Ubisoft
mountain that is entirely Release TBC
covered with a cold,
slippery substance isn’t
everyone’s idea of fun. And even
if you are in love with winter
sports, they’re an expensive,
seasonal pastime. With Steep,
though, the stress of skiing or
snowboarding melts (ha!) away, straight port, bringing over the top of a slope to the bottom.
leaving you to throw a virtual same mountain and (hopefully) Wingsuiting is undoubtedly the
person down a virtual mountain the same DLC as the original. highlight – you’ll need fast
from the comfort and warmth of In a world where SSX and 1080 fingers to avoid rocky outcrops,
your home. Snowboarding titles are just fond dive through crevasses, and skim
Steep has been available for PS4 memories, we have to say that it’s right over the surface of the snow
and Xbox One for a few months great to finally see another winter as you race your friends. Skiing
now, and is gaining praise for its sports game debuting on a and snowboarding offer the
varied challenges, and the joy Nintendo console. Steep expands classic gameplay that you’d
that emanates from purposely on those classic titles by adding expect, as you weave your way
making your character leap of a skiing, paragliding, and down slopes that certainly live up
clifftop and launch headfirst into Pulling tricks isn’t wingsuiting (in which you to the game’s title. The
a giant boulder. While details on the main focus of the basically glide like a sugar glider) paragliding is a far more sedate
game, but you can do
the Switch version are sparse, it some awesome flips to the mix, giving you more ways affair, as you sail over the mass of
seems that the game will be a as you ride. than ever before to get from the Mont Blanc with only the sound of
the wind, and the flaps of your
paraglider, to distract you.
The rest of the great games coming soon to a Switch near you
What is it? A grotesque-yet-cute, relentlessly tough, top-down dungeon What is it? A port of the surprisingly delightful open-world Wii U game.
crawler that’s still fun and challenging after hundreds of hours. Why it’s so interesting? So no-one bought Wii U, and Warner Bros. has
Why it’s so interesting? You’re probably familiar with the sad, this really great Lego game that basically ten people played. Rather than
sacrilegious story of Isaac, a naked tot thrown into the randomised, Zelda- let it languish in obscurity, Lego City Undercover is getting ported to
dungeon-esque confines of his basement with only his weaponised tears Nintendo’s new system, and you really shouldn’t let it pass you by this
to fight back against legions of fæces-themed horrors. Being a baby is time. It’s an open-world game in the vein of Grand Theft Auto, only
tough. And though you might have braved these dark depths on Wii U and featuring kid-friendly Lego. As policeman Chase McCain, you’ll explore a
3DS before, Afterbirth+ adds even more content to the staggeringly sprawling metropolis made out of plastic bricks, take on missions for
extensive item, enemy, and room variations, ensuring that no two people, solve puzzles, and much more. It’s also legitimately hilarious,
permadeath runs will be the same. We’re talking years of incremental sending up cop dramas and general pop culture in equal fashion. It’s the
updates and new twists crammed into one deluxe, diabolically difficult, rare kind of family game that is just as much fun for the kids as it is for the
darkly humorous package. parents, and it’s finally getting the second chance it deserves.
What is it? A Switch version of the world’s What is it? The hook’s right there in the title: What is it? The premier basketball game is
biggest sports franchise, getting rid of an simulate owning your very own farm, where you coming to Nintendo Switch.
attached year entirely for what could possibly need to till the soil, plant and harvest crops, and Why it’s so interesting? The last time NBA 2K
be a continuously updated platform. raise livestock to turn a profit. showed up on a Nintendo platform was at the
Why it’s so interesting? Though we have scant Why it’s so interesting? Rather than the light- Wii U launch with NBA 2K13, so it’s exciting to
few details on this new FIFA (and no visuals as hearted stylings of Harvest Moon, Story of see it back in the limelight. It even got
of yet – this screen is from last year’s game), the Seasons, or Stardew Valley, Farming Simulator prominent placement on Nintendo’s first reveal
fact that it doesn’t come with a number aims for complete realism, where your trusty trailer for Switch back in October. It’ll be pretty
attached is pretty exciting. Imagine not having tractors (replicated from real-life brands) drive similar to the other versions of this year’s NBA
to buy another version of FIFA each year, and at exactly the sluggish speed you’d think they 2K game, but portable and with some
instead owning a consistently updated tentpole would. These sorts of sim games certainly aren’t interesting use of the Joy-Con. There are no
game (like Street Fighter V) that’s reinvigorated for everyone, but for Switch owners who want concrete details yet, but if that video was any
with more modes and refreshed player rosters to build a farm up to prosperity without actually indication, you could play local multiplayer with
as time goes on. Sports fans should definitely getting up at 5am and getting their hands dirty, both Joy-Con, or sync multiple systems together
keep an eye on this one. Farming Simulator should be just the thing. for four-player action.
What is it? Choose one of many iconic Dragon Ball Z characters, or create your own, and kick the
crap out of everyone you meet.
Why it’s so interesting? Dragon Ball Xenoverse was a huge surprise when it launched, giving DBZ
fans a chance to explore their favourite locations, play as their favourite characters, and even create
their own warrior, customise their super moves, and do battle against the forces of evil. Dragon Ball
Xenoverse 2 is largely the same, but more – more characters, more quests, bigger locations, a better
hub city, and more things to fight. Whether you go it alone or strike it out with a buddy online, Syberia 3
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is basically the best fan service anyone could ask for. Release date TBC Genre Adventure
Minecraft: Story Mode What is it? The ex-Wii U exclusive is getting an update on Switch.
Release date TBC Genre Adventure Why it’s so interesting? Funny story, Rayman Legends was originally a Wii U exclusive set to release
a few months after the system’s launch. Ubisoft delayed it for months to release it alongside PS4 and
What is it? A Telltale adventure game set in the Xbox One versions. Now we come full circle, as Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition comes out some
Minecraft universe. time this year. In addition to taking advantage of four-player Joy-Con action, it’ll feature some
Why it’s so interesting? It’s Minecraft, but additional content, including new gameplay options for its raucous competitive multiplayer mini-
different. Telltale has a history of crafting taut game, Kung Foot, and touch controls if you’re using Switch in its portable mode.
stories around a handful of colourful, realised
characters within various licensed properties.
Somehow the studio did the same for Minecraft, Shin Megami Tensei (title TBC)
a game that has no story or characters. This Release date TBC Genre: JRPG
version will include all five episodes from the
first season, along with the additional three What is it? The next entry in a series of JRPGs
Adventure Pass episodes released last year. set at the end of the world, where you partner
up with various demons and together do battle
against an assortment of terrors. Basically
18-rated Pokémon.
Why it’s so interesting? The long-running
apocalyptic JRPG series is coming to Nintendo
Switch, following its previous two successful
entries (Shin Megami Tensei 4 and SMT4:
Apocalypse) on 3DS. Like a lot of games on this
list, details are scarce – all we’ve had to date is a
single reveal trailer featuring of some of the
series’ more iconic demons hanging out in a
derelict building. Heck, we don’t even know if
it’s coming to the West yet. Hopefully we’ll get
some confirmation soon.
