Category: Video Games

3 New Game Boy Advance Games Previously Only Available in Japan Drop Onto Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has added three new Game Boy Advance games previously only available in Japan to the Nintendo Switch.

Tose Software’s Starfy Game Boy Advance trilogy is now part of the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online library, and available for all Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members to play starting today.

The set includes 2002’s Densetsu no Starfy, 2003’s Densetsu no Starfy 2, and 2004’s Densetsu no Starfy 3, all colorful platformers starring star-shaped hero Starfy. Densetsu is the Japanese word for legend, and Starfy is, as Nintendo describes him, the “Prince of Pufftop Kingdom, golden-hearted (and slightly clumsy) hero and frequent aquatic explorer.”

Nintendo provided an official description for each game:

Densetsu no Starfy: No sleep ’til Pufftop! A sudden storm has caused Starfy, prince of the floating sky kingdom Pufftop, to plummet from his lofty home into the sea below. Luckily, he is rescued by an old lobster named Lobber who sets the adorable hero on a grand journey back to Pufftop. The way home is full of dangers, though, and Starfy will need to employ a variety of abilities – including Star Spin and Glide – and vehicles like the mighty Mole Tank, to overcome the challenges that await. The legend begins here!

Densetsu no Starfy 2: Help Starfy save his mother and bring peace back to Pufftop Kingdom in this action-packed sequel! Ogura – the villain of the first game – is back to seek vengeance against Starfy, and this time he has Mama Star in his sights. The revenge-driven ruffian ransacks Pufftop and steals away Starfy’s mother in the ensuing kerfuffle, leaving Starfy no choice but to dive head-first into his next adventure. With his best friend Moe in tow and challenges aplenty to face, Starfy has his work cut out for him.

Densetsu no Starfy 3: Starfy’s sister Starly joins him and Moe for their third adventure on Game Boy Advance! Discover the truth behind the mysterious villain that’s been pulling Ogura’s strings all this time and put a stop to their nefarious plans once and for all. Spin and float with the starry siblings and save the day across action-filled stages with the help of familiar friends, including … Wario?! You read that right: Wario crosses paths with Starfy and Starly to help them through the Undersea Ruins in Stage 8 (while hunting for treasure, of course), so be sure to check it out. Go, Starfy and Starly, go!

The arrival of the Starfly trilogy on Nintendo Switch Online follows the June addition of Game Boy classics A Link to the Past – Four Swords and Metroid: Zero Mission, the March addition of F-Zero Maximum Velocity, and the January addition of two of the Game Boy Advance’s best RPGs: Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age. Other Game Boy Advance games on the service include Mario Kart: Super Circuit, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and Metroid Fusion.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is getting a canonical prequel graphic novel starring everyone’s favourite jawless monologuing vampire

Kain is merchandised. The clans sell tales of him. Few know the truth. He was a character in a dead franchise once, as we were we all. However, his contempt for anonymity drove him to inspire the creation of an upcoming (crowdfunding allowing) graphic novel. The book stars Raziel, the first-born of his lieutenants, and It’s a canonical prequel story to the original Soul Reaver. I have waited a millennium. Over time, I became less human and more…games blogger. I have had the chance to write about Legacy Of Kain precisely once. You’re goddamn right I’m going to froth at the mouth at even the vague promise of more Shakespearean monologues and time-travelling vampires.

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Switch Online Exclusive F-Zero 99 Updated To Version 1.4.1, Here Are The Full Patch Notes

Following last week’s major update.

Nintendo dropped a sizable update for the Switch Online racer F-Zero 99 last week and this week it’s now rolled out a patch resolving some issues.

According to the official support page, Version 1.4.1 fixes an issue with Lucky Ranks and comes with fixes for some “other” problems. Here are the patch notes in full:

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Nintendo Expands Switch Online’s GBA Library With Three More Titles

“Starfy dives onto the Nintendo Switch”.

Breaking: Nintendo has added three more classic games to the Switch Online Game Boy Advance library. They include Densetsu no Starfy 1,2 and 3. Enjoy!

Densetsu no Starfy – No sleep ’til Pufftop! A sudden storm has caused Starfy, prince of the floating sky kingdom Pufftop, to plummet from his lofty home into the sea below. Luckily, he is rescued by an old lobster named Lobber who sets the adorable hero on a grand journey back to Pufftop. The way home is full of dangers, though, and Starfy will need to employ a variety of abilities – including Star Spin and Glide – and vehicles like the mighty Mole Tank, to overcome the challenges that await. The legend begins here!

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

The Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition Is Up for Preorder at Best Buy

Apparently it’s not too late for Nintendo to be releasing new editions of their Switch Lite console. Right now Best Buy is offering preorders of the Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition handheld console for $209.99. That’s $10 more than the base price of the stock Switch Lite, but that’s more than justified by the fact that this edition includes a 12 month Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The membership alone costs $49 and for most people, Switch Online is well worth the price of admission. Currently only Best Buy has it in stock, unless for whatever reason you prefer to purchase it from an overseas vendor.

