Comet (1985) attempts to recreate the experience of an evening at an amusement park (specifically, the defunct Riverview Park in Chicago), and does a pretty good job. The main attraction is the added roller coaster visual effect, with a train that speeds around the playing field like one passing overhead as you walk the midway.

Amusement park mainstays (for the time setting) are featured in the scoring progression. Shooting galleries, rides, a funhouse, skee ball, etc. It also includes a dunk tank which, in this park’s particular case, has an awful back story. The most unique features, however, are the lack of an inlane at the bottom right and inverted in/outlanes at the bottom left. It’s quite unique amongst the other machines in your Pinball FX collection, offering new ways to frustrate you.

Fire! (1987) begins with a mooing cow, so you know from where this one draws its inspiration. Gameplay is centered around extinguishing various fires with your playfield multiplier at risk. When a fire is lit, you have a set amount of time to hit the targets that put it out. Take too long, and your multiplier drops (and an ungrateful victim chastises your sloppy rescue work).

I normally shut off the added video effects Zen attaches to these games, but here, your targets get animated fires that help you find them. I also enjoyed the water effect that arches from the target to the fire.

They work well with the original lighting that’s amongst the best I’ve seen on a Williams table…at least in digital version. The audio, however, is incredibly bombastic. I don’t know how arcade owners were able to withstand this one.

Another unique feature of Fire! is the large, cylindrical fire plug that pops up and down between your flippers. When it’s up, it’s impossible for the ball to center drain (provided your flippers aren’t up, too). Learning to use this to save and catch the ball was quite fun, but the rest of the gameplay does get repetitive. It’s a table good for beginners, but pros may tire of it quickly.

Finally, there’s Diner (1990). This game is centered around serving customers their food, customers who are based largely on political figures from the early ’90s. Without that context, their exaggerated accents mostly come across as stereotyping. No need to be offended, though; if anything, the game just illustrates we’re all united in our desire to get our chili and fries before they get cold.

Of course, you’re given more to do than just hit menu item drop targets. There are words to spell out, balls to lock, coffees to stir…you know the drill. What makes this table better than the others is the balance with the design. Nothing takes over the experience (unlike the audio in Fire!, for example), and the various challenges remain accessible throughout. It may not have the most attractive layout of the bunch, but I do believe it’s the most fun to play for extended sessions.

Beyond the tables, Pinball FX continues to serve up a host of gameplay options to keep you at it. Arcade Mode, Professional Mode, Practice Mode, and more are there for you to improve and prove your skills. There are challenges to complete, gameplay elements to customize, and rewards to obtain and show off in your parlor. You can even adjust how the games are displayed while playing them. Most settings have to be managed before dropping in your quarters, as it were, but you can thankfully toggle the video animations while playing.

There are still two items I’d like to see Zen address, though. First, switching to vertical display when playing in handheld mode is far too awkward to bother with. The screen should just flip automatically when you rotate your Switch. Second, I really want to see a Switch 2 version of the host software. I still don’t feel the engine update from Pinball FX 3 to Pinball FX was an improvement, and I’m hoping a Switch 2-optimized version could help me understand why it was necessary. The tables continue to be darker and blurrier than I’d like (although built-in gamma adjustments can help with the brightness).

In the meantime, if you’re a digital pinball fan looking for some new games to master, Williams Pinball Volume 10 certainly does deliver, especially considering the first-time availability of Comet and Fire! Just remember to turn down the subwoofer before playing them.

The post Review: Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 10 (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

You will recognize the similarities quickly. You have orbs, called Bilia, you need to use to capture the Animon (mystical creatures) so you can use them in battle against other, wild Animon. Sounding familiar already, eh? As you wander through the game world, you have to navigate an area to find and (hopefully) capture some Animon to help you do battle.

At the end of each section there is a boss battle. These are usually with a larger Animon, so try to be prepared; that is, capture as many helper Animon as you can.