Snake Pass
Release date 2017
Genre Puzzle-platformer
1001 Spikes
Release date 2017
Genre Hardcore platformer
Cube Life: Island Survival Dragon Quest Heroes I & II Minna De Wai Wai! Spelunker
Release date Spring 2017 Genre Survival Release date 2017 Genre Hack-and-slash Release date 2017 Genre Platform
What is it? A blocky open world to explore, craft What is it? Colourful and over-the-top action What is it? An update of PS4 release Spelunker
and survive in. Sound familiar? fighter from the Dynasty Warriors developer. World, with F2P elements stripped out.
Why it’s so interesting? Originally released on Why it’s so interesting? Omega Force is a Why it’s so interesting? While it might look and
Wii U to fill the gap left by Minecraft’s absence, studio that likes to keep busy, and its main feel like a Spelunky rip-off, this tricky platform
this looks and feels more than a little similar to hobby seems to be turning other games into series actually dates back to the ’80s, as should
the popular survival game. That’s something Dynasty Warriors. It’s at it again with this be clear from its punishing mechanics. It’s
that is being addressed with this new updated content-loaded double pack that brings unclear whether or not Minna De Wai Wai!
version of the game, however, and a host of together the original game and its expanded Spelunker will get a global release – the game
more realistic textures, physics and effects now sequel, which is currently only out in Japan. it’s based on, Spelunker World on PS4, didn’t
give this a more original feel, although the core While there’s a clear focus on classic Dragon ever launch in Europe – but as Nintendo Switch
gameplay loop remains the same – build, break, Quest characters and enemies, you don’t need is region-free means, fans of the challenging
fight, craft, survive or just generally mess to be a fan of the series to enjoy this. You’ll franchise will still be able to play this one even if
around in the cube-based open world. certainly get more out of it if you are, though. it doesn’t get released globally.
World Of Goo
Release date 3 March Genre Puzzle
What is it? A spiritual successor to the Wonder Boy games, with the series’ What is it? Resogun’s colourful, angular long-lost cousin
creator on board. Why it’s so interesting? Some of the best indie games in the business
Why it’s so interesting? Whereas The Dragon’s Trap (see p97) is a take their cues from the shooters you’d once have seen in arcades, and
straight-up remake of an older game, Monster Boy picks up where the this bright and bold side-scrolling offering is looking to take its place
series left of to deliver the same kind of experience but with all-new alongside modern classics like Resogun and Geometry Wars. With four
content. Wonder Boy creator Ryuichi Nishizawa (who is also helping out unique weapons (blaster, missiles, energy sword and sniper beam) always
with the remake) is involved in creation to help ensure that the game stays available, you’ll need to quickly react to each situation and answer
true to the design and feel of the games it is based on. True to form, there accordingly. Using the best tools for the job will help you score big and
are a bunch of different animal powers to collect and use as you switch rack up huge combos, perfect for when you’re chasing leaderboard
between characters, with their abilities aiding in combat and exploration. supremacy. And you will be chasing it.
What is it? A seafaring adventure that’s more than a little similar to The What is it? The taiko drum equivalent of Guitar Hero.
Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Why it’s so interesting? You might have seen Taiko No Tatsujin (or Taiko
Why it’s so interesting? When it first launched on iOS back in 2013, the Drum Master, to give it its Western title) as a centrepiece in an arcade, and
best thing about Oceanhorn was that it offered a Zelda-like experience on while its huge drum controller isn’t the easiest thing to replicate in the
a platform that didn’t have the real deal. That’s no longer the case as the home, Bandai Namco has done a solid job in the past. Home versions of
game sails onto Switch – where Link will be ready to rock from day one in the game have been bundled with a shrunken version of that giant arcade
Breath Of The Wild – but that’s not to say this colourful adventure isn’t drum controller, but more recent handheld releases have instead used
worth trying. While it makes no secret that it takes inspiration from Wind touchscreen controls, and given Switch’s portability, we expect that to
Waker, the new Zelda game’s focus on open-world adventure means this continue here. It’s not quite the same as bashing away on a drum
solid homage won’t feel too much like it’s stepping on Link’s toes. controller, but the games are still great fun.
Romance Of The Three New Tales Of… (title TBC) Tank It!
Kingdoms XIII Release date TBC Genre Action-RPG Release date 2017 Genre Action
Release date 2017 Genre Strategy
What is it? A brand-new entry in Bandai What is it? A more political World Of Tanks.
What is it? The latest in a long line of historical Namco’s popular RPG series. Why it’s so interesting? While so many
strategy games. Why it’s so interesting? There was never any military games glamorise weapons and
Why it’s so interesting? Allowing players to doubt in our minds that Switch would have warfare, this anti-war game is taking a
recreate and relive some of history’s greatest great game support from Japanese third somewhat different approach. Its goal is to
battles has long been the main appeal of parties, and with this announcement sitting drill home the message that war kills,
Creative Assembly’s Total War games, but Koei alongside that of Dragon Quest XI, Switch is although doing that in a game where a
is no slouch either when it comes to adding a already the home of two of the three biggest remotely controlled tank ploughs through
dash of strategy to the past – in this case, JRPG franchises in the world. Details are scant everything in its path – terrorists, civilians,
second-century China. We’d usually doubt right now – which is hardly surprising, given that buildings, flora… whatever, basically – seems
whether a Western release would happen as the game doesn’t even have a proper title yet – like an odd way to put that message across.
only a handful of the many games have been but we wouldn’t expect it to deviate too much We’ll have to wait until we get our hands on it
localised, but as this came out worldwide on from the anime-style action RPGs the Tales to see just how well the panzer of peace
PS4 and PC last year, we haven’t given up hope. series is known for. succeeds in its mission.
TO
A
Arson
You’re pretty much a pyromaniac in Breath
Of The Wild. Anything that looks like it’ll
burn – dry grass, bundles of twigs, the
loincloths of flammable foes – can and will.
Infernos blaze and can spread until areas
the size of tennis courts go up in flames. Ignition comes
CCooking
Welcome to Actual
Chef Ben Griffin’s
Cookery Corner. I,
D
Dungeons
Themed puzzle chambers form the
backbone of Zelda games, usually
taking a good few hours to complete.
While they’re not going away any time
soon, there are now around 100
smaller challenge shrines in addition that take roughly
15 minutes apiece. These shorter, punchier locales are
set underground and often pivot on a single puzzle,
from striking flint, launching blazing arrows, or throwing Actual Chef Ben such as solidifying a body of water and raising it to
burning branches, and wind direction affects the ensuing
Griffin, have prepared bring up a sluice gate. The fact most are entirely
a three-course meal
fire’s course. During our hands-on, we box in a group of using ingredients optional means players will have differing experiences
hand-picked from – one shrine contains an iron sledgehammer we
Bokoblins by setting the field behind them aflame and Breath Of The Wild.
cutting off all escape routes. Upper hand safely wouldn’t otherwise have found.
established, we’re free to charge in like a mad firebug and
take them down. Truly, it’s a pleasure to burn.
Starter
Diced Hylian Shroom Ecosystem
on a bed of raw Spicy The great outdoors is stuffed with
Peppers. A pinch of
Rock Salt on request.
