Nintendo Switch Reviews Archives - GamersHeroes https://www.gamersheroes.com/tag/nintendo-switch-reviews/ 100% honest game reviews. The very latest games guided. The hottest cosplay, a weekly podcast and more! Wed, 12 Jul 2023 23:03:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3 https://www.gamersheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cropped-Gamers-Heroes-Site-Icon-32x32.jpg Nintendo Switch Reviews Archives - GamersHeroes https://www.gamersheroes.com/tag/nintendo-switch-reviews/ 32 32 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-5-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-5-review/#respond Wed, 12 Jul 2023 22:59:28 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=131817 New characters and courses have made their way to Nintendo’s long-running Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with Booster Course Pack Wave 5. With eight new tracks now on tap, should players kick the tires and light the fires once more?

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New characters and courses have made their way to Nintendo’s long-running Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with Booster Course Pack Wave 5. With eight new tracks now on tap, should players kick the tires and light the fires once more?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5 Review

As part of the new Feather Cup and Cherry Cup, eight new courses make their appearance as part of this DLC. However, these are more than just mere 1:1 ports; tracks from the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, and Nintendo Wii era have gotten a nice glow-up that really make them stand out from the days of post-punk and Razor scooters.

The shiny high-res coat of paint is just the start; the inclusion of different music in different sections, use of underwater, antigravity, and aerial sections, and additional tweaks to track layout have made sure classics like Moonview Highway and Daisy Cruiser are back and better than ever. Even the most “flat” Mode 7 style worlds have been given a new lease on life.

Wave 5 of the Booster Course Pass also includes a number of tracks from Mario Kart Tour that will whisk players away to Athens, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. Tributes to famous landmarks are present and accounted for, each a delight to traverse. Each lap features a different part of the track as well, making sure that things are fresh and dynamic as players check out hockey games and the Santa Monica Pier.

There’s also a newcomer track in this Booster Course Pass in the form of Squeaky Clean Sprint. Shrinking racers down into pint-sized versions, players will traverse a bathroom, going down the drain, flying over a toilet, and making sure they are so fresh and so clean (clean). There’s plenty of hazards to avoid, paraglider and anti-gravity segments, and other factors that make it a nice addition to the roster – even if there’s more water segments than one is used to.

This level of detail in Wave 5 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass also extends to its new characters. Made up of Kamek, Petey Piranha, and Wiggler and their own designated weight classes, each of these three has gotten the attention-to-detail that they so rightly deserve. From Kamek’s unique horn to Wiggler’s (rightly just) temper tantrums after being hit with a blue shell, it’s great to see the amount of polish on display.

However, not all is rosy in this release. Balance is still as skewed as ever, with an ungodly amount of items thrown by AI at players leading the pack. Much like previous waves, the perspective could use some work – some of the characters in the background and other areas aren’t quite up to scale.

Wave 5 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass provides a compelling case to come back nearly a decade after its vanilla release. Whether one wants to hit the town or the tub, there’s a little something for everybody here.

This review of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5 was done on the Nintendo Switch. The pass was purchased digitally.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 4 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4-review/#respond Sat, 11 Mar 2023 20:44:46 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=129272 Tracks from Mario Kart Tour, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and even Yoshi's Island make their appearance with Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Is this fourth go-around a victory lap, or is this pass losing steam?

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Tracks from Mario Kart Tour, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and even Yoshi’s Island make their appearance with Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Is this fourth go-around a victory lap, or is this pass losing steam?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 4

With dozens of tracks already released, Wave 4 has some mighty big shoes to fill. While most tracks are repeats of those in other entries, this release has some of the strongest tracks to date – suited for those from all walks of Mario Kart.

Want to tour the world? The stalls of Bangkok, the tulips of Amsterdam, and the sights of Singapore await. Got a thing for the rollicking antics of Waluigi? Mario Kart: Double Dash’s Waluigi Stadium makes its return from the GameCube days. Even tracks like Mario Kart: Super Circuit’s Riverside Park have received a noticeable glow-up to the point that they are barely even recognizable.

