Older fans are catered to in tournaments and events, making it hard to claim it is “just a kid’s game.” Even as a kid’s game, one giant leap for Pokemon is one small step to the industry standard.
To those who never played any of the series, this is the perfect time to dive in. If you can forgive needing to turn bosses into doormats, and failing to hire the odd Pokemon, you’ll probably find the greatest challenge the franchise has offered yet.
Lots small details and progress, that build up over time into something greater. If you’re looking for a challenge or an epic quest, you won’t find it here. If you want a way to chill out, and build something you can take pride in (albeit, once), then Tom Nook has the perfect package for you.
If you’re looking for something that elevates the genre, you may be left wanting. Though going back to basics, and doing it very well, is sure to be a delight. It’s a classic American hamburger. Streets of Rage 4 looks great, will kick your ass, and you get more out of it the more you put in.
If you have even a hint of love for card games of any kind, I cannot recommend Monster Train enough.
If you loved Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield, then this is a worthy addition. If you had any doubt, and aren’t fussed about catching Pokes and beating blokes, then this island should be deserted.
Ultimately, there are better RPGs on the Nintendo Switch to play. For the highest-grossing media franchise, Pokemon is an emperor with no clothes. Instead of giving loyal fans bang for their buck, they’re now asking for DLC that barely adds instead of improving. If Pokemon is the king, it’s about time the fans had a coup.
Wildermyth is a very good tactical RPG that pulls you in, and uses randomization to enhance, not compensate. Most flaws come down to personal taste, and being easy on the wallet for what scratches the tactical RPG itch so good means it is certainly worth the recommendation to anyone who loves the genre.
But, rather than just throw in these elements haphazardly and leaving Survival mode as an endless box of soldiers, effort was taken to make a fun experience with plenty of replay value for itself and other modes; and at a reasonable cost. The Mr. X Nightmare DLC for Streets of Rage 4 offers more than a new mode and characters to play, it changes how you play the game.
Whether you work out how to play optimally, or choose to, the game is still fun on a basic level. You may even want something less taxing, as big numbers tell you you’re number 1. Even so it won’t take much to be too smart for your own good; including when you think you can waltz through the post-game like you did the main story.
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is an improvement on the DS originals, even if Platinum still has the edge overall. There are some promising signs that developers other than Game Freak, even when under what could be a similar budget, can address some of the concerns fans have. The “chillax” JRPG series is still doing its thing, but there’s a little more challenge on cart if you want it.