Editor’s taste test: Literally the
E more rogue wildlife than a pet-
hoarder’s apartment, and includes
boars, birds, lizards, toads, bats,
hottest thing I have ever tried to eat.
pike, ducks, deer, squirrels, and
dragonflies. And that’s just in the early forest area.
Everything interacts with each other as
Attenborough intended, and this is neatly
demonstrated when we swat a hive hanging from a
branch and send swarms of angry bees buzzing
after Bokoblins. All of it has a function, whether it’s
brewing Keese wing in a stamina potion or roasting
boar rump for a health-replenishing skewer.
Main
Lightly seared Bokoblin
Liver, with a whole Hearty
Radish, garnished with
Hyrule Herb.
Editor’s taste test: What? Ben, this
isn’t liver. This is rice pudding.
Fishing
Bokoblin The Game Boy
B
These bad tempered, bat-faced
footsoldiers made their debut in Wind
Waker and form your rank-and-file
F classic Link’s
Awakening introduced
us to what has since
foes in the early stages. They come in become Zelda tradition, and while we
several colours and classes, some haven’t yet discovered a dedicated fishing area in Breath
wielding chunky clubs, some poking at us with spears Of The Wild, the fish we see in rivers and lakes are a
strong hint there will be angling on offer, especially
carved from tree boughs, some playing defensively
with rusty broadswords and wooden shields, and some
Dessert when you consider how the Ocarina Of Time version
waiting atop lookout towers, arrows nocked. They’re Burnt Apple encased came about. Its creator, Kazuaki Morita, said in an
more reactive than ever – the imp-like infantry jealously within a Chu Jelly interview with former Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata, “I had
guarding treasure chests in camps, resorting to rock- prison and slathered in a model of a fish for putting in an empty bottle. I
throwing if you’ve knocked their weapon away, and Courser Bee Honey. borrowed that and had it swim in the pool in the
even dozing at night with sleepy bubbles (eww…) Editor’s taste test: Please stop dungeon, and when I saw it swimming around, I thought,
emanating from their noses. cooking and shouting. You’re not a chef ‘Oh! I can go fishing!’” If there’s fish, there’s fishing.
and we have a magazine to write.
Guardian
The massive, arachnid-like, tentacled stone sentinels that
Hero of Time
Some Zelda games portray Link as a
K
return. It’s implied they created this post-Hyrule
has huge
Hyrule using the same seed-planting methods
implications for
employed in Wind Waker.
Hyrule, letting
Link freeze a
specific object or enemy in place,
Infinite bombs spam the attack button to rack-
Bombshell! As anyone who has ever
I
up considerable kinetic energy,
played a Zelda game before will know, then unpause time and deliver all
explosives have always been a finite that damage at once. This usually
commodity in the series – players results in whatever soaked up all
either needed to buy them, find them those hits flying way off into the
in chests, or loot them from enemies. Not so here. distance. One example sees us
Because they’re made from the same mysterious blue use the power on a boulder
energy powering your multipurpose Sheikah Slate blocking our path, whacking it
tool, Link’s bomb supply no longer runs dry, so all you with a hammer, then starting
have to do is wait ten seconds for the meter to time to send it cannoning away
recharge before you can drop or throw them. We use like a pinball.
them to blow apart cracked walls, and explode red
barrels to trigger massive screen-filling blasts.
Nature
L
Whether it’s wildlife, enemies, drifting
M
a better vantage point, and jump straight off a cliff to this to, although the opal’s role in crafting is unknown
witness the fairy boy’s new, disturbing, ragdoll death. at this point. We do know they’re rare, however. Across
our numerous playthroughs we only discover one
hanging off a rock formation which we have to smash
apart. There are other gems too, such as topaz,
sapphires, and rubies, each selling for a high price and
bestowing unique properties through crafting, such as
electric, ice, and fire.
Map Paraglider
This item functions just like the
At a whopping 12 times larger than
Twilight Princess, this is the
biggest, broadest landmass in
P sailcloth, Deku leaf, or flapping Cucco
of past Zeldas, allowing you to glide
through the air. It’s mandatory if you
Zelda history. What’s more ever want to escape the Great Plateau,
impressive is that everything which is much too high to climb down from. To get
you’ve seen and read about Breath your hands on it you must complete four shrines and
Of The Wild – by that we mean exchange the spirit orb you acquire with a mysterious
everything journalists have been fellow known simply as ‘Old Man’, who may or may not
given access to – has taken place in turn out to be the King Of Hyrule in disguise (same
an area representing roughly 2% of bushy white beard you see). Cool bit: if you glide over
the overall world. The titles of Zelda fire, the hot air actually propels you upwards. The
games usually refer to a magical paraglider gives you a helpful way down in a game
item (Ocarina Of Time, Minish Cap, where climbing is prevalent.
Majora’s Mask etc), but such is the
heightened sense of place here,
Breath Of The Wild refers to a
location. Specifically, um, ‘the wild’.
Riding
Equine fanciers will be overjoyed to know Link’s faithful steed Epona returns
Question Mark
Nintendo borrows a page from Metal
Sheikah Slate
This super useful, multi-
S functional device is
essentially Link’s stone
smartphone. He receives it
at the beginning of his
adventure, shortly after waking in the Shrine
Of Resurrection. The Slate acts as a map
(routes can be marked with multiple
waypoints), an enemy scanner that can
safely assess an opponent’s hit points before
you engage, and it’s also where Runes are
housed. Mostly acquired by successfully
navigating trial shrines, Runes unlock
magical abilities, like these three examples:
Threads
W Weapons X
X Marks The Spot
OK, so X doesn’t mark the spot, but we
couldn’t think of anything Zelda-
related beginning with X (give it a go,
it’s really fun). What marks spots in
T
Link can don a variety of clothes, and Breath Of The Wild are skulls. If you see
they’re not just for looking cool. His A vast array of a skull on the map, you know there’s something
champion shirt, for instance, gives him hitty-stabby waiting there, whether it’s the bouldery boss Steppe
six points of damage resistance, while implements await Talus, a staff that shoots gym-ball-sized fire orbs, or a
his quilted shirt only offers four points camp of Bokoblins guarding rare crafting materials.
but, on the upside, it’s lovely and warm and resistant to
cold – so, when worn, it means Link can explore icy
areas without freezing. If you feel inclined, you can
remove your tunic and trousers and gallivant around
the Great Plateau in your pants. Full suits of armour
Tree Branch
offer better protection, obviously.
Damage: 2
A branch. From a tree. The least
Up effective melee ‘weapon’ in the game,
but it is organic and locally sourced.
U
Link’s grippy hands can scale mostly And you can set it on fire.
anything, and at any angle, with the
only thing preventing him from
ascending out of the world being a
stamina meter (which can be extended
Farmer’s Pitchfork
by certain food and potions). Climbing to a high position Yellow heart
isn’t just used for navigation, either. One way to defeat Damage: 2 Link’s health is divided into two
the stone miniboss, Steppe Talus, is to climb up his back
and hack away at the brittle rocks on his shoulder.
Weird - and this is a game where you
can use a pot lid as a shield and a leaf
as a weapon. Popular with angry mobs.
