Dig into the Switch 2 launch line-up including Mario Kart World, plus learn all about Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a long 11 years since the release of Mario Kart 8, but despite that fact the Switch re-release still managed to become an absolute sales juggernaut. It makes sense then that Nintendo wants to kick off its newest generation with its shiny new entry in the franchise and while it might not be the radical revolution many fans hoped for, Mario Kart World has more than enough fuel in its tank to become a juggernaut of its own.
Revving up Mario Kart World for the first time the first thing you’ll notice is just how good the game looks. I know it sounds like a no-brainer compliment, but it’s still so nice to see Mario and friends in wonderful high definition and HDR (positively popping on the new screen) and whether you’re playing handheld or docked the entire experience is rock solid.
That wasn’t always a guarantee, either. With races now allowing 24 competitors on the track, Mario Kart World often feels like complete chaos, and even though the rubber banding feels even more extreme here (especially with online bouts), it’s an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else. Nintendo continues to nail that special feeling that has led to the millions of Mario Kart fans that exist today.
Helping solidify that is the absolute huge roster of players. Cow might have stolen most of the limelight, but the rest of the crew is well accounted for and should provide a little something for everybody, minus key omissions like good old Diddy Kong. It’s also fun to see Game Chat in full force here, especially if you make use of the camera functionality which will see your face placed atop of your racer during multiplayer events. It’s ridiculous in all the best ways.
The other big talking point is Mario Kart World’s open world, and while it may not provide the truly open playground of something like Forza, it does feel like Nintendo taking that tentative first step. The only problem is that there’s arguably not enough to actually do in it. If you could speed around with a pal by your side, that would have allowed for some mischievous shenanigans, but by limiting it to a single soul puts more of a shelf life on how much fun you’re prepared to have in the playground, especially once you complete all those P-Switch challenges.
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Still, Mario Kart World is undeniably the easiest launch title recommendation. It’s fun, frantic and filled with that signature Nintendo charm. Even if you put it down now, there’s no doubt it’ll be in constant rotation on your Switch 2 for years to come.
Mario Kart World is out now for Switch 2.
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (Switch 2)
While Mario Kart World may well become the Switch 2’s best-selling game of all time, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is without question its most impressive effort so far. While the game obviously can’t match the visual fidelity of modern systems like the PS5, the Switch 2 delivers an absolute powerhouse performance for the portable unit. It just works, and that feels like a real feat.
Walking around Night City is an absolute dream, with a heathy amount of visual details like reflections, shadows and more shining through, just slightly not as sharp. Plus, outside of a bit of slowdown as you visit Dogtown (a landscape from the later-released Phantom Liberty DLC), the game runs a treat as well – consistently nailing up to 40fps depending on the mode you choose.
There’s also a pretty ridiculous amount of ways to actually play Ultimate Edition. You’ve got the typical dual joystick approach, the option to use gyro to improve your shots and a completely radical gesture-based approach that’ll see you making all sorts of dramatic slashes and waves to reload weapons, perform hand-to-hand combat and
What I was most impressed with however was mouse mode, which gave me the best feeling of precision. Having to press some of the other Joy-Con buttons from a different angle is a bit awkward and takes some getting used to, but there’s no other mode that had me feeling as confident in firefights.
Needless to say, this is an excellent port well worth visiting Night City, whether you’ve been there before or not.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (Switch 2)
There’s been a lot of conversation around the release strategy of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, but no matter where you land on that particular topic, it’s hard to argue this isn’t Nintendo in classic quirky form. It all starts with the setup which sees you literally walking around the Nintendo Switch 2 system like an interactive exhibit. As you explore you’ll find booths that offer education around many of the system’s design choices, mini games and even quizzes just to make sure you’re paying attention to the material offered.
Because of this Welcome Tour often feels like a world of extremes. At some moments it feels immensely dull, as you skip through obvious dialogue that doesn’t need an elaborate explanation. But then during others you’ll suddenly lose 20 minutes repeating a mini game as you’re sucked into nailing the perfect score.
But considering how much of the game feels like an interactive manual, it’s certainly difficult to understand the $15 asking price. If this were an included pack-in for the console it would have been a smash hit, but at this price point makes recommending Welcome Tour more tailored for hardcore Switch 2 fans looking for something original to play.
Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition (Switch 2)
Combining all the content of Hitman 1, Hitman 2 and Hitman 3 plus its additional content, Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition is a hell of a lot of game. It makes this collection an incredible value proposition if you have yet to get well acquainted with Agent 47, or have been friends for quite some time.
That means the core of the Hitman trilogy remains intact here, meaning there’s a truly ridiculous amount of creativity and flexibility on offer here as you decide between going big and bold or blending into the crowd. It’s all backed up by some wonderful level design, especially the murder mystery antics of Hitman 3’s Thornbridge Manor, which continues to have me excited to see how some of this might translate to Io’s upcoming 007 title, First Light.