Much like previous packs, these tracks now feature flourishes like underwater segments, gliding portions, and even zero-g segments. It really changes things up, and helps tracks that are decades old feel fresh and new. Even graphical flourishes like forest canopies and snowstorms add a bit of HD flair to their SD origins.

Perhaps the biggest new addition to Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is the inclusion of a new track – Yoshi’s Island. Based off of the Super Nintendo game of the same name, this track transports players into a pastel world full of Shy Guys, Chain Chomps, and charm.

It’s not just for show either; this track has a number of twists and turns that will no doubt make it a fan favorite. Question cloud bubbles open up new paths, coins make sound effects similar to the platformer, and there are even different opening and closing jingles. It’s easy to tell that a fair amount of work went into this track to make it true to the original, and while it does not have the scribble design of the 16-bit platformer, it does more than enough to make a lasting impression.

Outside of these eight new tracks, Super Mario Bros. 2’s Birdo also makes an appearance. While this character is somewhat of an odd choice, this also promises a number of new characters in the form of question marks on the character select screen. What is present is most certainly welcome, but the promise of something more is the real showstopper.

Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is arguably the best to date, featuring serious glow-ups to fan favorites. The inclusion of the new Yoshi’s Island track would have been more than enough to steal the show, but the rest of its roster this go-around most certainly strives for greatness.

This review of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 4 was done on the Nintendo Switch. The pass was purchased digitally.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 4 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-review/#respond Sun, 11 Dec 2022 00:27:12 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=127657 International sights and throwback tracks await players with Wave 3 of Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Do these eight new tracks manage to impress, or should players stick with previous hits?

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International sights and throwback tracks await players with Wave 3 of Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Do these eight new tracks manage to impress, or should players stick with previous hits?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3

Much like Wave 1 and Wave 2 of the Booster Course Pass, tracks from Mario Kart Tour and previous entries make up the bulk of Wave 3’s selection. Most notably, London Loop and Berlin Byways make their console debut as part of the Rock Cup and Moon Cup.

In the case of the former, players will hit the UK as they race across the Tower Bridge and across the bustling British streets. The layout of each track changes every turn, with a ravenous Chain Chomp breaking free from his shackles as things progress. While we would have loved to climb the London Eye, we appreciate the variety on tap here.

The same can be said for Berlin Byways. Track layouts change every lap, and there are some unique twists on famous landmarks – expect to see some Thwomps and Whomps in the mix. The constant changes and sharp turns of this track take some getting used to, but those with the need for speed (especially at 200cc!) will enjoy this trip to Germany.

Perhaps the biggest addition to Wave 3 is the new track Merry Mountain. As we enter the holiday season, this timely track features snow, branching railways, zero-g segments, and plenty of places to get a much-needed boost. The craft and charm Nintendo are known for are on full display, bound to make a number of new fans in the process.

That’s not to say the other tracks in Wave 3 are slacking; just the opposite. Despite tracks from more than a decade ago making an appearance in these two cups, the team has spruced them up with a number of new elements. The glider and zero-g segments are alive and well here, not to mention the shiny coat of polish that brings tracks from as far back as the Game Boy Advance entry to the modern age. The choices here are somewhat odd, but still welcome nonetheless.

Despite all of their strengths, not everything is perfect as part of Wave 3. The perspective issue from previous tracks rears its ugly head once more, with toad and Yoshi characters magnitudes larger than the kart riders themselves. Graphical flourishes also fall a bit flat compared to the core pack of titles, with a softer palette compared to the detail of the core title.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be the definitive karting experience with Wave 3 of the Booster Course Pass. While there are some cut corners at spots, the twists, turns, and tweaks made to tracks old and new will be a hit at one’s next shindig.

This review of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3 was done on the Nintendo Switch. The pass was purchased digitally.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hope-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hope-review/#respond Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:00:25 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=125366 Four years after the first Mario + Rabbids, Ubisoft's Sparks of Hope is finally here. Is the sequel worth checking out, or is it more of the same?