The game world, Talea, is laid out with some very good visuals. The graphics are a high resolution 2D environment with good use of color, perspective, and design. As for the soundscape of the game, I have mixed feelings. The action sequence music uses a harpsichord sound in the mix, which holds a particular appeal for me. The music conveys the appropriate sense of tension and urgency without being a distraction, so this part is all good. The background music you hear as Trey wanders around looking for whatever comes next is a bit less than thrilling. By this, I mean that the music is pleasant, but a little too soothing. If you’re a little on the tired side, it may put you to sleep!

There is a good story to be had, as well, despite the trope of the hero with amnesia. It may be well-used, but it can be an effective tool to encourage the player to explore the world to gradually uncover who you are and what’s really going on. I’m not going to drop spoilers, but there are some good story-telling elements which make the game a bit deeper than you might expect. The supporting characters are well-written and engaging. Of course, there are plenty of townspeople who may have one juicy tidbit of information, or may only have a sort of “where’s my cat?” dialogue for you.

Getting around in this world is quite easy. There is no jumping or climbing, although there is some dropping/falling, and there is a barrier to keep you from getting into places you don’t need to go, including falling off a cliff. This keeps things simple and lets the player know “nothing to see here, move along.” The rest of the world is mostly open to explore; you will need to complete one section to open the next area, but once the area is open, you can wander freely.

As you explore, there are items to collect. This is as easy as picking stuff up off the ground. Keep your eyes open, these things will usually show up as a little dot of sparkly light, and some will be item drops.

Since time passes in this game, you may need to find a place to rest for the night. There are spots with what looks like a water fountain where you can take rest after a long day, or after defeat in battle. You have some options here: rest for a short while, rest until morning, etc. You can choose to catch a nap and see what’s roaming around at night in this world, as well. The resting place is also where you can experiment with creating things you can use. This is one spot which can use some improvement; the creation process is lacking any tutorial or guide to let the player actually get the gist of making stuff.

Let’s get to the battle portion. Here are a few facets to discuss, and not all of them are happy. As you might expect, any time you encounter wild Animon, there is a battle to be had. The Animon are territory sensitive; you do have a chance to back away if you think you are not ready to take on the critter before you. If you see a lone Animon and think to yourself, “Self, you can take this one, no problem,” you may want to remind yourself that just because you only see one Animon that doesn’t mean the game won’t throw two Animon at you once the battle starts. This can heighten the challenge and uncertainty, but it feels a bit like a bait and switch.

Once the battle starts, it is a standard turn-based affair. There is a single list of all the Animon on the field, and turns are in order of the list, so you don’t necessarily have to wait for all the enemy units to go first before you get a turn. The order seems randomized, so fair’s fair on this one. There are a few options you have with each Animon, like using a heal potion or a primary attack or special attack or an action to buff your defense. You are loaned an Animon at the start of the game, so it’s technically not yours and you don’t have control over its actions.

The last two facets of the battle features of this game were the most frustrating to me. You have a weapon which works a bit like a yo-yo. You have to press the R button to let the game know you are using this weapon, then you use the right joystick to aim the weapon (the game will at least show you a line and reticle to see where it will go), then you have to release the R button to fire. This bit of finger gymnastics was much less than intuitive, leading to many flubbed shots. A two handed approach, even with an additional button in the mix, could allow for a better way to control the aim with a normal X or A button press to fire. As it works now, it is touchy at best to keep your weapon on target.

Last is the Animon capture sequence. After you have endured the deploy-target-fire sequence and you hit your intended target, to actually capture the Animon you have to press one or more buttons within a certain—and possibly different—timeframe to actually succeed with the capture. The number of buttons may change, the button you need to press may change, and the time you have to hit the right button may change. This is way too complicated and could easily become a point of frustration.

All things considered, Lumen Tale: Memories of Trey has great potential. The game looks good, and there is plenty of playtime to be had, places to explore, story to unfold, and so on. It falls down a bit when it comes to some of the game mechanics, especially with item creation and the battle/Animon capture part. Unfortunately, the weakest points are the most important points for playing the game.