Y portions: red hearts and yellow
hearts. Red hearts can be
replenished, and yellow hearts
cannot. Think of them more as
temporary armour. They make you stronger while
they’re there, but when they’re gone, they’re gone
Bokoblin Arm for good. Well, until you get more yellow hearts by
Soldier’s Spear
Damage: 10
This has the best moveset of the lot,
letting Link keep foes at bay and poke
from range like the world’s tallest and
most annoying boxer.
Iron Sledgehammer
Zelda
Voices Damage: 12 Look to the north and you’ll see what
V
In another exciting first for the long-
running series, along with jumping and
cooking, the normally quiet
Now we’re talking. Discover this
Norse-looking noggin-basher in a
shrine and find out why Thor wouldn’t
leave home without his.
Z appears to be Hyrule Castle in the far
distance, and at the top, a twinkling
light. This is where we think Princess
conversationalists of Hyrule have Zelda is, held captive in her tower by
gained the power of audible speech. the dark malicious spirit of Calamity Ganon, who’s
Not all characters have been bestowed with adequate circling like a shark. “You have been asleep for the past
vocal chords, mind – Link is still incapable of making 100 years,” says a voice (likely Zelda). “When the beast
any intelligible utterances which could pass as actual Soldier’s Broadsword regains its power, this world will end.” Whoever the
words – but as you explore the world you’ll often hear Damage: 14 voice does belong to, she’s your guiding Navi-, Fi-, or
fully voice-acted lines. The very first line is spoken, for Along with the spiked Boko Bow and King Of Red Lions-type figure. At one point we enter
example, so hopefully the story starts as it means to Soldier’s Shield, this is the very best the ruins of the Temple Of Time and she tells us we’re
weapon we find. We decide to use it
go on. Even if its plot beats are still bottled up tighter wisely by hitting frogs with it. not meant to be there yet. Oops.
than a trapped Poe soul at this point.
The
making
of the
Legend
How far the Zelda series has come in its 30 years
is itself one of gaming’s greatest stories. Join us
as we look back at how the adventure unfolded
T
he Hero Of Time has and pushing into the unknown.
humble beginnings. In “When I travelled around without
1985, as Nintendo toiled a map, trying to find my way,
on the first Mario game stumbling on amazing things, I
for Famicom (later realised how it felt to go on an
released over here as the NES), adventure,” says Miyamoto in the
three men sketched extra puzzles 1993 book, Game Over.
and dungeons on graph paper and Where Mario was linear, Zelda
bound them in a folder labelled was open. Where Mario was
‘Adventure Mario’. They were immediate, Zelda let players find
Takashi Tezuka, Toshihiko their own action. This was a title
Nakago, and Shigeru Miyamoto, so ambitious it was originally
and this was the groundwork for slated for arcade cabinets, a
an epic 1986 adventure called The format hosting Nintendo’s most
Legend Of Zelda. successful title at this point
It’s easy to see Miyamoto as (Donkey Kong), but the Japanese
Link’s co-dad, but he’s more like giant’s intent to conquer living
Link himself, the lifelong Ninty rooms gave it the drive to cram
dev drawing from his own Zelda onto Famicom and break
childhood adventures in the small new ground. Innovation was
town of Sonobe, Kyoto, exploring everywhere. This was among the
caves, rambling through fields, first virtual worlds to have an
Hey!
Listen!
Miyamoto named Zelda
after the wife of American
novelist F Scott Fitzgerald.
Why? Just because he liked
the sound of her name.
Eiji Aonuma
Manager of The Legend Of Zelda series. From
Ocarina Of Time dungeon designer to either
director or producer for every Zelda game since
on both console and handheld. Eiji ‘The
Authority’ Aonuma lives and breathes Link.
Shigeru Miyamoto
As well as being the man behind Mario, the
peerless Nintendo designer created Zelda and
remains the series’ key steward, birthing it from
his own adventurous childhood and driving it
on with his still-insatiable curiosity.
Takashi Tezuka
He may be the least known of the Zelda trio, but
he’s worked on every game in some capacity. He
made his series directorial debut on Game Boy’s
Link’s Awakening, and he delivered expected
quality in unexpected packages.
Concept sketches for the original Zelda. Some nice felt-tip pen work here – 8/10.
Honour
Role
Six unforgettable moments
from the legendary series
also because this was the first Zelda: The Wand Of Gamelon
Format CD-i Year 1993
one I finished. There’s
something about holding the Zelda’s Adventure
Format CD-i Year 1995 Development of The
whole world in your own two Minish Cap may have
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
hands, along with the Format N64 Year 1998 been spearheaded by
dreamlike themes, that The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX Capcom, but the game
makes it extra special. Format Game Boy Color Year 1998 retains just about everything
The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask that made the 2D Zeldas so
Format N64 Year 2000 elegantly playable while
The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Seasons introducing a gorgeous
Format Game Boy Color Year 2001
new art style. Add a
The Legend Of Zelda: preoccupation with hats,
Oracle Of Ages
Format Game Boy Color Year 2001 and you have a game
The Legend Of Zelda: that ticks all my boxes.
The Wind Waker
Hey! Format GameCube Year 2003
Hey!
Listen!
There’s a caged shark at
the bottom of a lake in
Ocarina Of Time, said to
represent Ninty’s dislike of
the GameShark.
OCARINA OF
TIME 3D
Link’s Crossbow Training Ben Griffin
Format Wii Year 2007
MAJORA’S
MASK
112 presents Nintendo switch
The Legend of Zelda: MAJORA’S MASK
N
intendo writer Mitsuhiro Takano
describes Majora’s Mask like this: “The
characters look familiar but something is
different somehow.”
That’s putting it mildly. Because this
sixth addition to the Zelda family is The Weird One.
The game’s early title of ‘Zelda Gaiden’ , meaning
‘sidequest’, was spot-on, because from the very first
screenshots, it was clear that everything in Majora’s
Mask is off to one side, all strangely left-of-centre
and surreally tilted, as though we are looking at the
Ocarina Of Time universe in a wobbly funhouse
mirror. It is also, of course, absolutely brilliant.
The Mask of Majora itself, though? Despite kicking
off the plot by turning a Skull Kid into a
megalomaniacal little monster, the mystical
facecovering is a red herring. Talk to anyone who’s
played the game and they’ll rock back and forth and
5 Legendary
Ice Arrows
You can almost hear the
moments Anju and Kafei
Zelda saw in the new millennium One of the series’ most heroically
developers chuckling when you
with these brilliant bits that still involved and long-winded side-
stumble on this weapon’s crafty
make us tingle. No, not that tingle… quests sees you acting as
secret: it can freeze water to make
go-between for this pair of cursed
impromptu floating platforms.
lovers, rushing to meet 13 separate
appointments in three days.