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Four years after the first Mario + Rabbids, Ubisoft’s Sparks of Hope is finally here. Is the sequel worth checking out, or is it more of the same?

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Review

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope begins during a peaceful time in the Mushroom Kingdom. Unfortunately, Rabbid Mario has lost his overalls and it’s up to you to help find them. After you find them, the kingdom is invaded by a mysterious creature called Cursa. Cursa spreads Darkmess (yes, it is actually spelled that way) and covers the planet in it. Mario and a couple of Rabbids jump up to stop Cursa before being forced to retreat to the spaceship WM ARC.

Cursa has been spreading Darkmess all over the galaxy, and it is up to you to help the other planets. You start with Mario, Luigi, Peach, and their Rabbid counterparts. As you progress, you unlock more characters, such as Rabbid Rosalina and Bowser. The story is basic, but it is enough to keep everything moving.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope honest Review

Sparks of Hope is mostly broken up into two parts: combat and exploration. Combat is tactical, with each fight taking place on a separate map from the world map. You pick your character, enter the fight, and then have an objective to complete. The goals vary, but often boil down to killing all enemies, reaching a certain point, or destroying a particular boss or enemy type. The first 10 hours or so of this is fun, but it really starts to add up as you progress.

As far as I know, there is no auto-battle. You can make yourself invincible in the options, but you must manually fight all battles. Most of these fights take around 10 minutes, if not longer, on normal difficulty. Due to this, the battles really started wearing me out towards the last third of the game. You can avoid some by not doing side quests, but I had bosses that needed to be killed three times before the battle ended. That is way too much for a primary boss.

Combat itself is tactical and turn-based. You pick your character before the fight and then dive right in. Each character has different weapons and skills, like Mario’s dual pistols that can hit two different targets. Meanwhile, Luigi is a sniper that does more damage the further away he is from his target and Rabbid Peach’s heals are helpful in any fight you plan on taking damage in. While each character plays different, it isn’t enough to prevent combat from eventually dragging.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope honest game review

On top of the skills each unit has in battle, you also get Sparks. Sparks Rabbid Luma (the star-like creatures from Super Mario Galaxy) grant abilities and power-ups. You can only equip a certain amount to each character, but they can change the tide of most fights. For example, the fire Spark on Mario means that you shoot two fire shots instead of regular shots outside of your pistols. There are plenty of Sparks that improve combat abilities, allowing players to reflect damage and turn themselves invisible, among other perks.

Exploration is excellent, with plenty of puzzles, challenges, and secrets to be found. Each world has it’s own tokens to be collected, and you can exchange them for goodies at the item vendors. Most of the items you buy are just lore, but the vendors also have keys. These keys unlock each worlds’ secret areas, giving you a new challenge to overcome. If you don’t care about the secret areas, you can skip the side content and move to the next world.

Each world has its share of puzzles as well. Most of these are easy, but occasionally you’ll run into something that stumps you. It is a nice break from the combat, but ultimately most of them end in trial and error. One other bummer is the frame rate of worlds past the first one. The second world is nasty, but I had frame drops in the third and fourth world as well. The Nintendo Switch seems to be finding its limit.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope game Review

There is also a skill tree that allows you to somewhat customize your party. Most of the skills are more hp, more damage, or more movement. Each character can upgrade their skills as well. These skills are the prime reason to keep fighting and get the experience to level up. Eventually, I had Mario jumping into the air and shooting down on enemies to blow them away. It is fun a few times, but again the combat starts to drag on toward the end.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope improves on Kingdom Battle, but drags things out far too long near the end. Fans of the original – or tactical combat games in general – should still check it out.

This Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope review was done on the Nintendo Switch. A digital code was provided.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/the-house-of-the-dead-remake-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/the-house-of-the-dead-remake-review/#respond Sun, 10 Apr 2022 17:17:29 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=122192 The Curien Mansion opens its doors once again with the release of MegaPixel Studio and Forever Entertainment’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake. 90s kids are no doubt familiar with its shambling undead, but should the past stay buried?

