Thoughts about the Nintendo Switch (aka the Nintendo NX): Short Impressions

A few days ago, Nintendo has made an announcement that the Nintendo Switch (previously codenamed the NX) will have a March 2017 release while also releasing a video regarding the game console's first few glances.

First of all, I would like to say that, as a Nintendo fanboy, I am very pleased to find out that Nintendo is starting to learn from their mistakes and it seems that they are applying what they have learned from the past couple of years in order to make a whole new gaming experience.

And second, the video made my jaw dropped out of my system to the point that I am stunned for a moment just to see what Nintendo has done throughout the years.

Thirdly, after watching a little biography of the late Satoru Iwata, this reignites my interest regarding console gaming; as I've never thought that he was also responsible for making Super Smash Bros. a reality. :D

Anyways, for those who are interested with the video, here's the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5uik5fgIaI

NOTE: The video link is not a property of mine, but a property of Nintendo.

So what was the overall gist of the video?
Basically,in my opinion, the main gist of this video is all about the portability and the accessibility of the console itself. First, it shows itself being played by people as a typical console, but the most interesting part of it is on how you turn the awesome console into a handheld powerhouse! You just simply slide off the controller buttons on the main control, slide it in to the console itself, and from there, the console then acts a handheld device akin to a tablet! Additionally, it also acts as a PC gaming device by using the Joy-Con (probably stands for Joystick Controller) as a wireless controller while the console itself acts as your monitor. It also has a very nice logo!



Talk about an innovative design! It boggles my mind just visualizing the console being in my hands.

Also, there are many people from different walks of life are seen playing the console with certain games including the upcoming Legend of Zelda; Breath of the Wild, a Super Mario game, an NBA 2K title, Splatoon, and to my surprise, an amazing port of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim!

The trailer is showing that the people are having fun with the new console and I must say that it makes me feel a bit jealous. Oh well, it looks like I have to wait for next year to find out if it is worth buying one.

Do you have any complaints about the Switch?
Well, if there is one thing I have observed in the device itself is that it feels a bit fragile, as if the entire console was made of a very strong plastic. Honestly though, I am hoping that it isn't the case since the console itself has promise, and an easily-breakable material that you use for their console is the last thing I want to hear from Nintendo.

Also, the concept of console-to-handheld gaming doesn't feel original. I mean the Sega Nomad (a gaming handheld that plays Sega Genesis and Mega Drive games) did it first, among other handhelds that provide such an experience. The good thing is that it doesn't feel as bulky up-close, unlike the aforementioned Nomad.

What do you want to expect from the Switch?
There are a lot of things that I am expecting for this wonderful console. However, as of the time of this writing, please keep in mind that these may or may not appear in the final product. So without further ado; here are some of the things that I will like for the Switch:

1. Backwards compatibility - Nintendo has a very wide history of providing a diverse gaming experience by allowing players to play their favorite games from previous generation of gaming devices (e.g. Nintendo DS allowing you to play GBA games). I am hoping that they allow players to play some, if not all, 3DS games or even older DS games. Although I doubt that would be the case, it is still too early to judge either.

2. Social media connectivity - while this particular has already been featured by other consoles, it doesn't prevent me to expect on such a feature. In fact, there is a certain button that can be found on the lower left portion of the main controller that somehow akin to a "Record" symbol. Hopefully, you can be able to properly edit these "videos" which is very essential for the gaming demographic today; focusing on "let's plays" and "tricks" on playing certain games. I am also hoping that the console can also connect to other social media with all the benefits intact that you can get from using them via PC and mobile.

3. Affordability - it is basically a no-brainer; many people wanted a gaming device that can deliver to their tastes while also ensuring that their wallets won't suffer a concussion or something. Competing consoles would basically cost about $300 (which is almost equivalent to about PHP 14,400) which is already cheap enough for those having sources of income. However, certain considerations must be maintained when determining the overall price of a certain device, such as specifications.

4. Durability - for someone with heavy hands as myself, I cannot help but wonder; is this gaming device built to last? From what I've seen in the teaser, as what I've also mentioned as a complaint of mine, the materials used for the device itself looks cheap and easy to break. While I like to have my trusty New 3DS anywhere with me, it tends to show some signs of wear and tear as time goes by such as the peeling of the coatings as well as malfunctioning buttons.