But, like we say, the game is When he puts them on, Link than its actual gameplay. But Rolling around as a
weird too. It was put together in literally becomes a bouncing Deku what dungeons there are prove to Goron is always
going to be fun.
record time by core Ocarina Of Shrub, a rolling Goron, a be mind-bending caverns of pure
Time coders: we’d barely learned swimming Zora. And other masks gaming wonder, intricately
about Majora’s Mask in mid-1999 – fairies and bombs and crying interlocking jigsaw puzzles that
before the gold cartridge was in faces and bunny ears – trigger remind you why you got into
our hands. They pulled it off by insane but meaty sidequests and videogames in the first place.
reusing its predecessor’s subplots where aliens abduct cows Nintendo even threw in a hernia-
characters, scenery and items, but and marching chicks inducingly complex water temple
tweaked with new names, new spontaneously transform into for old time’s sake.
roles and new stories. As such, it full-grown Cuccos. So it’s a wonder that gamers
is downright odd meeting all But, odd as it is, it is The Legend were ever worried Majora’s Mask
these old friends who not only of Zelda through and through. would turn out to be a thin,
don’t remember you, but who The focus is less on dungeons and rushed imitation of Ocarina Of
don’t remember themselves. more on mini-quests, so Majora’s Time. It’s the moon they should
The 24 wearable masks cement Mask will always be remembered have been worried about.
the game’s off-centredness. more for its strange atmosphere Oh god. That moon…
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The Legend of Zelda: the wind waker
the wind
waker
The game that saw
the Zelda series sail the
ocean blue – and take on
the cartoon visuals that the
next generation of DS owners
would come to adore…
118 presents Nintendo switch
The Legend of Zelda: the wind waker
I
f there’s one treasured
moment that all Wind Waker
players remember, it’s the “Sail a stretch of
feeling you get when you see
that you have mail. It’s the ocean peppered
little details that count in this with islands to
game, you see, and when you
cruise into an island’s harbour
explore.”
and see a jaunty red post box
bouncing excitedly from side to
side it genuinely warms all four
pieces of your heart.
Everything in the game is
beautiful, cheery and fabulously
presented – from the ‘schnaaay?’
noise a Fishman makes as he
scribbles local islands on your
small fry map all the way up to
the final showdown with a
puppet-themed Ganondorf. While
the clouds of animated purple
smoke that billow as you slice
Moblins make it feel like a Disney
cartoon, the boomerang, bombs
and bow make it feel like home.
These days it’s strange to think
that the game’s iconic cel-shaded
look was so controversial, but it
took purists a frighteningly long happens to look very Zelda-ish, The story posits this new Link
time to convert. What it brought doncha think?) through cheeky/ as an ancestor of Ocarina’s Hero
to the game, however, were vicious smiles, winks and proud of Time in a stretch of ocean
characters and animation with strutting is unforgettable. peppered with islands to explore,
more life, vitality and humour Likewise the hilarity as Link is oddities to bash with his sword,
than the series had ever mustered catapulted in a barrel towards and piglets to rescue. The plotline
before. The face of Link’s certain doom in the Forsaken runs deep in every sense of the
grandmother as he first departs Fortress, painfully bounces off word, with a familiar castle that
from Outset Island is still one of ancient walls upon the has been frozen in time lurking
the most heart-breaking appearance of the Tower Of The within the depths, yet despite the
Nintendo images, while the Gods or looks nonplussed after usual Triforce presence it feels
character invested in the sparky plucking something rubbish out very much a separate story to the
tomboy pirate leader Tetra (who of a chest is priceless. Zeldas that preceded it.
5
Legendary
moments One moment in time Meet Link the pig Seagull mind trick
Wind Waker’s high spots are
Hyrule Castle sits on the ocean Forget boring old Cuccos; in Wind Ever wanted to stare viciously at
personal – times when the
wind fills your sails and you floor: forever monochrome and Waker’s opening you hunt piglets, the world and steal children’s ice-
are bouncing full-pelt on the frozen in time. Spooky grey and the one you collect is cream? Through the Hyoi Pear,
waves in pursuit of adventure. baddies stand like statues until, of summarily named after you. Link can take over gulls’ minds,
There’s still plenty to course, Link retrieves the Master Return later to find he’s got much using them to hoover up rupees
reminisce about, though… Sword. Cue carnage. bigger, and hungrier… and slam into high switches.
KEY ELEMENTS
Wind waking ingredients
Ganondorf
After his puppet form, the true
Ganondorf comes out to play,
and ultimately the last
remnants of Hyrule are swept
away beneath the ocean. He’s
a scary chap, with quite the
temper on him.
Makar
Makar’s a lovely chap. He’s a
leaf-faced Korok, and a
somewhat itinerant musician
who can’t stop getting himself
into trouble. He’s late for a vital
ceremony, so, of course, it’s
Link to the rescue…
Tott
Tott’s a strange one. He dances
non-stop on top of a grave
trying to turn day into night,
Link’s boat, The King Of Red Lions, was Wind Waker’s Epona.
and describes himself as “The
World’s Charismatic Dancer
Extraordinaire”. Amazingly,
it’s a feat he achieves with
your help.
Stained class
wonder
Cel-shaded toon stylings aren’t
Beedle’s about Deadly Medli the only art ingenuities in Wind
Beedle is a big-nosed topless This duck-billed Rito moonlights as Waker – beautifully imagined
salesman. His finest moment comes the Sage of Earth – meaning that she stained glass windows and
when hard graft shopping has finally finds herself under your control in wood carvings also help tell the
earned you a Complimentary ID in the Earth Temple as she flutters story. This is one church we’d
his store. It gets you… a compliment around and twangs her light- go to every Sunday…
from Beedle. deflecting harp.
Mingle!
Pursue young ruffians
The Killer Bees around
town, and demand that
they return to school!
Photograph!
Befriend old men and become a paparazzo with a
Deluxe Picto Box! Take sneaky photos of ignorant
townsfolk, or simply Lenzo’s favourite coastlines!
Shop!
Meet a man who wears an
Eskimo suit on even the
sunniest day! Buy a sail
from him, and possibly
much more besides! Ride!
Take a ride on
the wind-
Bomb! powered ferris
wheel. And,
Buy bombs from Windfall Island’s
very own bomb shop, then explode while you’re up
them at your leisure! What are you there, why not
looking at? That’s totally normal! ignite the
lighthouse? Fun
for all the family!
A Link to
the GBA
The cel-shaded stylings were a clear
innovation, as was the way that
Link’s wide eyes would drift towards
items of note in his surroundings. A
fascinating, if under-used, tool was
the way the game could link up with
a Game Boy Advance. Once rescued
from prison on Windfall Island,
Tingle presents Link with the
Tingle Tuner – which meant
your GBA could give tips on
your progress and give you
extra map information
when you were
delving deep in
dungeons.
Hero’s Clothes… too warm, and Link was hoping for something red.
Wind Waker’s greatest joy is in discover ghost ships, secret caves Tingle was allowed to effectively
sailing. Much like the very first and treasures to be dredged up hold the world to ransom in
time you galloped Epona over from the murky depths. exchange for deciphering some
Hyrule Field, taking Link’s boat This isn’t, however, a perfect maps. (After this incident many
(called The King Of Red Lions) Zelda. Despite a later ability that gamers would never be able to
into the open seas is a revelation. can fast-travel Link away to other trust him again.)