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The Curien Mansion opens its doors once again with the release of MegaPixel Studio and Forever Entertainment’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake. 90s kids are no doubt familiar with its shambling undead, but should the past stay buried?

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake Review

With roots dating back to the arcade and SEGA Saturn, the plot in THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake is only deep enough to get the job done. As Thomas Rogan or Agent G, players must take down zombies, frogs, and things that go bump in the night as they set out to stop Dr. Curien and his evil plot.

However, there is one thing that’ll give these two an edge: some good ol’ fashioned firepower. This lightgun shooter gives players unlimited ammo as they shoot down threats, reloading when bullets start to run low. Shoot for the weak point, shoot fast, and try to make it out alive. Oh, and try to save the scientist hostages if you can.

It’s not a terribly deep title; one can polish it off in around 40 minutes. However, there are a few things to keep players blasting away. Alternate paths, multiple endings, and the chance to pick up some fine weaponry (including our favorite, the grenade launcher) exist. Still, this title appeals to a very specific type of player, so make sure to temper your expectations if you’re looking for something meatier. There is a horde mode, an in-game achievement system, and a gallery with unlockable monsters, but don’t expect a major epic.

The original was a classic for a reason, but the team couldn’t quite nail the same feeling on the Nintendo Switch. It’s not for a lack of trying; control schemes include a single Joy-Con mode, the ability to aim with the left or right analog stick, or even use the system’s gyroscope capabilities. However, nothing quite compares to the feeling of a lightgun, making the whole experience feel a bit lost in translation.

Unfortunately, this proves to not be the biggest sin of THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake; its overall presentation proves to be a pale imitation of the original. For one, the overhauled graphics are a significant downgrade; the low poly look of the 1996 original had its charm, but the remake strips any and all personality from the proceedings.

There was a serious lack of effort put into its presentation. The brown, washed out look, early Xbox 360 Unity asset characters, and pop in make the title feel more like an undergrad project than a remake of a classic. There’s even long loading times, something that a fast-paced action title should never, ever do. Even the music has been changed to something more akin to a funky mix you’d hear at a Spirit Halloween store – an odd choice.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake is an absolute disservice to the light gun classic. From the pop in to the loading times to the broken control scheme, this re-release would make even Dr. Curien cower in fear.

This review of THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake was done on the Nintendo Switch. The game was purchased digitally.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass – Wave 1 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1-review/#respond Sun, 27 Mar 2022 23:40:30 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=121751 Players will be able to hit the track once again with the release of Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass. Wave 1 of this collection brings with it eight tracks from the series’ rich history - does this opening lap set a good pace?

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Players will be able to hit the track once again with the release of Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass. Wave 1 of this collection brings with it eight tracks from the series’ rich history – does this opening lap set a good pace?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass – Wave 1 Review

To set expectations, those hoping to see some never-before-seen tracks should lower their expectations; Wave 1 of the Booster Course Pass only features tracks from previous entries.

This isn’t bad in and of itself. Both the Golden Dash Cup and the Lucky Cat Cup feature tracks that hail from multiple titles; those weaned on the 64 bit adventures of Mario Kart 64 will be happy to see Choco Mountain make its return, while Wii aficionados will enjoy a return visit to Mario Kart Wii’s Coconut Mall.

While the choice of tracks all comes down to a matter of taste, those that are included now feature a number of new bells and whistles. It’s not just cosmetic, either (though that certainly helps); players can make use of their paraglider at opportune spots and can hit hills at the right time for an extra boost of speed. It’s not much, but it does get these tracks up to speed with the current standards.

However, arguably the biggest addition to Wave 1 of the Booster Course Pass are the three tracks from the mobile Mario Kart Tour. With Tokyo Blur, Paris Promenade, and Ninja Hideaway not appearing in any console or portable entry, these tracks from the Android and iOS title will no doubt be fresh with a controller as opposed to touchscreen.