5. Software line-up - as seen in the video, potential titles like NBA 2K, Super Mario, as well as the shocker that is Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim have put me in the edge of my seat. I just cannot help but wonder; "what Nintendo is exactly doing in terms of its lineup of games?! Is Nintendo opening up to other game developers?! Oh wow! I cannot wait". Nevertheless, it is still early to actually judge on what games to come out for the Switch. We just cannot help but speculate.

Well that's all I can say about these things for now. Nevertheless, I am so excited for the system to launch. So what are your thoughts about the Nintendo Switch? Are you excited for it? What are the games are you looking forward for the Switch? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment.

Until then, have a nice day! :)

Disclaimer: The picture I posted in this article is not my property, but it belongs to Nintendo.

Big dinosaurs, big adventure - Fossil Fighters Frontier Reader's Review

Nintendo has been known for their prolific titles like Pokemon, Mario, Metroid... Wait! I think I have already said this before.

Nevertheless, the fact that Nintendo always provides grand adventures never fails to impress me so. This game, however, provides something more than an adventure; it's more of an experience that I can never imagine would be possible. 

Anyways, here is a Reader's Review of Fossil Fighters Frontier. Playing with dinosaurs have never been this fun... I guess.

Title: Fossil Fighters Frontier
Date Released:  February 27, 2014 (initial release in Japan), March 20, 2015 in the US, May 29, 2015 in Europe and a day later in Australia
Company: Nintendo
Genre:Adventure, Racing, RPG
Platform: Nintendo 3DS family of consoles
ESRB Rating: E10+




Brief Background: The Fossil Fighters series was originally developed for the Nintendo DS family of consoles. The first game in the series was released in 2008 and it has become one of Nintendo's flagship titles... albeit less known. The game has received mixed reception in the West due to the fact that most game review websites (like IGN and Gamespot) cited the game as somehow similar to Pokemon, another popular Nintendo title.

What do you do here?
Fossil Fighters Frontier features a story where INTERFOL (International Fossil Police) is intercepting a criminal organization that was allegedly said to illegally manufacturing Vivosaurs that surpasses ordinary ones in terms of power and ferocity. You, the player, is assigned by INTERFOL as a Warden to intercept the criminals while also travelling across the globe in search of powerful Vivosaurs and to protect the Fossil Parks from the imminent danger these criminals are plotting.

What makes the game interesting?
Simply put, Fossil Fighters Frontier is about finding fossils, reviving them, and using them to battle other Vivosaurs. It is not as easy as you think it is, however. You have to find a piece of the fossil first before you revive a Vivosaur (these are Nintendo's fictional take to the dinosaurs), clean it up using the tools provided to you, and ensure that the fossil is in good condition. You are given a time limit to clean the fossil as well as a certain quality quota (indicated on the upper screen of the 3DS) that you need to meet in order for the cleaning process to be successful. The more careful you are in cleaning the fossil, the better the score you can receive. This feature is surprisingly great as this is one of the few ways to utilize the function of the 3DS' touch screen capabilities.

There are several places where you can gather fossils, known as Fossil Parks. However, the types of fossils you can get here differ from each region.

In the past installments, the head fossil of a specific Vivosaur is required to completely revive it. However, in this game, the revival process will proceed even without the head fossil, which is nice since that you can be able to amass your collection early on. Collecting them isn't easy though, but it is a rewarding experience if you manage to do so.

Speaking of collecting fossils, amassing different parts of the same species of Vivosaur can allow you to power it up further; increasing its combat parameters and granting access to other skills.

Another feature that was added in this installment are the Bone Buggies, vehicles that you use to explore Fossil Parks, which can be further customized to either improve the performance of your vehicle or make fossil cleaning easier. There are a lot of optional missions that you can do involving Bone Buggies, so always pick the best type of Buggy to match the needs of the mission.

A new addition to this installment is the Time Trials which is some sort of a racing-esque mini game where there is a fossil that you need to clean before the Vivosaur guarding said fossil devours it. The faster you defeat the Vivosaur, the better condition the fossil that you are going to clean... and much harder to take out.