The seagulls soar as high as the areas on a sea-tornado, many The Wind Waker remains,
music as you bounce over waves gamers tired of the sea however, an outright Zelda classic
and (later on) begin to fend off navigation, and the game’s – a worthy forefather of the
vast Octos surrounded by occasional focus on stealth (hello, Phantom Hourglass and Spirit
whirlpools and purple shark-like Forsaken Fortress!) is misjudged Tracks games that would continue
Gyorgs. The game works on a 7x7 and mishandled. Above all, its story on DS. The high seas
grid – meaning that there are 49 however, the game’s rushed bring a spirit of open adventure to
areas to explore and the sense of development led to two major a familiar template and, amid the
discovery and completion as you dungeons being dropped from the delights of dungeons like the
tick off each one is electric. A end game – and it shows. The Tower Of The Gods and Dragon
central gimmick is that you can Triforce was instead put back Roost Cavern, is as pleasant to
change the direction of the wind together in an inelegant and rest your eyes upon on as it is
– filling your sails to take you in deathly-dull fetch-quest, while to actually play. Piracy isn’t all
your favoured direction to green-suited man-child moron bad, it seems.
TWILIGHT
PRINCESS
The biggest Zelda
ever made – and
quite possibly the
best, too…
T
he cynics would have you believe that
Twilight Princess was a step backwards for
Zelda: a return to trusted and traditional
ground after the divisive cartoon style of
Wind Waker. In a sense, that’s true:
Nintendo blamed Wind Waker’s slightly sluggish
sales on the public’s perception of its child-friendly
visuals, and Twilight Princess was a concerted effort
to court the older gamer by rooting the game in a
darker, more ‘realistic’ world. You only have to look
back at the reaction to the first trailer, unveiled at
Nintendo’s 2004 pre-E3 press conference, to see what
a successful move this was: grown men cheered as
Link charged on-screen, fighting Moblins from
horseback and galloping across a detailed Hyrule
Field. This is what the fans wanted, right? The cynics
would have you believe otherwise.
Time has, quite rightly, reconsidered Wind Waker’s
stature, and its astonishing, expressive visuals
5 Legendary
Spinner
Of most use in the Arbiter’s
moments
Grounds, the Spinner allows With the biggest Hyrule to date, Hyrule Field
there’s so much to see and do As ever, venturing out on to Hyrule
Link to move speedily along
in Twilight Princess that it’s Field for the first time is a magical
wall-mounted rails to get to
mind-boggling… moment, with lush fields rolling out
hidden destinations.
before you and Hyrule Castle
visible on the horizon.
distinct and different experience unlike any other. Just when you and a frankly belief-beggaring
to its predecessor. Twilight think you might be on the home amount of items to collect and
Princess, by contrast, left most of stretch, you’ll enter the Twilight use, including many that made
the side quests behind and offered Realm to for a surprise dungeon. their Legend of Zelda debuts in
a truly epic main quest. You’ll When you’ve defeated the villain this game, such as the Double
collect golden insects, hunt down Zant, you’ve then got Hyrule Clawshots for scrambling up
Poes and spend entire days Castle to negotiate before you vertical surfaces.
searching for hidden heart pieces, even get to Ganondorf – and then
sure, but the meat of the game is you’ve got a massive, multi-stage Combat rocks
a frankly enormous adventure. fight to end all fights to get stuck
There’s no time-twisting here or into. Twilight Princess is a game Then there’s the combat,
other clever narrative tricks, just that gives, and gives, and gives which refines and
a (relatively) straight ahead and some more. It’s colossal, and expands the glorious fighting
exhaustive journey into a world awash with wondrous set-pieces found in Wind Waker to
Hey! Listen
“To me Zelda is a game that isn’t really a game. It’s really a
place that you go – a place where you go to touch things
in the world and interact with them and you explore and
you experience this vast world all around you. And that’s
really what it’s about.” – Eiji Aonuma on Twilight Princess
a remarkable degree. Link can world, one just behind your design, colour and lighting. Long
find and learn special moves that television screen. As a simple after the fight has been done,
add several dimensions to the travelogue, Twilight Princess you’ll be revisiting Twilight
basic, robust swordplay, and the outstripped everything its Princess to see the sights of its
elegant, bloody dance that is predecessors had done. From the Hyrule, and marvel constantly at
fighting an Iron Knuckle – the gorgeous tranquillity of Lake the glory of its environs.
armoured giants that prove to be Hylia to the heat-shimmered So, then. Twilight Princess is
Twilight Princess’s toughest bad sands of the Gerudo Mesa, from the biggest and arguably the best
guys – is exciting and tense the serene beauty of Zora’s Zelda yet. Some people may prefer
beyond measure. Domain to the frosted elegance of Skyward Sword, with its more
But perhaps most of all, Snowpeak Mountain, this Hyrule compact and packed gameworld,
Twilight Princess simply nails the has sights and sounds to enthral but it’s definitely less expansive.
one thing that Zelda has always and astound, and behind the So until Breath of the Wild arrives
done best: the sense that you’re classic visual style lies a subtle in our sweaty hands, it’s
exploring an entire fantastic and entirely glorious sense of something we can all savour.
World of Wonder
Join us as we take you on a magical mystery tour through the wonders of Twilight Princess’s Hyrule
Ocarina
of Time Welcome to a living,
breathing Hyrule.
See how one hero’s
journey into a 3D
land redefined the
gaming landscape…
V
ideogame history is and the idea was canned. Yes,
divided into two Mario’s dad can get it wrong.
periods: BO and AO. What emerged in 1998 was the
Before Ocarina and result of every key Nintendo brain
After Ocarina. In 1998 throwing in their two cents. At its
(BO), gaming was a different core there’s a simple yarn about a
place. Super Mario 64 had little boy trying to save the world.
majestically transformed He becomes a big boy in the
Miyamoto’s flat gauntlets into 3D process – thanks to the Master
playpens, but it still spoke with a Sword – but this is hardly
2D tongue: levels, stages, courses. Dickens. No, the game’s real
By Christmas ’98 Ocarina had magic is in the world itself.
taught us new words: living, Hyrule, so squat and dinky viewed
breathing, world. Let Mario enjoy from above, was injected with
his perfectly-oiled fun house. N64’s graphical oomph. Mountain
Link stepped into a universe tops rose and lake beds sank.
where the sun rises and sets. Rolling plains rolled on and on
Where monsters emerge at night and dark caves wormed into the
and people risk coming out during ground. All the imagining we had
the day. Where past decisions to do in 2D, Nintendo now did for
impact on future worlds. Ocarina us, leaving our minds to marvel at
changed everything. the scale of it.