The post Review: Lumen Tale: Memories of Trey (Nintendo Switch) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

On last week’s episode, we featured a special guest to celebrate the first anniversary of the Switch 2. This week, Nintendo has treated us to a full 50 minutes of gaming goodness with the June Nintendo Direct.

We break down the presentation, going through the likes of Fire Emblem, Xenoblade Chronicles, Rhythm Heaven, Sports Resort, Final Fantasy, and, of course, the big Zelda news: Ocarina of Time is being remade for Switch 2. And somehow it’s releasing this year!

It’s a packed show, let us know your fave announcement from the Direct and which games you’re most excited about playing!

Support us and grab a magazine!

Our current issue of the Pure Nintendo Magazine is out now! If you missed this issue, subscribe now so you don’t miss out next time. Plus, we have a new Boomerang Tier for Australian subscribers!

If you’re in or around Brisbane, Australia (Jemma’s hometown), you can now find a copy of our latest issue on the shelf at the Comic Book Cafe and Netherworld. Two very cool places. Huge thanks to Lawrence from Comic Book Cafe and Jimmy from Netherworld for their support!

BPAC event is this week

Pure Nintendo is supporting the upcoming BPAC showcase in Brisbane this week. The annual event features retro arcade gaming and pinball comps. There’s a Kong Off, as well as Mario Kart 64 AND Goldeneye comps. We’re very excited to say the least! .

Finally, don’t forget to follow us on Blue Sky and Instagram to keep up to date with our news and reviews.

Until next time, game on everyone!

The post Nintendo Direct breakdown! Pure Nintendo Podcast E166 appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

Now in its fifth year, BPAC is all about promoting competitive pinball, arcade, and classic gaming in Australia. The annual showcase features Australia’s most prestigious pinball tournament, known as the Brisbane Masters, alongside the Australian Kong Off, Arcade Championships, and the Australian Women’s Pinball Championships.

This year’s event features classic gaming like Mario KArt 64 and Goldeneye. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and spectating is free!

That’s a lot to get excited about, and Pure Nintendo is thrilled to be involved in this year’s event. Here’s a schedule of this week’s gaming events:

Wed 17th:

• Brisbane Arcade Open 10am
• Worms Armageddon (PC version) 6pm

Thurs 18th:

• Australian Classic Console Championships (10am)

Fri 19th: Class of ’81 Arcade Comps

• Ms. Pac-Man 10am
• Frogger 1pm
• Galaga 3.30pm
• Donkey Kong Level 3 at 7pm

Sat 20th:

• Australian Kong-Off IX Qualifying 9am
• AKO B Grade Finals 3pm
• N64 GoldenEye Multiplayer comp 4pm
• N64 Mario Kart 64 Multiplayer comp 7pm

Sun 21st:

• Aus. Kong Off A Grade Finals 10am

Mon 22nd: (at Netherworld Arcade)

• Sega MegaDrive Speed-Running Races 1pm
• Two-Headed Monster Arcade Gaming Comp 6pm

For tickets, full event details, game lists and comp formats bnepac.org

Best of all, spectating at the Clubhouse Moorooka is free! Come along and support this great event – you might even catch yours truly skulking about if you’re lucky!

The post Pure Nintendo and BPAC June 17-22 appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

We’ll look at the latter first. On sale until June 22 for only $5.70, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack for last year’s Atelier Yumia offers:

• Improved resolution and framerate
• Shorter loading times
• New local GameShare functionality (while playing with another player using GameShare, you will be able to switch between the roles of main player and support as you battle and explore)
• The Atelier Yumia – Backpack Set that allows players to change the color of Yumia’s backpack and Flammi’s smoke.

Of course, a full Switch 2 version is now available as well, and is also on sale for $39.89 until the 22nd.

In my review of Atelier Yumia, I applauded the game’s scope and open-world approach, but lamented the growing pains that came with them. Hopefully the Switch 2-optimized version addresses some of them.

Either way, it’ll give Atelier fans something to do while waiting for the early 2027 release of Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories. We don’t know much about the game yet, but details will be released this Friday. Until then, here’s the full announcement trailer…complete with a compelling (if not totally unexpected) cameo.