Just note that each track varies on quality. Tokyo Blur’s multiple routes through the land of the rising sun have merit, but the biggest threat in this course are the random thwomps – nothing too out of the ordinary. Paris Promenade jaunt to France fares better, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and a reverse jaunt in the final lap. However, Ninja Hideaway (above) is the real star of the show; this multi-tiered level features air gusts, sharp turns, and falling traps.

It’s just a shame that there are some questionable design choices throughout the lot. There are certainly some cut corners in these tracks; sizing is an issue (we’ve never seen a Yoshi that large), landscapes like grass lack texture, and select crowds on tracks like the Toad Circuit are flatter than a board. There’s still some nice graphical flourishes, but one quickly gets the feeling that a bit more polish would have gone a long way.

Also worth noting is that Wave 1 just comes with the eight tracks; no additional racers are included. While we one day wish to see F-Zero’s Captain Falcon hit the track as a cameo racer, today is not that day.

Wave 1 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass breathes new life into the multiplayer favorite, adding some of the series’ best hits. While there are some noticeably cut corners in this inaugural launch, we’re eager to hit these streets at our next shindig.

This review of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass – Wave 1 was done on the Nintendo Switch. The pass was purchased digitally.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass – Wave 1 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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Moto Roader MC Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/moto-roader-mc-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/moto-roader-mc-review/#respond Sun, 06 Mar 2022 18:21:06 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=121108 An exceptionally deep cut in the world of gaming, the 1992 PC-Engine cult classic Moto Roader series is back on the track 30 years later with the release of Ratalaika Games’ Moto Roader MC. Does this pint-sized arcade racer have what it takes to make an impact today, or are its pixels starting to show their age?

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An exceptionally deep cut in the world of gaming, the 1992 PC-Engine cult classic Moto Roader series is back on the track 30 years later with the release of Ratalaika Games’ Moto Roader MC. Does this pint-sized arcade racer have what it takes to make an impact today, or are its pixels starting to show their age?

Moto Roader MC Review

The top-down antics of Moto Roader MC are easy to grasp, yet surprisingly difficult to master. You and four other racers must make nine laps around its single screen world, braving its world of speed boosts, sharp turns, and dead-ends to make it to the top. Handling errs on the side of slippery, and sabotage is an absolute must.

Those weaned on the micro antics of Micro Machines will know what to expect here, but one must think even smaller with Moto Roader MC. The cars take up so little real estate on the screen that it can be hard to even see where you are. This is far from the most colorful game around, but losing your wheels amidst the chaos is more common than you think.

In addition, it can be tricky to get the control down just right. One can go forward or in reverse and can change the style of turning, but it often feels like the cars are on ice. As a result, there is a bit of a counterintuitive learning curve. This is far from a deal breaker, but don’t be surprised when you’re playing dead last in the first handful of races.

It’s just a shame that this small perspective leads to small excitement. Whether one is racing in the Circuit, City, Nature, Marchen, or Special tracks, things quickly begin to blend together after some time. There are some unique maps in the lot, including a dungeon with teleporting paths and a sky castle with a runaway penguin. However, for every monkey there is just another fairly standard track that goes around in a circle – a dire case when there’s only 25 tracks in all.

Ultimately, that’s Moto Roader MC’s biggest problem – it lacks legs. Each race takes an average of a minute to complete, and there’s little to do outside of its main modes. There is the chance to earn driver points in its main mode (much like the system found in Mario Kart) or take on the average time trial, but most everyone will see everything on tap in a little over an hour.

Outside of the chance to adjust how cars collide and how slippery things are, Moto Roader MC also has a Omake mode. A soccer-based car mode (eat your heart out, Rocket League), players can either go one on one or two on two in an attempt to score enough goals in a set amount of time. There’s little variety to these bouts, and even the three different map layouts aren’t enough to make things stand out.

