Switchlist and buying plans

[Nester the Lark]

Today is the Switch's second anniversary. Looking back, I don't think I expected it to be quite as successful as it has been. I figured it would probably do better than the Wii U, but I underestimated the appeal a hybrid console/handheld game system would have for most people. I certainly didn't expect it be doing Wii-levels of business, let alone having the added bonus of people actually buying tons of software for it, but here we are.

And as of now, what game-buying plans do I have for the beginning of the Switch's (crucial?) third year? Let's take a look...

Planned Buys:

Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Given that I've been on a Fire Emblem kick for the past few months, and that I actually own the system it's appearing on, how can I not be there for the latest entry? Although, I have to admit, I'm still trying to wrap my head around exactly what it's going for, and how it'll affect the typical gameplay. I fear it may lose some of the things I find appealing in the other games.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
I'll be honest, I'm not quite as hyped for this as I expected to be. At the same time, I think about how long it's been since the last true "Iga-vania" (Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia came out in 2008), and the thought of finally getting a new game from Koji Igarashi gives me a warm feeling.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition
There hasn't been much news on this since its announcement, but I'm still looking forward to revisiting FFCC and seeing what new content (if any) is in it. The online mode, alone, should be worth it since it'll be the first time I can play the game in multiplayer the way it was (kinda) intended.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
I think I'm sold on this game mainly because it'll provide me a Zelda fix. As I've mentioned before, I'm less interested in the handheld Zelda games than I am the main console games, but what happens when you take a handheld Zelda game a make a console version of it? We'll find out. I do hope it has some new content or gameplay in it rather than just being the same game with fancier graphics and sound.

Probably Buys:

Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy!
This is due out in less than a few weeks. I've been interested in trying a roguelike (or "rogue-lite," in this case), and this seems like a good opportunity. Also, am I interested partly due to Toshiyuki Itahana's adorable character designs? ...Maybe.

Looking At:

Yoshi's Crafted World
I hate to say it, but this game has been downgraded from a "probably buy" to a "looking at" because of the demo. The addition of a third dimension where you walk/throw eggs into and away from the screen didn't actually appeal to me that much. I may still get it at some point, but it's a low priority right now.

Astral Chain
I'm very curious about this game, but I need to learn a little more about it. But to be honest, what's holding me back from being more excited is Hideki Kamiya's involvement. I've been a bit put off from him lately because of his poor attitude on twitter. I used to think of it as just his shtick, but now I see that it's more than that. Maybe it's a little petty on my part, but if I can't play a game he worked on without thinking about it, it'll affect my enjoyment. (Ditto for Bayonetta 3, etc.)

Rune Factory 4 Special
This is mainly curiosity on my part. I've never played a Story of Seasons game (or as it was previously known, Harvest Moon, but separate from the current series known as Harvest Moon), but as a spin-off, Rune Factory basically adds combat and dungeons. Sounds fun and looks cute. This could be something new for me to get into.

Hoping For:

Samurai Shodown
As of this posting, there's no official word on platforms for the long-awaited return of the SamSho series. Switch is rumored, but PS4 is really the only thing that can be counted on since the game was revealed at a PlayStation event. We should (hopefully) know more in the near future, but my suspicion is that they're still trying to figure out if they can even get it to run well on Switch.

EDIT:
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
I initially didn't include this because it's coming out on PS4 in Japan this year, and likely won't get an Enligh localization until next year, let alone a Switch port. But I do hope that Nippon Ichi does eventually give us one like they did Ys VIII. There may be more technical hurdles, however, since Ys IX is being developed natively for PS4, and isn't just an upgraded Vita port.

[nocturnal YL]

I was actually thinking of making a sort of review for the first 2 years of Switch (well, first 1½ years of me having a Switch), but I'm in the middle of Nelke and I can't review a 40%-done game.

Been talking about mine elsewhere, so I'll leave out details. Anything's not mentioned are either something I'm not thinking about or they're low in priority. Also no speculative wishes since I covered those not long ago. And my mind can change and I'm not very consistent.

Announced game	Rating	Remarks
Rune Factory 4 SPECIAL / 5	★★	Also curiosity on my part
Fire Emblem: Three Houses	★★★★★	Well, it's Fire Emblem
ASTRAL CHAIN	★★	Looks good, but, yeah, Kamiya (also don't like Platinum's loud fans)
Luigi's Mansion 3	★★★★★	I'm so glad to see LM on Switch
Jinrui no Minisama e	★★★	Nippon Ichi's new nichijou-kei survival game, sounds interesting

Don't know about Ys IX myself. Ys VIII being all good until the very end left a… complicated impression on me. Maybe I'll watch the ending before deciding. And if I do say yes, there's the dilemma of getting it on PS4 or wait and see if it will get ported.

EDIT — Oh yeah, forgot Dead or School and Super Mario Maker 2. I'll need further research (possibly post-release info) before I determine whether to get those.