For more information, visit atelier.games/karia/us/ on June 12th.

The post Atelier Karia gets a 2027 release, Atelier Yumia gets a Switch 2 glow up appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

On last week’s show, we talked about the wonderful Mina the Hollower from Yacht Club Games. This week, we look back over the first 12 months of Switch 2. We go through the launch, the highlights, what’s missing, and the future of this sequel hybrid console.

Plus, we talk about the terrific third-party support, leading to a look at the best titles already out, and some just announced at the recent Summer Game Fest.

It’s a packed show, we hope you enjoy it! Let us know your thoughts on the Switch 2 one year on.

Check out the podcast on YouTube above or listen to the Pure Nintendo Podcast on your preferred platform:

• Spotify
• Apple
• Amazon

Support us and grab a magazine!

Our current issue of the Pure Nintendo Magazine is out now! If you missed this issue, subscribe now so you don’t miss out next time. Plus, we have a new Boomerang Tier for Australian subscribers!

If you’re in or around Brisbane, Australia (Jemma’s hometown), you can now find a copy of our latest issue on the shelf at the Comic Book Cafe and Netherworld. Two very cool places. Huge thanks to Lawrence from Comic Book Cafe and Jimmy from Netherworld for their support!

Pure Nintendo will also be supporting the upcoming BPAC showcase in Brisbane this June. The event features arcade gaming and pinball comps. There’s a Kong Off, as well as Mario Kart 64 AND Goldeneye comps. We’re very excited to say the least! Stay tuned for more details.

Finally, don’t forget to follow us on Blue Sky and Instagram to keep up to date with our news and reviews.

Until next time, game on everyone!

The post One year later: is the Nintendo Switch 2 everything we hoped for? Pure Nintendo Podcast E165 appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

A new reveal trailer introduces us to the story, along with the characters tasked with saving the world. It looks like an epic conclusion to the series. You can check out the first two entries on the Switch 2 right now, with the second game, Rebirth, debuting just this week.

Reveal trailer

In Revelation, Cloud Strife and his loyal companions are facing a world on the brink of annihilation. It’s dire times. The team is grieving a beloved ally, and their nemesis Sephiroth has assumed a role that’s nearly god-like. The party takes to the skies aboard the airship Highwind, racing against time to stop the ultimate destructive magic. Revelation is set to deliver a breathtaking finale to one of the most ambitious projects in video game history. In some ways, it serves as the culmination of 30 years of Final Fantasy VII storytelling. Talk about a long legacy.

The Revelation world has no boundaries, with a freely explorable planet. Players can drop in via parachute anywhere, easily transitioning from air to land. There are many conflicts to cover, so the party will need to divide and conquer. You can choose where to go, who to help and the order of events. Combat can also be customized by switching between real-time action and a hybrid battle system, which has been expanded and perfected with new playable characters and powerful new abilities.

Square Enix also revealed a more detailed gameplay trailer, which you can check out below.

Gameplay introduction trailer

According to Square Enix, if you’re playing one or both of the first two games, your save data will unlock special bonuses in Revelation:

• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade:
  • Summon Materia: Chocobo & Moogle
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth:
  • Summon Materia: Phoenix

Final Fantasy VII Revelation will hit the Nintendo Switch 2 and other consoles in Spring 2027. Let us know if you’re excited to be picking this up when it releases, and if you’re enjoying the first two games on Switch 2.

Square Enix sent some quotes through with its press release, which reveal the excitement and dedication of the team. Check these out below.