The pint-sized action of Moto Roader MC is too small for its own good. The almighty Micro Machines have cornered the market on pint-sized thrills, and this single screen racer doesn’t do enough to dethrone the king.

This review of Moto Roader MC was done on the Nintendo Switch. The game was purchased digitally.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

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Clockwork Aquario Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/clockwork-aquario-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/clockwork-aquario-review/#respond Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:25:23 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=118193 After a record-breaking delay (even beating out Duke Nukem Forever), ININ Games, Strictly Limited games, and Westone have released the arcade title Clockwork Aquario to the masses. Should players set forth in its fantasy world, or should the past stay buried?

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After a record-breaking delay (even beating out Duke Nukem Forever), ININ Games, Strictly Limited games, and Westone have released the arcade title Clockwork Aquario to the masses. Should players set forth in its fantasy world, or should the past stay buried?

Clockwork Aquario Review

Something fishy is happening in the oceanic world of Aquario – the evil Dr. Hangyo is plotting something evil, and it’s up to the green-haired Huck Londo, the pink-haired Elle Moon, and the robot Gush to go out and save the day. Using their platforming skills, players will traverse factories, submarines, and rainbow paradises in an effort to do what is right and fight what is wrong.

However, this heroic trio possesses a unique ability – they can stun enemies and throw them at others. By jumping or punching the right enemies, they will turn a shade of blue that will then allow them to be picked up. From there, players can chuck them in a straight line to other unsuspecting foes.

This works in the early stages when there’s just a few enemies on the screen. Taking on one of the bigger baddies to get a key to unlock the next segment of this side-scroller works as it should. However, boss battles and later stages can be an absolute cluster with multiple threats on the screen at any given time. When there’s boxing gloves, fire, and other baddies to contend with, trying to stun a foe and getting a clear shot is an exercise in futility. Its arcade roots shine though, and those roots demand quarters.

As a result, most players will likely cheese through the tougher segments by making it a DPS battle. By mashing on the punch button for bosses and minibosses, one can get through much of the game just fine. It’s unfortunate that things come to this, but it’s one of those times where the simplest strategy is the one that works. When all else fails, there’s additional power-ups that can be picked up that launch a bevy of stars and can turn the tides quite quickly.

One can also get by through its platforming action. There aren’t a lot of platforms in this platformer, but Clockwork Aquario does have a lot of balloons and baddies to bounce off of. Timing multiple jumps at any given time nets additional points, and there’s plenty of green fish balloons that are just ripe for popping. You don’t get additional height for holding down a button, but the gesture is still appreciated nonetheless.

It’s just a shame that this title is over before it even begins. While it was primarily designed as an arcade title, most players can wrap it up in around 20 minutes. Finishing the game unlocks an arcade mode that has modifiers, but even then it is largely the same game. There’s also a minigame that can be unlocked, but it has little staying power.

Outside of that, there’s little here to keep players captivated. There’s a gallery with 25 items, multiple difficulty settings that give players a set amount of credits, and a soundtrack mode, but these can be wrapped up fairly quickly.

The arcade roots of Clockwork Aquario are proudly on display – for better or worse. While it proves to be a fun side-scrolling romp, it is also far too cheap and short for its own good. This time capsule is still worth a go, but even the staunchest side-scrolling fan should be aware of what they’re getting into.

This review of Clockwork Aquario was done on the Nintendo Switch. The game was purchased digitally.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Clockwork Aquario Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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Shin Megami Tensei 5 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/shin-megami-tensei-5-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/shin-megami-tensei-5-review/#respond Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:32:44 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=117307 Announced back in 2017, Atlus West's Shin Megami Tensei 5 is finally here after being MIA for a while. Was the wait worth it, or should you keep your expectations in check? Check out our review and find out.

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Announced back in 2017, Atlus West’s Shin Megami Tensei 5 is finally here after being MIA for a while. Was the wait worth it, or should you keep your expectations in check? Check out our review and find out.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 Review

Shin Megami Tensei 5 follows the story of an average high schooler, who has just finished up class. With rumors of monster attacks in the air, you go home with your friends. However, you run into a band of demons in a tunner and get knocked unconscious. Once you come to, you find out that the world is now in shambles. It almost seems like some colossal battle happened while you were out of it.

