New Releases
The year might only have just gotten started, but the video game industry is back in full swing, meaning there’s a bunch of titles vying for your attention in February.
First up on Thursday February 2, Abzû, a popular PS4 indie gem, scores its own retail release. A day later on Friday February 3, 3DS players receive some love in the form of Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World, which itself is a port of the adorable Wii U original.
Moving on, the month’s big-ticket release is For Honor – Ubisoft’s latest new IP that unites Vikings, samurai and knights in order to beat the hell out of one another. It smashes its way onto PS4, XBO and PC from Tuesday February 14. Also out is Sniper Elite 4 (XBO, PS4), the brutally graphic shooter series that has turned itself into a surprise hit. This time the action takes place in Italy in 1943.
Meanwhile, anime fans can get their fix come Friday February 17 when Dragon Ball Fusion drops on 3DS. This time it’s an action-RPG that allows the creation of your own avatars.
Wrapping things up on Tuesday February 21 is a strong double bill. For the kiddies there’s Lego Worlds on PS4 and XBO, which combines Minecraft’s core concept with the world’s most popular building material. Then for Xbox One gamers there’s Halo Wars 2 – the sequel to the 2009 cult classic. This upgrade comes with new leaders, abilities and a whole bunch of new missions.
NEWS:
Microsoft Store Celebrates Australia Day
If you thought the Xbox Onesie was a stroke of marketing genius, Microsoft Store Sydney has taken it one step further by designing an inflatable Xbox One controller [pictured above] for Australia Day. According to the company’s official description, “Replicating the enhanced comfort and feel found on the hardware that inspires it, the new and exclusive flotation device comes complete with two thumbsticks (for added grip) and two drinks holders, to keep swimmers hydrated throughout this scorching summer.” Check out Microsoft Store’s Facebook page if you want to try to nab one.
Nintendo Switch: The Details
There’s been a lot of speculation since Nintendo initially unveiled its latest console, the Nintendo Switch, but a recent Japanese event has provided the nitty-gritty details. Most importantly, the console will be launching on our shores for an RRP of $469.95 on Friday March 3 in two colour schemes. The first is a classic grey, while the second takes a neon approach with one half of the controller bright blue and the other half bright red.
Should you still be confused about the actual functionality of the Switch, the console can be played three ways. There’s the classic tablet mode with controllers attached; the TV mode initialised by placing the system within its main dock; or a table mode that makes the most of an in-built kickstand for multiplayer affairs.
When in portable form, the Switch’s tablet-esque screen is joined by two small gamepads now known as Joy-Con controllers. These can be used either in unison or separated entirely to pass along to friends, depending on your game – allowing for supreme flexibility.
Outside of price, the system’s biggest drawback is software, with only four confirmed launch titles so far – only two of which are brand new. The current list extends to The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, 1-2 Switch, Skylanders Imaginators and Just Dance 2017. A real lack of meaty day one titles for the hardcore market is worrisome, especially for non-Zelda fans, but if history has taught us anything, Nintendo is nothing but a wildcard.
Review:
Super Mario Run (iOS)
When Apple first made waves with its App Store, many speculated whether Nintendo, king of the portable, would ever enter the mobile space. For many years there was nothing, until last year when Pokémon Go took the world by storm. Now we have Super Mario Run, the famous moustached plumber’s first foray onto iOS. But is it everything Nintendo fans had been hoping for, or a bitter disappointment? Honestly, a bit of column A and a bit of column B.
The bulk of the game is spent in the World Tour mode, consisting of 24 levels, each taking a few minutes to complete depending on your skill level, and all of which only requiring one hand to control. Mario runs automatically, meaning you simply need to tap the screen to leap between platforms, activate special tiles and jump on enemies.
In typical Nintendo fashion, each stage gradually increases in creativity to show off some incredible level design considering the limitations of the platform and control method, but for hardcore fans of the Mario series it’s sorely lacking an inherent complexity. It’s also incredibly short. Revisiting levels to collect purple, pink and green coins adds some welcome depth, but still feels like obvious padding.
Outside of the main campaign, Kingdom Builder and Toad Rally try to keep you entertained past your heroic antics. Kingdom Builder lets you purchase buildings and decorations with coins to arrange your own Mushroom Kingdom, while Toad Rally sees you playing levels on a timer in order to best your friends. They’re fun diversions, but sadly leave you wanting a little more.
Ultimately, Super Mario Run is an incredibly fun, well-crafted experiment that is perhaps priced a little too steep for most. One thing’s for sure, though – we’re definitely interested to see what’s next.
★★★☆