“FINAL FANTASY VII, first released in 1997, has been beloved by fans for many years and has since become a “legend” in its own right. The FINAL FANTASY VII Remake Series that began in 2020 with everyone’s passionate support is finally reaching its climactic finale with FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION. The story’s final destination represents my emotions spanning thirty years working on this title; and yet, as the developer, our hands alone cannot turn its final page. It’s only when you, the player, step inside and memorialize this journey that a new “legend” is finally born. We hope you witness the coming together of our hearts, and yours.” – Yoshinori Kitase, Producer

“I’m beyond excited to announce FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, launching simultaneously across all platforms in Spring 2027. I’m truly grateful to our fans who believed in this story and supported us for so many years. In this title, centered around “resolve,” Cloud and his companions will confront their respective convictions and continue their journey towards the final battle that will determine the planet’s fate. All the stories and emotions accumulated over the years will culminate in the most satisfying way with this experience, brought to you as the series’ final chapter. Please look forward to it.” – Naoki Hamaguchi, Director

“As creators, we have carefully built and nurtured the FINAL FANTASY VII series over many years, expanding it through numerous spin-off titles along the way. Over time, we believe each fan has developed their own unique interpretation of the story, and our goal has been to bring all of these FINAL FANTASY VII stories together so that they ultimately converge in the final chapter of the Remake Series. While there may be a mix of excitement and uncertainty, we are confident that this journey will remain an unforgettable experience for years to come. Thank you sincerely for joining us and being part of this journey over so many years.” – Tetsuya Nomura, Creative Director

Source: Square Enix

The post Final Fantasy VII Revelation announced for 2027 appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

First up is the second of the three-part Final Fantasy VII remakes: Rebirth. This glorious-looking adventure takes us back into the world of Cloud and Sephiroth as we discover more about Sephiroth’s plans to take over the world. And, we just heard as part of the recent Summer Game Fest that the third instalment now has a name and release window! We’re excited to hear that Revelation will hit the Switch 2 alongside other consoles in spring 2027.

Meanwhile, back to this week, and Donkey Kong 64’s first 3D outing is now available on Switch Online Classics. Donkey Kong 64 originally hit the Nintendo 64 way back in 1999. This collectathon was developed by Rare, and heralded the N64’s Expansion Pack at the time. incidentally, it was a long time before DK got to strut his stuff in 3D again, with last year’s Donkey Kong Bananza taking us all pleasantly by surprise.

eFootball Kick-Off is another highlight of the week, bringing the passion and thrills of soccer to the Switch 2. You can play solo or with friends, offline or online, with your own club team, participate in competitions around the globe or take on International Cup. There’s a six-a-side mode, rank Newer players can also get in on the action with “six-a-side” matches that create plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, and a Rank-based system where your performance is evaluated as you learn the skills needed to win matches. eFootball Kick-Off! is available now on Nintendo Switch 2.

There’s also new music to enjoy, and Nintendo Music can now be played on more devices. This means you can stream Nintendo tunes from your car, phone, or web browser. Nice!

There’s a long list of games to peruse, so check them out below and let us know what you’ll be playing this weekend.

eShop highlights

• FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH – The fate of the Planet is in your hands in the second entry in the FINAL FANTASY VII remake series. Cloud Strife and his comrades escape the city of Midgar into the world beyond in search of Sephiroth, a haunting figure from Cloud’s past bent on ruling the planet. As the story unfolds, you’ll ride chocobos, sprint across sweeping plains, and explore a vast world with new features and encounters to be had. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is available now on the Nintendo Switch 2 system.
• eFootball Kick-Off! – Experience the passion and thrills of soccer anytime, anywhere – solo or with friends, offline or online – with eFootball Kick-Off! Establish your own club team and participate in competitions around the globe in World Tour mode or take on International Cup mode and feel the excitement as national teams battle for global supremacy. Newer players can also get in on the action with “six-a-side” matches that create plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, and a Rank-based system where your performance is evaluated as you learn the skills needed to win matches. eFootball Kick-Off! is available now on Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics

• Donkey Kong 64 – Help Donkey Kong take on King K. Rool and the Kremlings, rescue his friends, reclaim his Golden Bananas, and save his homeland from certain doom in this title originally released for the Nintendo 64 system in 1999. Join the DK crew as they climb, swim and jump through treacherous and puzzling areas while taking advantage of their special abilities and upgrades. Hunt for collectibles and play wacky minigames while solo, or duke it out in battle arenas with friends in four-player split-screen action. The Donkey Kong 64 game is available now for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.