Not only has the city been completely destroyed, but demons now roam the area. Luckily for you, a demon has merged with you to help you survive this nightmare. You also see one of your classmates taken by an angel, so you figure you should help out. You set out to fight your way through this wasteland, trying to figure out what exactly happened while searching for allies. A battle has occurred between angels and demons, with the world was left in this current state. It’s up to players to set out and fix it all.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 Honest game Review

You won’t be able to do this alone, as demons now haunt the world. As a demon yourself (well, at least half a demon), you get the chance to recruit some as allies. If you played Persona 5, it is very similar. You chat to a demon, and then they ask you a series of questions. Answer right, and you can recruit them for a price. Answer wrong, and they attack or leave. While it is simple, you can’t recruit bosses or above your level, meaning you can’t get overpowered quickly.

Combat itself is turn-based, with a heavy emphasis on targeting weak points and using buffs and debuffs. This game is challenging; you can’t just spam attack and win. If you manage to hit an enemy’s weak spot, you get an additional action per round. This means that you will get to go more often and maybe get out of the fight untouched. However, if the enemies hit your weakness (which they often do), they gain extra actions and kill you. Shin Megami Tensei 5 is one of those games where the main character dying is game over, even if your pixie has a resurrection skill. Be sure to save often.

Another issue I have with its combat comes with its bosses. I expect damage sponge bosses at some point, but they are constant here. Even hitting the boss’s weak spot feels like you are doing nothing. It does make the boss fights more intense, but you could also split the difference somehow. As for trash fights, you can always have your character do auto-combat. When you select auto-battle, all your characters use the attack option. I don’t mean they attack with spells; I mean they use the action attack, no matter what. I tested it against enemies resistant to physical attacks earlier, and sure enough, they just keep auto-attacking. To be honest, I’m not even sure why they added it.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 Honest Review

The world is open, but it is not an open world. You can move around the area and take a few off-beaten paths, but nothing insane. You can find side quests, find Miman, get old-world relics, and beat optional side bosses. Side quests are all pretty generic, but give out a good amount of experience points. Miman is this game’s collectible, and they are little demons that provide you with glory (more on that in a moment). Old vending machines and chests will give you relics you can sell. Giant demons roam the area, and killing them gives you nice EXP boosts and items. There are also demon abscesses in the world.

These abscesses are like cancer in the world, and you have to close them. They act as demon gates and spawn more and more demons. The demons near the abscesses cannot be recruited and fight harder than the rest. A semi-powerful demon protects each gate, and beating them will close the abscess. The map will become more transparent, and you will see quests and other icons that might have been blocked off by the demon’s presence before.

Now for the pièce de résistance, the pinnacle of Shin Megami Tensei 5: The demon fusion system. Recruiting is fun, but you recruit because you want to fuse. It works just as well as you’d expect. Combining two demons is easy and will show you the outcome. You can also see the other potential fusions, making it easier to find what you want. The special fusions have returned as well. Completing them will net you a strong demon like the level 18 High Pixie or the level 37 Sukuna-Hikona. Then there is the essence fusion.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 game Review

As you level your demons, they will sometimes give you demons essence (you can buy it later). Using the essence allows you to learn the moves of that demon on yourself or any other demon. This becomes a vital part of raising up new demons later in the game. To help you learn more moves, you can spend the glory you get from Miman are chests in the world. As a result, you can learn to hold more demons, get more moves out of fusion, reduce the price of recruiting demons and many other buffs. It is a smart system too, as it keeps you exploring and hunting for extra glory.

Unfortunately, it is worth noting that the distance between the PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X and Switch is getting laughable. It’s not the quality of the game; rather, the worse graphics, choppy framerates, long load times, and screen tears are much more noticeable on the Switch. This game has been in development for who knows how long and is still choppy in the overworld. I also feel like if they put as much effort into making the hair sway like a cape as they did making it run smooth, this game would be much better.