The battle system in this game has been given a major overhaul; making it more strategic in a way. Battles are still 3-on-3, however, you can only use 1 of your Vivosaurs while the 2 other slots are occupied by Vivosaurs of NPCs (known as Paleo Pals) that you can encounter throughout the story.

The NPCs that you can ally with have specific Vivosaurs which covers a specific role for your party. Some of them deals a great amount of damage while others provide buffs to bolster your party. While they have their strengths, they also have weaknesses, so always make sure to strategically pick your allies wisely, as you can't be able to edit them out while traversing Fossil Parks.

An important addition for the battle system is the buff ammunition that your Bone Buggies can use, known as Support Shots, to either bolster your Vivosaurs' attack strength or mitigate incoming damage. There are also other forms of ammunition that you can use such as healing your HP; thus making battles pretty interesting if you ask me.

There are tournaments that you can participate which can allow you to receive certain rewards such as rare fossils and other goodies which can aid you in traversing Fossil Parks. You can also gain fossils daily at the Fossil Museum; which encourages players to play the game at a daily basis to find out which fossils they will receive. Please keep in mind that the fossil you can receive is randomized so don't rely on it too much.

The most interesting part of this game, for me, is Nibblesaurus; a unique Vivosaur that is only exclusive in the Story Mode which powers up as the story progresses. It is also extremely powerful.

In terms of difficulty, I can say that it progresses relatively well and it has that nice balance between easy-to-pick fights to just downright challenging. Pro Tip: be prepared for the final boss as that packs a SERIOUS punch.

What are the flaws that I found in this game?
The game itself is not that big and while there are many fossils to collect, it gets a bit repetitive. Also, cleaning them can be a bit annoying since that tapping the soil recklessly can damage the fossil and if enough damage is done to the fossil, the cleaning process will be considered to be a failure.

While the party system has a strategic depth to it, you also lose a lot of freedom in team selection. In the previous Fossil Fighter games, you are allowed to set up 3 Vivosaurs at a time, but it was then limited to 1 (the 2 other Vivosaurs are being controlled by the computer) which is a bummer for someone like me who likes to use my own set of Vivosaurs in combat.

Also, there are many NPCs whose Vivosaurs are useless early in the game. While they can get another Vivosaur after fulfilling a certain quest, it isn't really that fulfilling. Also, certain NPCs are a bit overpowered than the other, which can allow you to over-power your foes (especially in multiplayer).

Multiplayer in this game is almost non-existent and it can be unstable most of the time. With a small player-base, expect to have difficulty in finding foes online.

Certain attacks also affect a Vivosaur's facing; giving them either an advantage (i,e increased damage inflicted) or disadvantage (i.e increased damage taken) against enemies. I kind of find it to be annoying and unnecessary because Support Shots can easily help you in providing boosts either way. Also, a Tricera facing upwards doesn't make any sense at all.

Nibblesaurus is a powerful Vivosaur; TOO powerful in fact which makes battles boring at best. If it is pitted in Multiplayer against another Nibblesaurus, however... Nah screw it! It's STILL boring.

Do you consider Fossil Fighters a sleeper hit?
In terms of game-play and theme (fossil collecting and a game based on dinosaurs), then yes. However, there are also other monster-collecting games that are not Pokemon that catches my attention, although I haven't played most of them though (such as Yo-kai Watch and my favorite, Shin Megami Tensei IV),

Do you recommend this game?
If you are a fan of Pokemon clones (yes, it is a clone with pride), then this game is a no-brainer for you. Otherwise, just pick something else. Besides, the game, despite of its fun story and interesting concepts, is relatively short in my opinion.

Overall Rating: 6.9/10
It is quite disappointing but not totally awful, Fossil Fighters Frontier is a game that suffers from the conventions of pushing the title's limit in terms of game-play. The graphics are passable and the mechanics remains intact; but the overall experience seems lacking for long-time fans of the series and it is just down-right repetitive for the casual players. Nevertheless, it is still a nice pick for any Nintendo fan out there.

--END OF REVIEW--

Disclaimer: The picture used here is not my property, but it belongs to their proper owners.