Nintendo Music

• Tune into Nintendo Music on More Devices – Listeners can now enjoy Nintendo Music across a wide variety of devices, with updated support for computers, tablets, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto! You can also use the new My Mix feature to generate a playlist based on your play history (not available in web browser). For more info, visit: https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/nintendo-music/.
• Jams for the Open Road – Crank up the volume, because select tracks from the Mario Kart World game are cruising onto Nintendo Music! Prep the playlist for the next time you hit the road with tracks like “Mario Bros. Circuit,” “Peach Beach” and “Moo Moo Meadows.” Plus, additional Free Roam tracks will be added in the future – stay tuned!
• Hup, Hup, Hey! – Captain Olimar and his loyal crew of plantlike helpers are blasting onto Nintendo Music with the Pikmin soundtrack! Channel the hardworking spirit of Pikmin as you go about your day with tracks including “The Forest of Hope,” “The Forest Navel” and “The Distant Spring.”

Activities

• Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island + Emerald Rush DLC Event – Kong Bananza Returns – The next monthly limited-time event in the DK Island + Emerald Rush paid DLC⁴ for the Donkey Kong Bananza game is just around the corner! Carve your own path through Canyon Layer during the Kong Bananza Returns event for the opportunity to collect statues of Tiki Kong and Tiki Goon. This event will take place from June 9 at 1 a.m. PT to June 16 at 12:59 p.m. PT.

Nintendo eShop sales

• Last Chance to Save with the Indie Sale! – It’s almost over! From now until June 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can shop hundreds of creative and clever indie games for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems, including Hollow Knight: Silksong – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Deadzone: Rogue and Rotwood. Check out the full sale on Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop on your device while you still can! For more information and to view the full list of games, visit https://www.nintendo.com/store/sales-and-deals.

Also new this week on Switch 2

• Arcade Archives 2 ACE DRIVER
• Arcade Archives 2 Tatakae! Big Fighter
• Console Archives Geki-Oh ShienRyu
• Dark Auction – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – Available June 10
• Isekai Villain – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Little Nightmares II Enhanced Edition
• RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Stray

Also new this week on Switch

• Asphalt Racing Bundle 3 in 1 – Available June 5
• Bestial Reception
• Cat&Rabbit Magic Farming
• Crossbars
• Crystalase
• Draw Save Puzzle
• EGGCONSOLE MARCHEN VEIL II PC-9801
• Golem Lights
• Hidden Oddities in Everyday Life Mystery
• Into the Slimy Mines
• Isekai Villain
• Kitten Island 2 – Available June 6
• Lord of the Click 4
• Lord of the Click 5
• Paperly
• Rival Stars Horse Racing
• River City Saga: Journey to the West
• Rolling Wheels
• Seals from the frosty Bay – Available June 5
• Secret Paws – Cozy Apartments – Available June 10
• Solarpunk – Available June 8
• Sora – Songs of the Stone
• Spire Blast – Available June 5
• Springbot: The Last Spark
• Steamboat Incident – Available June 5
• Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker – Available June 9
• The Fallen Kingdom – Available June 5
• The Vanishing Train
• Traumatarium: Penitent – Available June 9

The post Final Fantasy, DK and eFootball join this week’s eShop roundup appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

In Smalland, you’re part of a race of people called Smallfolk. You’ve been living underground to remain safe from the giants, but the giants are now gone. So, it’s time to head back up and colonize the Overworld. Weird that these people name everything, including themselves, based on their current status within their surroundings, but they can correct that once the hard work’s done.

After a quick character creation, the game begins with your party scattered after an attack. You’re on your own with only basic armor and no weapon, so you have to get to work immediately. Thankfully, a helpful map and some gentle prods will get you moving in the right direction. That doesn’t mean things are easy, though. After being prompted to craft initial items, I decided to take on an ant to get some of the materials I needed. One of the first insects you meet in the game, it can’t be hard to kill, right? Wrong.