While Shin Megami Tensei 5 is rough around the edges, fans of the series will be satisfied. However, newcomers to the series and those not impressed by the previous entries best approach with caution.

This review of Shin Megami Tensei 5 was done on the Nintendo Switch. A digital code was provided by the publisher.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

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Minigolf Adventure Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/minigolf-adventure-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/minigolf-adventure-review/#respond Thu, 28 Oct 2021 12:34:58 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=117044 With its pint-sized courses, colorful balls, and crazy obstacles, the world of minigolf knows no borders and no race. For those who don’t have a course near them, Revulo Games hopes to bridge the gap with their portable-friendly rendition Minigolf Adventure. Unfortunately, this release proves to be a poor substitution for the real deal.

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With its pint-sized courses, colorful balls, and crazy obstacles, the world of minigolf knows no borders and no race. For those who don’t have a course near them, Revulo Games hopes to bridge the gap with their portable-friendly rendition Minigolf Adventure. Unfortunately, this release proves to be a poor substitution for the real deal.

Minigolf Adventure Review

Those who have hit more traditional fairways will find the world of Minigolf Adventure a bit more relaxed. Courses are much smaller, par counts are high, and even the holes have been super-sized. While the objective is still the same – get the ball into the hole in the opposite end of the course – it is boiled down to its most basic elements.

The control scheme found here has been streamlined as well. After choosing the proper camera angle, one can aim their ball in the direction they want to go and keep their eye on the power meter. As it rises and falls in power, players choose the moment they want it to stop and then follow through with their stroke. No need to worry about a three-click meter like Everybody’s Golf, or even a two-click system like Mario Golf: Super Rush – this system is simple at its core. Sounds straightforward enough, right?

While the core gameplay elements get the job done in Minigolf Adventure, it’s the broken physics that make it incredibly tough to swallow. Each ball feels like it’s a lead weight, barely getting any sort of momentum when rolling along. Looking to bounce against a wall to get the perfect shot? Nope, that’s not going to happen; instead it will more or less stop in its tracks the moment you hit an obstacle. Hills seem to do fine, but anything beyond that will prove to be an exercise in futility.

Things are made that much trickier with its force field system. In select levels, there are different fields that have magnetic properties, increased friction, or constant force in a different direction. What was already proving to be a difficult matter is made that much worse with these elements in play.

Unfortunately, they do little to break up the overall monotony of the title. Worlds are uninspired “Forest,” “Frozen,” and “Desert” motifs, with a set number of holes each. Unlike those that pay a visit to their local Scandia or Golfland (California residents know the ones), there’s fewer obstacles at play. While it would have been fun to see a giant castle, windmill, or dragon pop up, there’s nothing to speak of outside of the occasional wall. It’s a huge missed opportunity, and it prevents Minigolf Adventure from having any sort of personality.

With each hole in its Arcade Mode, players are tasked with collecting a set amount of diamonds before sinking their shot. Each hole is ranked from one to three stars, with additional stars unlocking different colored balls outside of the lowly default white ball – even 8-balls and soccer balls make their appearance. It doesn’t do much to alleviate the tedium of it all, but it is still appreciated nonetheless.

Outside of the main Arcade Mode, players can also dive into Quick Play that has no additional rules, High Score that focuses on maintaining less time and fewer shots, a Hot Seat mode that is turn-based, and a Race mode that has people playing speed golf. One is limited by the course selection from Arcade Mode, but there is still a fair amount of options to choose from nonetheless.

You would think a game about minigolf would have a competent physics system, but Minigolf Adventure makes every last ball feel like a lead weight. It’s simply not fun to play, and no amount of variety can change its poor fundamentals.

This review of Minigolf Adventure was done on the Nintendo Switch. The game was purchased digitally.
Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?
The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?
Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?
Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Minigolf Adventure Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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