My Thoughts on the First Splatoon 2 Splatfest (Congratulations Team Mayo!)

This past weekend, the Squid Research team hit fans with the first official Splatfest of Splatoon 2. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Splatfests are 24 hour events where all players choose to join one team or another, in this case team mayonnaise or team ketchup. Once a team is selected, traditional 4-on-4 turf wars ensue in order to decide which team wins. The winning team receives a larger reward at the end of the Splatfest than the losing team. These events became tradition during the life of the original Splatoon, and are now promised to continue for approximately 2 years on Splatoon 2. The battle of mayonnaise versus ketchup kicked off the festivities in what was an overall incredible Splatfest. The event was just as good, perhaps even better, than the one’s experienced in Splatoon 1. However, despite an unquestionably great time, the Splatfest didn’t go on without any problems.

What Will be in Nintendo's Next Direct?

It has now been nearly a month since Nintendo gave fans a Direct presentation. With the Big N setting up the 2017 trend of one Direct type presentation a month, it has to be believed that an announcement is coming very soon. However, with a Direct being imminent, it has to be wondered what will be included in Nintendo’s next digital presentation. Given the time of year, Nintendo’s upcoming schedule of games, and the holiday season being just around the corner, we can make a few educated guesses as to what may be discussed during the next event. Not only can we have guesses as to what WILL be in the Direct, but we can also gather a pretty good idea of what the next Direct will NOT focus on.

Team Death Match coming to Splatoon 2? New Content we want in Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 has launched to both critical acclaim and commercial success. Despite this success, though, many fans and critics have complained that the game offers too little content, especially when considering that it is a sequel with only 1 real game mode added from its predecessor. While this is a subjective claim that I mostly disagree with, one thing that everyone can agree on is that we look forward to seeing new content added to Splatoon 2 over the next year. With the promise from Nintendo of free updates and DLC coming to their hit shooter for a year, there is a lot of speculation of what this new content might contain. Will it be more maps, modes, weapons or clothes? Well, I have some theories as to what Nintendo might have in store for us.

Nintendo's July in Review (Splatoon 2, New 2DS XL, & Switch Online App)

Going into July of 2017, Nintendo had a ton of momentum that they could capitalize on. With releases earlier this year that included a revolutionary new console, the likely undisputed game of the year in Breath of the Wild, a new IP in ARMS, and an incredible selling Mario Kart 8 port, Nintendo had been knocking it out of the park. July continued this momentous path for the Big N, as the month saw a major first party Switch game in Splatoon 2, a pair of first party 3DS games, the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online App, and even a new hardware release. A ton of great Indie titles also made it onto the Switch in July, However, major third party support made very little appearances. Let’s look in depth at the highs and lows of Nintendo’s July.

Ten Games that Must be on the Nintendo 64 Classic Edition (N64 Mini)

At this point, it is all but confirmed that Nintendo will be launching the Nintendo 64 Classic Edition sometime in 2018. Following 2 consecutive years of releasing classic editions of their first two home consoles, Nintendo seems poised to do it once again. Pair the fact that this move would be a no brainer with a suspicious and sudden renewal of the patent on the Nintendo 64 controller, and it seems that fans will be fighting over another mini console next fall. Due to the facts that the console is not confirmed and the SNES Classic hasn’t even been released yet, it is far too early to be discussing the N64 Classic. However, this hasn’t stopped many other fans from doing so, and it certainly won’t stop me. Let’s jump into a list of ten must have games on the Nintendo 64 Classic Edition!

Nintendo Switch Online App Review (Switch Voice Chat Review)

Along with their hit shooter, Splatoon 2, Nintendo also launched their highly anticipated Nintendo Switch Online App. Since its announcement earlier in 2017, excitement, speculation, and apprehensions had been surrounding the Switch Online App. Well, on July 21^st, critics and fans finally got their hands on the app, and all of our fears about it became reality. The app just has so many problems pertaining to how it handles in-game voice chat. However, it has to be noted that it isn’t all bad. With the Switch Online App also came SplatNet 2, which has been better than any of us could have imagined. Let’s jump into the details of what makes this app both terrible and great all at the same time.

My Thoughts on Splatoon 2: Final Review (Splatoon 2 Review)

In 2015, Nintendo released a brand new IP in the form of Splatoon. This new third-person shooter from the house that Mario built shocked nearly everyone upon release, as almost no one expected it to be as good as it was. Throughout the first year or so of the game’ life, Nintendo continued to support their new IP with free DLC that gave the already awesome game some much needed more depth. The sequel to this hit shooter recently released, but this time, it wasn’t taking anyone by surprise. The hype for Splatoon 2 was through the roof during the time leading up to its launch. Despite the massive hype, Nintendo did not disappoint and once again delivered on an epic Switch game. Splatoon 2 brings over all of the depth added to its predecessor, while adding its own new touches that makes it stand on its own as a full-fledged sequel rather than just another port.