Preorder the Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition Console

The Switch Lite Hyrule Edition was announced during the June 18 Nintendo Direct alongside the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. We originally saw it available overseas in the UK, but this is the first time we’ve seen a vendor here in the United States offer one up for preorder. This particular edition is adorned in a gold colorway very similar to the Switch OLED Hyrule Edition. It is a gorgeous metallic finish that looks even better than in the photos. Aside from the tiny Triforce logo, the front of the case is free from any busy embellishments. The rear sports a single large embossed Hyrule Crest. It’s all tastefully done and the best looking Switch Lite so far.

Differences between the Switch Lite, Switch and Switch OLED

The Switch Lite’s major draw is that it’s $100 less expensive than the Switch and $150 less than the Switch OLED. It’s compatible with most Nintendo Switch games and it runs off the same hardware, so performance is identical. The three main tradeoffs of the Switch Lite is that (1) the controllers are not detachable, (2) the console can’t be docked and played on a TV and (3) the display is smaller (5.5″ vs 6.2″ on Switch and 7″ on Switch OLED). If you were intending to use the Switch solely as a handheld console, you might be better off just getting the Switch Lite. Even though the controls aren’t detachable, the Switch Lite does support wireless Bluetooth, so you can always purchase another pair of Joy-Cons, a Switch Pro controller, or a compatible third party wireless Switch controller, and you can still play untethered.

12 months of Switch Online membership Are Included

The bundle includes a 12 month Switch Online membership. You will absolutely need this if you plan on accessing the online portions of your favorite games. That includes being able to play online against other opponents in Super Smash Bros Ultimate or Splatoon 3, downloading other people’s creations in Minecraft or Mario Maker 2, or visiting someone else’s island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Other perks include access to the NES, SNES and Game Boy emulator libraries, which include classic games like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO and Donkey Kong Country. You’ll even be able to play these games offline for up to seven days after you last logged into your Nintendo Switch Online account. Members also get access to exclusive deals and offers at the eShop, cloud saving, and access to the NSO mobile app.

You also get the Switch Online Expansion Pack

Here’s a rundown of what’s included with the bonus expansion pack:

  • Classic Nintendo 64 games
  • Classic Game Boy Advance games
  • Classic SEGA Genesis games
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course pass
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise access
  • Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion access

Looking for more Switch Lite deals? This Switch Lite bundle includes Animal Crossing: New Horizons for only $159. You better hurry, because it expires tonight.

Switch Is Now Nintendo’s Longest-Serving Flagship Home Console

The Famicom’s crown has been taken.

The Switch is now Nintendo’s longest-serving home console – with some caveats to consider.

This revelation comes thanks to peerless research from our friends over at VGC, who have determined that the Switch has surpassed the Famicom in terms of time on the market before the arrival of a successor.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Deathbound Launching this Summer on Xbox

Brace yourself for a bloody crusade. Deathbound launches worldwide on August 8th on Xbox Series X|S! Wishlist Deathbound today and craft unbreakable synergy within the brutal world of Zieminal.

Deathbound is all about the party system, massive combo attacks, and a great story, all set in a unique techno-fantasy environment that blends sci-fi and medieval elements to create a dark and immersive atmosphere.

Join us as we explore Deathbound‘s key features that will convince you to take up the fight in the Forbidden City.

Deahtbound screenshot

The Essence

Acquire the skills, memories, and identities of fallen warriors from across Akratya. Merge their unique personalities and combat styles, switching between them effortlessly.

Party System

The essences you absorb shape your party. Deathbound boasts a comprehensive party system, enabling you to develop a playstyle through talent trees. Seamlessly switch between fallen warriors to utilize their skills and abilities. The alliances they held in life will influence their synergy in death.

Dynamic Morphing

Unleash the combined might of fallen warriors with devastating Morphstrikes. Employ various attack styles to execute powerful combos and finishing moves, crushing all who stand in your way.

Brutal World

Zieminal is a world where a technological past intertwines with a medieval present, housing diverse cultures. The Forbidden City of Akratya awaits your exploration. Navigate a city crumbling under the weight of a grand crusade. With its stark brutalist architecture and fusion of technology, Akratya teeters on the brink of oblivion

Deahtbound screenshot

Unforgiving Monsters and Bosses

Confront ruthless enemies designed to test your limits. Each boss in Deathbound embodies one of the five stages of grief, demanding the full attention of any soul brave enough to face them.

You should be ready now to enter the gates of the Forbidden City of Akratya and face the abominations lurking in its streets. Join the bloody crusade on Xbox on August 8th!


Deathbound
Xbox Live

Deathbound

Tate Multimedia Sp. z o.o.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★

Get it now

Deathbound is a one-of-a-kind party-based soulslike set in a callous world where Faith and Science clash. The forbidden city of Akratya is an unforgiving land that cannot be conquered alone. Bind with fallen warriors found throughout your crusade and dynamically transform between characters seamlessly in mid-combat with the unique 4-hero party system.

The fallen are individual characters with their own unique skill sets, combat styles, and rich history. By absorbing their essence, you inherit the fiber of their very being. Conflicts and synergies between characters greatly impact gameplay, so relationships must be balanced. Strong synergies may offer combat buffs that can spell disaster for the ruthless boss awaiting your steel and magic.