The only issue with Signature Edition is that it just doesn’t perform exceptionally well, and isn’t on the same level as many of the Switch 2’s other launch titles. Both in handheld and in docked mode, world of Signature Edition’s framerate is disappointingly inconsistent. There’s nothing to say that this can’t be patched in the future but it does make this entry a little harder to recommend.
Hogwarts Legacy (Switch 2)
While Cyberpunk might get the award for most impressive Switch 2 title, a Hogwarts Legacy surely has to secure the win for biggest glow up. After a pretty rough launch for the base Switch unit, the extra grunt that the Switch 2 allows makes a huge difference. The frame rate is stable, environments aren’t popping in multiple seconds later and it overall is a more pleasant gaming experience.
If you’re a devout Harry Potter fan, you’ll likely want to marvel at the magic Hogwarts Legacy provides, but if you want to be able to run around the castle and engage in its antics as often as you please then this port is an incredibly viable option.
Aside from performance the core game remains largely intact, meaning the story has its hit and miss moments, while actual character-to-character interactions feel a little wooden. That said, like I said in my original review, whether you’re brewing concoctions in potions class or exploring the streets of Hogsmeade you can tell that a tremendous amount of love and care has been put into this adventure.
Hogwarts Legacy feels like a love letter to the fans and this is an impressively viable way to play it while out and about.
Puyo Puo Tetris 2S (Switch 2)
If you’re looking for a game to scratch your Switch 2 puzzle itch, look no further than Puyo Puo Tetris 2S.
A slight tweak on the original 2020 release, this new port understandably keeps the natural melding of Puyo Puyo and Tetris largely intact along with most of its content. Arguably the biggest change here is the introduction of the multiplayer mode Puyo Tetris Doubles which is frantic multiplayer fun, but will likely keep the solo players largely unphased.
A better resolution, improved performance and introduction of mouse controls help round out the Switch 2 offering but it does raise the question whether it’s worth shelling out for if you already have the original Switch release.
But for those who don’t, well then Puyo Puo Tetris 2S is a hell of good time.
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut (Switch 2)
If you’re looking to jump into the frankly overwhelming world of Yakuza then Yakuza 0 might just be the best place to start. Luckily this Switch 2 port is pretty darn respectable, with stellar performance that manages a solid 4K 60fps in docked mode and 1080p handheld with a rock-steady frame rate as well.
That’s good news because the origin story of series favourites Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima is also an absolute treat, even if it often feels like an absolute whirlwind of chaos. Yes, it’s largely a gritty gangster tale filled with enjoyably ridiculous combat, but you can also pause to hit up the local arcade or go fishing. Such is the wonder of a Yakuza game and this Director’s Cut packages the whole experience up in such a strong manner.
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut also throws in additional cutscenes to expand the existing story as well as a multiplayer mode that’ll add a bit of longevity for any returning players, making this an easy Switch 2 recommendation.
Also out now…
Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY
If you thought Magic the Gathering’s collaborations were popular before, Final Fantasy is boudn to reach all new heights as it draws in both returning players and legions of new fans. And for good reason, because this meeting doesn’t just make a lot of sense, it’s also evident the whole thing has been done with a lot of love and care.
Just look at the new Starter Deck which very smarly captitlises on the renewed love of Final Fantasy VII and places both Cloud and Sephiroth at the centre of the action, with two pre-built decks that’ll have new players up and running in no time, while still able to appreciate the exceptional art that makes use of characters, events, items, moments not just from Final Fantsy VII but the series’ incredibly rich lineage.
Commander dekcs meanwhile are slhgtly ore focused, with sets based around FF6, FF7, FF10 and FF14, each one trying to match with its intended leader. I spent most time with the FFIV deck led by Terra and had plenty of fun causing some shenanigans as I worked to bring cards back from the graveyard with buffs to give opponents consistent heaches. Cloud’s set meanwhile is naturally all baou equipment, allowing you to add extra bits and pieces to him at no additional cost.
It once again shows Magic: The Gathering’s willingness to embrace its source material and is only further highlighted with Saga creatures. Mimicking the all-important Final Fantasy summons, Sagas can be brought into play then progressed with lore counters (adding in new abilities) until it is eventually scarified at the end of its final step.
While I’m more of a fan of the newer entries in the series, I was never disappointed at whatever card I unpacked and was impressed with the sheer variety in visual approach here that often strays away from the classic Magic look. This new skin also allows Final Fantasy fans to quickly understand the language of the game while simultaneously providing a bounty of riches for the collectors out there.
Needless to say Magic the Gathering knocked it out of the park here, making this Final Fantasy collaboration one of the best yet.
Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY is out now. You can pick up a starter kit for $34.95 from The Gamesmen.