Talking of past decisions,
Ocarina was nearly an altogether Curiouser and curiouser
different game. While Nintendo
put the finishing touches to Miyamoto says Zelda was born in
Mario’s 3D ’tache, a smaller team a childhood spent exploring hills
hammered out Link’s 3D future. and caves in his surrounding
They desired cinematic countryside. Ocarina taps into the Poor old King Zora. windmill. Ocarina has more
First his son gets
swashbuckling, based on same sense of curiosity. See the mysteries than seven seasons of
gobbled by their
traditional samurai movies, or mountain in the distance? Climb ceremonial whale, Lost combined. The difference is,
‘chanbara’. How to achieve this it. See the shiny rupees at the then his aquatic Nintendo is willing to let you find
palace freezes over.
was up for debate: one dev pitched bottom of a watery abyss? Dive to Sucks to be you, your the answers.
a polygonal remake of Zelda II, them. Cracks can be bombed, soil majesty! All this works because of
while Miyamoto suggested a first- patches sown with magic beans Hyrule’s unmatched sense of
person perspective. He imagined and rapids ridden from source to place. Give players the same free
exploring Hyrule in an FPS, watery end. Local characters rein in, say, Croydon, and they
flipping to third-person in the catch your attention with hearsay: wouldn’t be bothered to leave the
event of combat. Thankfully, noises in the graveyard, well- house. Sightseeing in Hyrule is a
Link’s 3D character model was dwelling scientists and game in itself, making your way
considered too good to hide away mysterious organ-players in the from Link’s leafy home to the
moments
sprawling Hyrule Field, 3D gaming subsided, watching the sunrise over Link seven years into the future.
changed forever. It seems small by Lake Hylia set us off again. Day/ Not only does he fast-forward
What, we only get five? Ocarina is modern standards, but back in night cycles were technological through the embarrassment of
40 hours of legendary gaming! Oh 1998 all that virtual grass made witchcraft; the resulting orange puberty, he can now play with
well, here goes… grown men weep. hues truly beautiful. grown-up weapons.
KEY ELEMENTS
Packed with goodness
Ocarina of Time
It ages heroes, summons
storms and turns night into day.
Ironically, it was this innocuous
tooter that allowed Ganondorf
to seize power. Bet Link wishes
he’d kept up the recorder.
Navi
Link’s fairy helper pushed most
gamers to the brink of madness
with her endless shrill requests
to “Listen!” and “Watch out!”
She just about redeems herself
with boss fighting tips.
Hookshot
Dragging Link from point A to
point B, the hookshot is the tool
of choice for the lazier hero. It
also let Nintendo flex its 3D
ferocious magma lakes atop Death there’s an actual game. And what
muscles creating vertiginous
Mountain – a location so hot, Link a game. Zelda’s dungeons are
spires to yank your way up.
can only survive for one minute what 3D was made for – that extra
without a fire-retardant tunic. dimension giving architects
And the time travelling mechanic elbow-room to do elbow-drops on
– hopping Link seven years into our cerebral cortex. Eureka Sheik
the future – means you see follows eureka: realising wooden Harp-plucking stranger stalks
everything twice. Spotting how combat staves can burn, feeding adult Link and teaches him
tiny childhood changes alter the bombs to armoured lizards, songs. That stranger your mum
always warns you not to talk
future is like starring in your own sinking into a whale’s stomach
to? Yeah, this is him/her/it.
version of Back To The Future. lining to reach new organs,
Believe it or not, amid gawping learning to defeat Link’s exact
at forests and weeping at sunrises, mirror image… we could fill this
Bongo Bongo
Named after the giant bongo
drum he rhythmically pummels
intruders on. Link has to wield
the lens of truth to reveal this
shadowy cad.
Poe
Named after the poet, not the
Grand slam Link? LIIIIIIIIINK!!! Teletubby, the ghosts of
Ganon’s phantom doppelgänger Sneaking around Gerudo Fortress’ Hyrule’s deceased rise from the
guards the Forest Temple and must fearsome lady guards is like Metal grave at night. In a sick twist,
be beaten in a game of lightning Gear Solid without the five-hour Link can bottle them up and
tennis. Time Link’s sword swings phone conversations about Godzilla sell them for a tidy profit.
precisely to thwack energy bolts and cherry blossoms. And we think
straight back in his ugly mug. it’s all the better for it.
Link must creep entire Switch special with his foes messier farewells, but blade and a flashing red damage
through the descriptions of Ocarina’s puzzling he’d still be fighting diddy indicator gave every wallop a
Garden of Zelda,
roamed by the majesty. We won’t, though – minotaurs if it weren’t for Link. tangible heft. When time comes
Princess’ stern robbing Zelda newcomers of That’s the problem with coming to spank Ganon, the spank is one
royal guards.
Ocarina’s lightbulb moments fresh to Ocarina in 2017 – so for the ages.
would be a heinous crime. much has been borrowed it seems The magic of Ocarina is in no
surprisingly familiar. single element. Rather it is the
Big, bad bosses Luckily for Link, there’s a feel outcome of the finest gaming
to his fights that remains his minds on the planet putting their
And as a reward for your own. Combat is acrobatic and heads together to decide how an
cleverness, Nintendo allows Link deadly, turning swiftly from adventure should look, sound and
to get his head caved in by some Cirque du Soleil graceful to Conan feel in 3D. In giving gamers their
of the best bosses in the business. the Barbarian stabby. By first taste of a living 3D world, it
Ganondorf may be the big bad, but anchoring combat around a created an appetite that has
the route to his castle is littered revolutionary target lock-on, defined the form to this day. The
with the corpses of bigger, if not fights resemble the one-on-one Legend Of Zelda pursues the
badder, bads. Bongo-thumping duels that fill our cinema screens. revolutionary as a matter of habit.
ghosts, lurid spider queens, Somersaulting around lizard men Ocarina Of Time achieves it on
elemental witches – Ocarina on platforms teetering on a lava every level. We loved the world it
invented the blockbuster field is about as good as combat showed us, and we benefit from
spectacle that defines triple-A gets. The combo of Link’s helium living in a world it shaped.
titles to this day. Kratos may give yelps (“Hai! Har! Hoo!”), an arcing Legendary indeed.
the history of
nintendo
Join Damien McFerran as he digs deep into the
past, present and future of one of the best-known
videogame companies on the planet
T
he games industry has undergone iconic and noteworthy challenger in the interactive
seismic levels of change over the past entertainment arena.
few decades, but since the 1980s one Nintendo may have joined the videogame industry
name has stood out as a constant in around the same time as companies such as Sega,
the ever-shifting sands of interactive Namco, Taito and Atari, but it has a history that far
entertainment: Nintendo. At one outstrips those of these firms – and every other
point, Nintendo was a brand totally major player in the videogame arena. “Nintendo was
synonymous with videogames as a founded in 1889 as manufacturer of playing cards,”
medium, such was the company’s domination of the says Erik Voskuil, founder of Before Mario, a site
console market. devoted to covering Nintendo’s early history.
Since the glory days of the NES we’ve seen the Established by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, the
Nintendo rollercoaster dip and rise; systems like the company would focus almost exclusively on the
SNES, Game Boy and Wii have achieved the kind of production of Hanafuda cards for the first 70-odd
critical and commercial success that their rivals years of its life.
could only dream of, while missteps such as the By the ’50s, Fusajiro’s grandson Hiroshi had
Virtual Boy and the Wii U have proved that, despite ascended to power and became aware that sticking
its legendary status, Nintendo is just as prone to with playing cards was limiting Nintendo’s potential
mistakes as any other corporation. Arguably one of for expansion. He signed licensing deals with Disney
the most influential companies operating in the to maximise the appeal of its range, but by the ’60s
videogame space, Nintendo has sold over 670 million sales had dipped dramatically, forcing a rethink. “In
units of hardware and 4.23 billion units of software an attempt to grow business, Nintendo started
to date, and despite the less-than-stellar branching out in a wide range of other markets –
performance of its most recent home console, is still mostly short-lived endeavours including instant rice,
a creative force to be reckoned with. a taxi company and opening a ‘Love Hotel’ – before
settling on toys and games,” explains Erik.