Throughout combat, you will charge a sync meter shared across all characters. During an opportune moment, dispel your sync meter and unleash a devastating Morphstrike using the combined power of the bound fallen warriors. When faced with a formidable abomination, a precisely executed Morphstrike can be the deciding factor between life and death.

The world of Deathbound has been lovingly crafted and influenced by the developer’s homeland of Brazil, a vibrant culture brimming with life, creativity, rhythm, and a rich history. From the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira to the sweeping music cascading through Akratya, Trialforge’s origins shine throughout every aspect of Deathbound.

The post Deathbound Launching this Summer on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

This Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and Super Mario Party Bundle Expires Before Prime Day

Official Nintendo Switch Joy Cons aren’t discounted very often, but Walmart is bucking that trend. Walmart is offering the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons Bundled with Super Mario Party for only $69. This bundle usually retails for $99, and the cost goes up even more if you were to purchase each item separately. This is part of Walmart’s larger sale that competes with Prime Day. This deal is supposed to expire tonight.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons + Super Mario Party for $69

This bundle includes a pair of Nintendo Joy-Con controllers and the Super Mario Party game. The Nintendo Joy-Con controllers are functionally identical to the ones that came with your Switch console. A nice bonus is that the Joy-Cons are decked out in a colorway that’s exclusive to this bundle; there isn’t any other easy way to secure a pair of Mario Red and Mario Blue controllers.

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Switch console should be familiar with the Joy-Con controllers. The Joy-Cons are unlike any other controller on the market. There are three ways to use them; connected to the Switch console, separated with each Joy-Con as its own controller, and combined into a gamepad with the Joy-Con grip that came with your console. They have a lot of fun features like a built-in accelerometer, gyro sensor, independent motion controls,. HD rumble, and NFC touchpoint for amiibo compatibility. Most 3rd party controllers don’t support amiibos at all.

The included Super Mario Party game is the definitive party choice for the Nintendo Switch, with up to 80 mini games that take full advantage of the quirky tech of the Switch controllers to keep things feeling fresh. The game supports up to four players, and in most cases a single Joy-Con controller is needed for each player. That means, alongside your original Joy-Con controllers, this bundle is all you need to max out the player count in Super Mario Party.

Other Nintendo Switch related sales and news that might interest you:

Planet Coaster 2 Announced: New Trailer Reveals Water Park Attractions and Fall 2024 Launch Window

Frontier Developments has announced Planet Coaster 2, a sequel to its 2016 theme park-building simulator, with a release window of autumn 2024 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S.

Frontier announced the news with a reveal trailer highlighting pre-alpha engine footage of some of the new water park attractions. The video shows off a pool area for attendees to float around in as well as a steep, stomach-churning waterslide, but the team also promises other features, including lazy rivers, wave pools, water coasters, changing rooms, sunbeds, lifeguards, and more.

“Building upon its highly successful predecessor, Planet Coaster 2 gives players the ability to push the boundaries of creativity like never before,” Frontier explains. “Be inspired by spectacular real-world parks and create vibrant guest plazas with enhanced building and pathing tools. Intuitive piece-by-piece building tools and mesmerising new themes make it simple for players to elevate their park building to the next level.”

Planet Coaster 2 aims to enhance the experience players remember from the series’ last outing, so while new watery tools will freshen up the theme-park management gameplay, some fan-favorite rides will return, too. Other new tools include animatronics, smoke, water jets, and unique sounds to ensure guests stay happy.

Frontier also promises three game modes to enjoy: Career mode, Franchise mode, and Sandbox mode. Career sees players completing specific scenarios, while franchise challenges players to build out a worldwide park network. Sandbox, meanwhile, lets thrill-seekers design parks to their heart’s content.

Finally, Frontier says playing with friends will be “easier than ever” in Planet Coaster 2. That’s thanks to the ability to visit friends’ parks and compete in Franchise mode leaderboards. Even Sandbox mode includes the option to jump into shared levels, allowing for cooperative building across platforms.

Frontier plans to reveal further details in Frontier Unlocked livestreams, which are set to premiere on the last Wednesday of every month. We enjoyed Planet Coaster upon its launch in 2016, giving it an 8.5/10 in our review. At the time, we said, “Planet Coaster is a wild ride of delightfully customizable roller coaster theme parks and light economics.”

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

Anger Foot review: Two kicks forward, one kick back

You ever do that thing on a fairground ride or rollercoaster where you sort of pull your neck and face back in preparation for extreme motion? Welcome to kick-exalting FPS Anger Foot. Violence is brutal and cartoonish. Slight mistakes kill you instantly. The soundtrack slaps. There’s an easy Devolver labelmate orientation point here, but if Hotline Miami was a cocktail of chemical euphoria and gut guilt, like realising you’ve accidentally pocketed someone’s lighter at a festival, Anger Foot is doing whippits out of balloon animals then having a great time rhythmically headbutting a portaloo for a few hours. Similarly, it’s also a bit of a masochistic ordeal to put yourself through. But, man. What a buzz.

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