My Thoughts on Hero/Story Mode (Splatoon 2 Review)

Diving into Splatoon 2’s Octo Canyon is a very familiar experience. The basic level design and hub world layouts are nearly identical to that of Splatoon 1’s. Even the story feels somewhat familiar, revolving around the Octarians abducting the zap fish that power Inkopolis. However, despite the similarities to its predecessor, Splatoon 2’s story mode somehow feels like a fresh experience. This is accomplished by means of improvements to almost every aspect of both gameplay and storytelling.

My Thoughts on Ranked Battles (Splatoon 2 Review)

Every good multiplayer focused game offers both casual matches and some type of ranked match in order to cater to both casual players and hardcore fans. Thankfully, Splatoon 2 does indeed offer both. Nintendo’s sequel to their hit third-person shooter includes 3 very different game modes within their overall ranked mode. These 3 modes are the same 3 that were also found in the original Splatoon: tower control, splat zones, and rainmaker. Each game mode offers its own unique challenges and gameplay opportunities. Unique gameplay opportunities also occur through randomized map/mode combinations. The current playable game mode and a pair of maps cycle through every 2 real-time hours in order to create these unique combinations. Someone may play Splatoon 2 at 1 PM and experience tower control on Moray Towers or Humpback Pump Track, but play again later that evening and get a much different experience by playing the same game mode, but on two very different maps. This variety means that players will not be having the same experience too often. However, it is now easier than ever for players to track their favorite map/mode combinations through Nintendo’s Switch Online App, or more specifically SplatNet 2 (For more on this, check out my review on the Switch Online App). With this app, players can check a schedule of upcoming combinations!

My Thoughts on Turf War and Salmon Run (Splatoon 2 Review)

One of the strongest features of Splatoon 2 is that it is truly a full-fledged sequel that knows how to keep all the strengths of its predecessor, while adding new modes, mechanics, and tweaks to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. This statement is especially true when pertaining to two of the game’s modes. Turf war and Salmon Run. While turf war is a tried and true, beloved game mode from Splatoon 1, it has also been slightly revamped in a way to make it even more enjoyable. Salmon Run is a mode unique to Splatoon 2 that adds an entirely new layer of gameplay to the title. These two game modes are quite possibly the biggest highlights of Nintendo’s hit sequel.

Ranking the Games of the Super Nintendo Classic Edition (SNES Mini)

With the launch of the Super Nintendo Classic Edition fast approaching, I thought now would be a great time to look back on the 20 games included on the mini console. I have gone through and ranked every game that is pre-loaded on the SNES Classic from worst to best, in my opinion. A couple of things should be noted before this list gets started though. First of all, I am only ranking 20 games, as I feel it would not be fair to place Star Fox 2 on this list due to its never officially released status. Secondly, this list is based solely off of my own opinions and experiences with each of these games. There is not a single bad game on this list. In fact, an argument could be made for every one of these games to be considered among the greatest titles of all time. With that being said, do to personal opinion and bias, this ranking will likely be much different than your own. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Splatoon 2's Splatfest World Premiere- Final Pre-Launch Thoughts

Splatoon 2 is now less than a week away from release (get hyped!), and Nintendo gave us the final demo before launch this past Saturday. This final demo took the form of a 4 hour long, 1 day only Splatfest, in which players were pit against one another in a battle against team ice cream and team cake. At the end of the Splatfest World premiere, team ice cream reigned supreme (in the US) as they took the victory 2-1. Nearly everyone online seems to be in agreement that the Splatfest was a great way for Nintendo to build final hype for Splatoon 2 before its release. However, there are still some lingering questions that need to be answered upon the game’s release.

Excitement and Fears for the SNES Classic (Mini) Edition

In late June, Nintendo provided fans with their least surprising reveal since Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle with their newest piece of hardware, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition. The release of this system has been speculated since the announcement of the NES classic last summer, then was essentially confirmed when the mini NES was discontinued earlier this year. Nintendo decided to finally pull back the curtains on the SNES Classic officially last month, revealing many details about the system, including which titles it would include. Naturally, with the official announcement and the inclusion of a near perfect, 21 game library, there was and still is an air of excitement surrounding this tiny piece of hardware. However, with this excitement does come some concerns and fears, from both myself and many other fans.