This brings me to one of the first things I really enjoyed about the game. Although you lose your items when you die, they remain at the location where you died. Just head back there after respawning, and you can pick up your goods. Then, focus on what you’re supposed to be doing: collecting and crafting. These really are the core mechanics of the game, as Smalland tasks you with keeping yourself fed, armed, protected, and rested.

Harvesting materials and crafting them into better items is obviously the key to progression for both yourself and your colony. Fighting is just something you do along the way…although you’ll be doing quite a bit of it.

Combat is fairly basic—attack, dodge, block—but it’s still challenging. Even lesser enemies (steer clear if you suffer from entomophobia) can be troublesome throughout, especially if they attack you en masse. Battle skills will only get you so far, so it’s very important to be properly equipped. Once you do start winning, however, you can also tame your enemies and use them to your advantage. Scorpions may be scary to fight, but they’re quite fun to ride, it ends up.

Building a base gives you the ability to sleep safely, store materials you’ve collected, and put those materials to use. You need to stay fed in order to keep your stamina up. You need to keep your stamina up in order to fight off threats. That, then, becomes the gameplay loop; head out from base to explore the area, gather and conquer what you can, head back with your materials to level up, then head out further in the morning…with the hopes that a nasty weather event doesn’t wipe it all out in the meantime.

Smalland: Survive the Wilds relies on a few different features to keep this interesting, at varying degrees of success. First is the joy of exploration. That works because the game looks great on the Switch 2 and has some very interesting elements and areas to dig into. There’s a lot to uncover: often pretty, occasionally scary. This element is the main draw, and it really works; the game constantly rewards your curiosity, especially once you acquire the ability to fly through it.

That’s good, because the second element, the narrative, is lacking. You will meet and interact with NPCs, but they’re mostly there just to teach you how to play the game and to give you quests. A survival game that relies on exploration and base-building for its core gameplay doesn’t need an in-depth story, sure, but there should be something more than lore-building to propel you forward, especially if you’re playing alone.

That takes us to element three: co-op gameplay. Smalland practically screams for you and up to nine of your friends to reclaim the Overworld together. You can hop in and out of servers, base in hand, but the best way to experience multiplayer is to work with the same team from the start. However, if the player who set up the server isn’t online, you can’t get into your particular Overworld. You can play elsewhere or in single player mode, of course, but what you do there won’t affect your progress with your friends. As such, Smalland will mostly be relegated to a single-player journey for the majority of players.

That’ll be enough for survival fans; there’s no shortage of content here to keep genre-enthusiasts enthused for a considerable amount of time. And it being on Switch 2, they can take it with them, too (although I also recommend some reading glasses; the folks aren’t the only things that are small). It’s not likely, however, that the exploration/crafting/base-building loop will be enough to compel action-adventurer players to set out on a regular basis.

The post Review: Smalland: Survive the Wilds (Switch 2) appeared first on Pure Nintendo.

The good news? You can now subscribe to the Pure Nintendo Magazine using an Australian address. The mag will be printed locally and shipped directly to your door

Just look for the Boomerang tier. We’ll take care of the rest.

Looking for our current issue? If you’re in or around Brisbane, Australia (Jemma’s hometown), you can now find a copy of our latest issue on the shelf at the Comic Book Cafe and Netherworld. Two very cool places. Huge thanks to Lawrence from Comic Book Cafe and Jimmy from Netherworld for their support!

In the meantime, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on our next issue – featuring none other than Star Fox!

About Pure Nintendo

Pure Nintendo started way back in 2007 as a simple website to trade friend codes. The site grew and in 2011, we officially started a digital magazine. Cut to today and we’re bringing back print. Remember how it felt to hold the latest issue of your fave gaming mag and flick through the glossy pics? We work hard to recreate that very feeling with our quarterly publication.

We love Nintendo, we love our readers and we want to provide the best Nintendo coverage possible!

Want more Pure Nintendo goodness? Check out our weekly podcast!

The post Pure Nintendo Magazine now available in Australia! appeared first on Pure Nintendo.