EDIT 2 — Removed games I'm sure I won't bother with (Yoshi's Crafted World and Bloodstained for their use of Unreal Engine, and Summer Pockets for seemingly being just another generic romantic visual novel). Also, I already bought Trials Rising and Atelier Lulua.

[Evie the Mother Hen ❤✿]

Wish-list ✿:

Giga Wrecker Alt
TOWN
Arcade Archives: Balloon Fight
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! (which I believe is currently out on EU eShop(?))
Pokémon Sword and Shield

[Nester the Lark]

Time for an update now that E3 is over.

High Priority:

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition

I'm a little concerned about the extended dev time. Hopefully that means it's just getting a lot of polish, and not that it's having issues.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

I'm quite looking forward to getting into a Fire Emblem game again, especially now that I've seen more of the actual gameplay. One of my most anticipated games right now.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Not sure how I'll actually feel about this game, to be honest, but I've turned into a Zelda fanboy.

Panzer Dragoon

I've always wanted to get into this series. This is a great opportunity, especially in lieu of a new Sin & Punishment or Star Fox game on the Switch. Hopefully it turns out well.

Rune Factory 4 Special

Somehow, this has bubbled up from mild curiosity to one of my most anticipated games.

Samurai Shodown

Hopefully this will be a good port, and that Switch owners will get the opportunity for a free season pass like everyone else.

Mid Priority:

Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories

Just found out about this being localized, but it has my attention.

SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions

I'm undecided about whether I should get this or one of the older games (Romancing SaGa 2 or 3), but I feel like a more modern game might be the way to go.

Samurai Shodown Neo Geo Collection

I already have the old SamSho collection on Wii, so I have most of the games covered. This would be more of a "support SNK on Switch" kind of purchase.

Low Priority:

Astral Chain

Looks cool, but there are other games I'd rather spend my time and money on at this point. Still, I'm keeping an eye on it.

Daemon X Machina

Ditto.

Romancing SaGa 3

I may still opt for this over Scarlet Grace. But the SaGa series isn't super high priority for me right now.

Hoping For:

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

Still hoping for a Switch port of this.

Ys: Memories of Celceta

Hoping for this, also, since there's a PS4 port in development. But it would be up to Xseed, and so far, they don't do Switch ports of Falcom games.

Not Listed:

- Games that are already out.

- Games that are a good ways off. (Breath of the Wild 2, R-Type Final 2, etc.)

- Smaller DLC games (Sega Ages: Thunder Force AC, etc.)

- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, because it's just about to come out on Switch as I post this. (Hope it's a decent port.)

[nocturnal YL]

I have enough new games to look forward to now, so here's my renewed list. It's getting quite big this time.

Will definitely buy:

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA MEGA39's (early 2020, so it won't be soon)
Waited for a whole year for any kind of news at all that's more than just EXTRA EXTREME charts and Snow Miku modules. There are only 10 new songs (one of which being made specifically for this game, which means that game theme songs are finally back after FT not getting one), and they're also available as Future Tone DLC, but there are also (unannounced) features exclusive to MEGA39's.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses
I kept getting less worried about this new game as more information gets released. I'm not expecting I'll like it as much as Radiant Dawn, but it's looking better now compared to what we knew pre-E3.

Atelier Ryza: The Queen of Eternal Darkness and the Secret Hideout
This is a completely new story, but I think I can trust it to not betray my expectations. Pre-release information shows that Atelier Ryza will try new things in gameplay terms, but the story still feels like something I'll like.

Atelier Rorona DX / Atelier Totori DX / Atelier Meruru DX
Actually, I've already ordered these, pending delivery. I don't know if I'll dig deep into those at all, but I like the prospect of looking at my Switch system menu and find seven Atelier games in it. I heard praises about Rorona being revolutionary, Totori having great story, and Meruru being good gameplay-wise (and… a story that's not so good), so I do look forward to playing those whenever I'm free from other games.

Luigi's Mansion 3
Solid release date please. I'm already sold.

Maybe:

Jinrui no Minasama e (To All of Mankind)
Heard lots of bad things about this game. It has a good story (from what I've heard, it's very light-hearted, with no dark elements for the most part) and good music, but terrible graphics and the survival aspect feels like it's completely optional, and the game lasts only 10 to 12 hours. I'll have to check its prices first, since as it currently stands, it's too expensive for my taste. What's with Nippon Ichi and their overpriced, short games? (This one is developed by Acquire, but still.)

Super Mario Maker 2
Maybe I will get it, after all. The user-created courses look good so far, and appears that it's less likelier to run into bad courses than in Super Mario Maker 1.

Rune Factory 4 SPECIAL / Rune Factory 5
I think I've heard enough about Rune Factory 4. The rest would be "buy now, complain later" for me. I'm the type to need a certain amount of convincing to get a game, but once I'm past that I'd stop actively getting further pre-release information.

[Nester the Lark]

It's been more than a year since I've updated my list, and I haven't been able to get everything I was interested in, so I'm gonna keep this simple.