Does the Nintendo Switch Really Have a Third Party Problem?

When the Switch’s existence was first confirmed by Nintendo and assumed the codename “NX”, everyone immediately hoped that this new console would correct all the problems of the Wii U. The list of problems that the Wii U had was not a short one. Complicated branding, keeping the Wii’s name, lack of games at launch, not enough quality software, a second screen that disconnected if you left the room with the console, and many more. Despite the Wii U’s shortcomings, most people would argue that the Switch was a direct correction of these mistakes by Nintendo, fixing nearly all the complaints people had with their previous console. However, one major problem the Wii U had that many believe the Switch is currently having still, is a lack of third party support. Game companies are not bringing their big games to the Switch. The Switch is getting some support with games like NBA 2K, Skryrim, and Dragonball Xenoverse 2, sure, but where is Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty? That is the question on the minds of so many fans and gamers. Is this really a valid complaint though? Does the Switch REALLY have a third party problem? Well, I don’t think so.

Why Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle was the Biggest Surprise of E3 2017

E3 2017 ended nearly one month ago now, giving us plenty of time to reminisce and think on all the great games that we saw there. I have often thought about how incredibly fun and open Super Mario Odyssey looks, how satisfyingly epic the new God of War will be on PS4, and how I can’t wait for Sea of Thieves on Xbox One. However, there is still one game that is standing out to me as by far the biggest surprise of E3, and that game is Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle. This game was not a surprise in the normal sense. The game was long rumored and leaked as far back as the end of 2016, so seeing it show up at Ubisoft’s conference was no big shocker. The surprise from this game came in the form of just how darn good it actually looks! Kingdom Battle looks like it could show itself as the dark horse hit of 2017.

When Should Nintendo Launch the Switch's Virtual Console?

The date is December 29, 2017. Nintendo announces via Twitter to expect a Nintendo Switch themed Direct coming on January 2, 2018 at 7 am PT. People immediately begin speculating what Nintendo could talk about or announce. Further details for the previously announced Yoshi and Kirby games is the majority consensus of fans. Five days pass and the date in now January 2, 2018. It’s time. The Direct opens with a black screen and Mario’s signature “Wahoo!” Everyone instantly concludes that this must be new Super Mario Odyssey content, perhaps even paid DLC is coming to the game. Suddenly, the picture clears, and we see that the “Wahoo!” didn’t come from Super Mario Odyssey, but instead from Super Mario Sunshine. Not a remake, not even a remaster, but the original, unedited game. A short trailer recapping Mario’s adventure on Isle Delfino plays, followed by the classic Nintendo GameCube logo. There is a near audible cheer erupting online from excited fans realizing that this is Nintendo’s long awaited announcement of Virtual Console for the Switch.

My Thoughts on Today's (7/6/17) Splatoon 2 Direct

So Nintendo hit us with a Splatoon 2 focused Direct, and it did not disappoint. This Direct was a decent length, being over 25 minutes, and the whole presentation was full of information. There was also a good flow to today’s Direct, which was a welcome feature, as Nintendo has often struggled with pacing in their presentations as of late. Information was presented clearly and in a timely manner, and even though there was a lot to take in, I don’t feel like I really missed anything. There was also that lovable Nintendo charm present, as they chose to stick with the “Squid Research Lab” theme that myself and many others have come to love. It definitely seems that this direct delivered on almost everything that Splatoon fans wanted, so without further ado, let’s jump into the details.

The Master Trials: A Great Addition to an Already Epic Gaming Experience (BoTW Expansion 1)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild’s first expansion, appropriately titled “The Master Trials” is now available. Despite being out for nearly a week at the time of writing this, I have unfortunately only been able to spend about 6-7 hours with the new content. However, even with my limited time with this DLC, I still feel like I have plenty to say about it, so let’s just jump into it. Warning: Minor SPOILERS for The Master Trials DLC will be discussed, so if you want to avoid any details about it then save this page and come back after playing!

Is Nintendo's ARMS TOO hard(core)?

Nintendo’s unique new fighting game, appropriately titled ARMS, has been out for 2 weeks now. Upon first glance of this game, it is easy to see it as a kid-friendly, casual fighter. Upon second glance, you may see a casual fighter with a surprising amount of customization and depth to it. However, after spending nearly 30 hours with the game spread across 14 days, it has become evident to me that ARMS may not be a casual fighter at all, but is instead a family-friendly, Nintendo developed game, that was actually made for a hardcore audience. Now, maybe to those of you who haven’t played the game, or maybe even to those of you who have, that statement might seem crazy. Let me explain.