Firm foundations It was the arrival of Gunpei Yokoi in the ’60s that
took Nintendo in an exciting new direction. “Yokoi
With the company already making waves on provided Nintendo with its first original toys and laid
smartphones with Super Mario Run and, at the time the foundation for what would eventually become
this magazine hits the shelves, just about to launch known as Nintendo’s approach to product design,
its latest innovative console, now is the perfect time practised to this day,” explains Erik. “It was no
to look back on its illustrious history and chart the surprise that his design philosophy was embraced by
highs and lows which have made Nintendo such an Nintendo, as his inventions became million-sellers,
gave the company the smash hit Yamauchi wanted, by Miyamoto has been hugely influential in many Super Mario Bros.
was a huge success
and 1979’s Radar Scope almost proved to be the final ways, including being the first platform game to use
for Nintendo, and
nail in the coffin. The game had performed well in a jumping character – a jumping character who helped sell its NES
Japan but had flopped in North America – the market evolved into one of the most enduring videogame console to the
masses.
Yamauchi was desperate to crack – and Nintendo was icons.” Erik is, of course, referring to Mario, who has
faced with the prospect of disposing of unsold Radar gone on to become one of the most recognisable
Scope cabinets. As resourceful as ever, Yamauchi faces in entertainment.
proposed using the inventory for a new title, and the
relatively inexperienced Miyamoto was tasked with The golden years
creating the concept. 1981’s Donkey Kong was
Nintendo’s last throw of the dice, but thankfully it Donkey Kong was a turning point for Nintendo, and
was a triumph and has gone on to become one of the elevated the company’s status in North America –
most famous videogames of all time. arguably the biggest market of them all for
“Donkey Kong was very important,” states Erik. “It videogames. Home conversions quickly followed on
was a huge arcade hit that established the company the popular consoles of the period, earning Donkey
as a worldwide player in videogames and put Kong and its maker even more fame. Nintendo’s next
Nintendo Of America on the map. The game design venture was with games you could effortlessly slip
0% 0%
7%
Virtual Boy NES
7%
Wii
Wii U GamePad
30%
GameCube
Your
favourite
Nintendo
controller
40% SNES
16% N64
alongside the legend that is Miyamoto. “It was a lot While its competitors switched to cheaper and Shigeru Miyamoto
and Takashi Tezuka
of fun,” he recounts. “We went to lunch with him higher-capacity disc-based media, Nintendo
have been
every day for most of the development of Star Fox, stubbornly stuck with cartridges, claiming that they instrumental to the
primarily because he wanted to learn English, I avoided long load times and prevented piracy. While success of Nintendo.
think. We were quite a novelty for Nintendo at the both of these points were true, carts were expensive
time and probably the first group of ‘gaijin’ to be to produce and couldn’t hold as much data as a disc,
located there for so long.” Argonaut and Nintendo and many publishers turned their backs on the
arguably pushed the SNES to its limits, and today console as a result – notably Squaresoft, which
Dylan has a soft spot for the console. “It was simple, switched development of Final Fantasy VII from the
and fairly easy to do a lot of interesting things on,” he N64 to the PlayStation. To make matters worse,
smiles. “The sound chip was amazing at the time, Nintendo’s focus was weakened by the Virtual Boy,
giving games a richness that was beyond the simple the company’s most noteworthy hardware failure.
sprites and colourful backgrounds.” Released in 1995, it tanked and Gunpei Yokoi
apparently left the company under a cloud of
The decline shame, his legacy seemingly tarnished due to a
single failure. He would be tragically killed in
The success of the SNES was tempered by the fact a traffic accident in 1997.
that Nintendo now had a powerful rival in the form The N64 was host to some of the most
of Sega, which had pushed Nintendo hard in the influential videogames of the time, such as
West. To make things more complicated, other firms Super Mario 64, GoldenEye 007 and The
were entering the arena with their own hardware. Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time (see
3DO, Atari, Philips and Sony all made inroads during p.130), but it failed to replicate the sales
this time, and Sega leveraged its arcade lineage to performance of the NES and SNES. While
produce the 32-bit Saturn, which used CD-ROM for former rival Sega stumbled with the Saturn
game distribution. Sony’s PlayStation – a system and eventually bowed out of the hardware
born out of an earlier agreement with Nintendo, arena with the Dreamcast, Sony was unstoppable,
which was cancelled in dramatic fashion when and its PlayStation became the NES of its era. As
Nintendo decided to ditch Sony at the last minute – the next console war loomed, Nintendo had to deal
also utilised CDs, and was perhaps the most with the presence of yet another challenger in the
worrying rival. Nintendo’s new console, the form of Microsoft, which announced it was entering While the 3D could
Nintendo 64, was announced around the same time the games arena with its own games console, the be gimmicky, the
actual 3DS boasts
but delayed until 1996, by which point both Sony and Xbox. Nintendo’s 2001 offering, the GameCube, was some incredible
Sega had gobbled up many consumers. arguably the one and only time that the company games.
10
11
1
4
8
has bowed to industry trends and tried to produce was apparent from the initial sell-through of Mario
hardware that emulated that of its rivals. Aside from Kart that the company was in uncharted territories.”
using smaller discs and the odd-looking controller, The titles Roger had to promote were indicative of
the GameCube was dancing to the same tune as the the new direction Nintendo was moving in. “Like
PlayStation 2 and Xbox, but with three systems on many others, I have grown up on Nintendo products
the market, something had to give. The GameCube and I was extremely excited to be involved with the
came in third after its rivals, despite offering company,” he says. “I did not, however, get to work
amazing games like Super Mario Sunshine and The on titles such as Zelda and Mario straight away.
Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (p.118). Instead my time was focussed on many of the Touch
Generations titles, such as Brain Training, More
Resurrection Brain Training and Cooking Guide – not what I had
originally envisaged! But, to me, it was incredibly
Although Game Boy remained dominant throughout exciting, as we were marketing Nintendo product to
the ’90s and early noughties, casting aside rivals families and to older demographics, some of which
such as the Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx, Neo-Geo may of never even thought to play a game before. We
Pocket, and Bandai WonderSwan, Nintendo was had a product in the Wii that was accessible to the
finding it hard to remain relevant in the home arena. whole family and the DS had such a wide variety of
However, its next home console would flip the titles we could appeal to the 55+ demographic as
industry on its head and ultimately emerge successfully as we could kids. We were very lucky to
victorious in the next console war. The Wii – joined have such incredible products covering such a wide
by Nintendo’s already-successful handheld, the range of audiences at the time.”
innovative dual-screen DS – established a new For Thomas, the company’s ethos of marrying
period of mobile gaming success for the firm. software with hardware came to the fore at this
“I joined Nintendo UK the week that Mario Kart time. “The funny thing is that this approach didn’t
Wii was released,” says former Nintendo UK brand seem prominent in the NES and SNES era, but
manager Roger Langford. “At this point both Wii and arguably became more relevant with the N64, with
DS platforms had already begun to take off and it iconic games like Super Mario 64 utilising the
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