Samurai Shodown Neo Geo Collection
Still haven't gotten the new one. Looks like I missed my chance at a physical copy. As of now, I don't know if the Neo Geo Collection will be physical or only digital. (EDIT: There is a physical edition coming from Limited Run Games, but it's insanely expensive for some reason.)

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition
This has been a long time coming, but it's finally almost here. *fingers crossed* I hope it sells well so that Square Enix will make a new one.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
Woo hoo! It's officially happening!

Impressions I've seen of the Japanese version have generally said it's good, although not quite as good as Ys VIII. Nonetheless, I'm really excited for a new Ys, and happy that it's coming to Switch!

R-Type Final 2
Updates for this have been few and far between, so I have no idea how it's progressing. I just hope the Switch version isn't terrible (a la Disaster Report 4).

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel
I think this game is further off than a lot of people think. Just because Nintendo showed a trailer announcing it was "in development" doesn't mean it's coming out within a year. So, I think it's likely a 2022 release, maybe late 2021. (About five years between major Zelda games is normal.)

Feb 22, 2017 0:31:13 GMT -5 Nester the Lark said:

I'd like to see support from companies like SNK and Falcom. (Extremely unlikely, of course, but as long as we're dreaming...)

I'm still amazed that I made this comment before the Switch came out thinking it was a long shot at best, but the Switch is basically getting full support from both companies.

Just to muse on it a bit:

ACA Neo Geo games were being released from the launch of the system, and they include probably most of SNK's games for the platform. Maybe it's not fair to consider these since they were released by Hamster, but they apparently sold extremely well, and may have influenced SNK to throw their weight behind the platform properly. To that end, the Switch has gotten SNK Heroines, SNK 40th Anniversary Collection, and Samurai Shodown, with the SamSho Neo Geo Collection on the way, and possibly a new Metal Slug. I won't hold my breath for King of Fighters XV, but I suppose it's not impossible. Then, of course, there are the Neo Geo Pocket Color games, which are exclusive to Switch.

As for Falcom, they're not supporting Switch directly, but NIS America has been going full ham on having their more recent games ported: Ys VIII and Trails of Cold Steel III are available now, with Cold Steel IV and Ys IX on the way. And while this doesn't really count, Namco Museum Archives Vol. 2 includes Legacy of the Wizard, which was the NES port of Falcom's Dragon Slayer IV: Drasle Family. So, that's one more.

EDIT: And now Ys Origin is officially coming to Switch from DotEmu!

[nocturnal YL]

I ordered* some hardware (a capture device and a controller converter) and a few titles via Amazon JP: Ys Origin, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, and Puyo Puyo Tetris 2. It's actually cheaper than going to physical shops, despite Amazon involves international shipping.

* Not yet paid; Amazon doesn't charge until right before actually shipping.

No Atelier Ryza 2 because I underestimated its demand and now it's out of stock. Shouldn't really matter if I don't particularly care about its preorder bonuses. Amazon reviews aren't too kind to the game ("too fanserivce-y", "too easy", "exploration not rewarding enough", "item synthesis does not feel free as Ryza 1").

Don't really have a strong wishlist right now. Maybe Famicom Detective Club depending on how that turns out, and maaaaybe Surge Concerto DX. But these have a lower priority than what I bought.

[Nester the Lark]

^ I got Ys Origin, also, but since it's a game I've played before, I thought I would save it for a rainy day.

My wishlist hasn't changed much, and I don't seem to stick to it very closely anyway. I am still considering Rune Factory, although I missed getting RF4S on sale a week or so ago. (It could go on sale again before the holidays are over.) Also, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Maybe even Atelier Ayesha for the right price, but the Atelier games hardly ever seem to go on sale.

Funny story: When Rune Factory 4 Special came out in North America, Xseed offered the DLC for free for the first week or so. I found out that it was possible to download the DLC even if you didn't own the main game, so I got it hoping I'd still be able to use it if I ever did buy the game. It's been sitting on my Switch ever since.

[Nester the Lark]

It's a new year, so time to update my list.

Aside from my current, short list (R-Type Final 2, Ys IX, Breath of the Wild sequel), I've got two more games on my radar now:

Ghosts 'n Goblins: Resurrection - I'm happy to see this series return! I'm still not sure how I feel about the paper cutout-style of graphics, but I do have admit it's much better than generic 2.5D.

And yes, I know I'll probably have to beat the game twice to see the true ending, but you know what? Bring it on!

Monster Hunter Rise - I've gotten increasingly curious about Monster Hunter in recent months, but then I saw a video showing how you can high-five your cat-buddy-thing, and it basically sold me the game.



Seriously, though, I actually started to get more interested while playing Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition. I really enjoyed being able to team up with other players online to go dungeon crawling, and I thought "Isn't that similar to Monster Hunter (except less dungeon crawling and more monster hunting)?" I'll definitely be trying the demo that's supposed to be coming out this month.

Also, it's interesting that both of these games are from Capcom. I've rarely bought anything from them in the last several years. (Just the Beat 'Em Up Bundle, I think.)