All posts tagged in Nintendo Switch
Mar 19, 2020
The adorable Summer In Mara features farming, crafting and living the island life!
Summer In Mara is a super cute indie game that I have had my eye on for some time now. You play as a adventurous young girl that lives on a beautiful tropical island. Explore the expansive world around you, do some farming, and help to make your little slice of heaven just that much better.
What is Summer In Mara?
With more than 300 quests to complete, you will certainly do your part to help better the island. The open world around you features over 20 islands to explore, with many friends to meet along the way.
You will even be able to customize your very own island! Build your houses where you want, craft everything you need to have a functioning town, or fill the whole thing with farmland, it is all up to you. There is even a day and night cycle, and weather effects that impact the world around you.
Indie World Showcase
At this yeas Indie World Showcase, Summer In Mara had its own time slot that gave us a look at how far the game has come in development. You can clearly see just how much love and devotion has gone into making this one epic indie game that won’t be overlooked.
For more information about Summer In Mara, you can check out the new page for the game on the official Nintendo website. This title will be a timed exclusive for the Nintendo Switch, and releases in Spring this year.
For more great indie games like Summer in Mara, check out my coverage of The Good Life.
- Mar 18, 2020
Earlier this year, My Potato Games posted an article about the exciting upcoming action-adventure RPG that is Baldo. The developers of Baldo are an Italian indie games studio (NAPS Team) consisting of just two people. Busy working on the game, the small studio weren’t able to post frequent updates. Some people were frustrated by this, and some forgot all about the game. However, NAPS Team hadn’t forgotten about us. It was a pleasant surprise to see gameplay footage of Baldo in yesterday’s (17/03/20) Nintendo Switch Indie World Showcase, where Baldo was easily the highlight. But that’s not the most exciting part. We now have a release window of August 2020, when the game will be released digitally as a Nintendo Switch Timed Exclusive (essentially meaning that it will be a limited edition game).
About:
Baldo is a Zelda-inspired action-adventure RPG game with a cel-shaded art style. Many people have compared the game’s art style and vibes to that of Studio Ghibli and Ni No Kuni.
Announcement Trailer:
There isn’t a huge amount of information about Baldo available. However, the following Nintendo announcement trailer, shows that in-game action is top-down, but that the game’s pseudo-realistic backgrounds are 3D.
The description beneath the game’s announcement trailer says the following:
‘The prophecy came true, the pure child is born. The no heart creature sealed in the underworld by the wise owls is about to rise again. The game is set in the world of Rodia, a journey into a magical land full of mysteries to discover. Baldo is an action adventure rpg, full of puzzles and intricate dungeons to solve. Traveling around the world, Baldo will interact with many weird and funny characters scattered everywhere, to complete the main story quest and many other side quests. You’ll travel into an open world map discovering new towns and people, fighting enemies, locating hidden temples and collecting objects to get new weapons or items to use.’
Nindies Showcase Trailer:
In yesterday’s Baldo trailer, we got a short summary from the game’s actual art director of what Baldo is all about. With NAPS Team “Being fans of all great action-adventure RPG’s and of iconic Japanese anime”, they had always had a “dream to create something that unified those two things”. The Indie studio “wanted a game that would be a journey to a magical world full of fantastic characters, complex dungeons to face and puzzles to solve”.
The cost of the game has not yet been announced, but will likely be specified on the game’s Nintendo page in due course.
- Mar 16, 2020
It’s no secret that us Animal Crossing fans have been getting incredibly excited by even the smallest of details and quirks that are to be expected in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This is why I recently published an article on some great examples of attention to detail in New Horizons. However, it seems that Nintendo have really pulled out the stops and made the wait for the game truly worthwhile!
Despite the release date being less than a week away, Nintendo are still showing us how truly detailed the game will be. And so here’s even MORE great examples of attention to detail in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
On The Rocks
It’s a well-known fact that you can place most items almost anywhere outdoors on your island. But did you know that you can also place furniture on the large rocks by the beach. Meaning players can experience true paradise and have a drink on the rocks, literally on the rocks.
New Shows Will Play On TV Sets
Previous games have had TV shows (which are essentially rotating slideshows with random sounds, but hey) playing on TV sets. New Horizons will also have this feature with a variety of new
slideshowsTV shows to watch. Let’s just hope that the bizarre 3:33am alien broadcast from New Leaf doesn’t return.. If you’re interested in the sorts of ‘shows’ watchable in previous games and when they air, you can read more here.
Portable Radio Has An Authentic Sound Quality
At the start of the game, Mr. Nook provides players with a tent. Inside the tent he has also generously provided (his version of) a ‘few essential items’. These items include a camp bed, a lantern, and a portable radio which will play random music for you. Unfortunately, it also has a more authentic sound quality than in previous games and music will sound slightly fuzzy. I say we bring back the dump..
Design Variations In Clothing
In New Horizons there will be variations in items of clothing. For example, the Kids’ Smock has variations in the form of coloured frogs on the smock’s chest. Fun fact: the frog seen on the Kids’ Smock is the same frog you see when composing your town tune. Other clothing items with variations in colour include the superhero suits, stripy shirts, the princess dresses and many more. With these variations, players can now express themselves much more freely. Additionally, with so much choice, you can avoid those awkward moments where you and your friends are dressed identically!
Items Animate More Realistically
In previous games, pushing an item would just sort of shuffle it in the direction that you push it. In New Horizons, however, items will animate much more smoothly and realistically. For example, if you push an item like the pushcart, the wheels on it will rotate as the cart is moved.
A Variety Of Boxes
Maybe not the most exciting example on this list, but it definitely shows attention to detail. A recent Japanese commercial showcases a pile of boxes that vary in both size and style. One of the boxes has a wine glass image on it (which usually indicates breakable contents are inside). Another box has gaps at each end acting as carrying handles. A white box can be seen as opposed to the usual brown boxes. And some of the other boxes have cool details such as logos, text and even parcel tape.
More Animated Animals
It seems that the residents in new Horizons will be busier and more animated in comparison to previous games. So far, animals have been seen eating food like popsicles and doughnut, sweeping the ground, lifting weights, and drinking beverages. Hopefully non-alcoholic beverages.. *Stares suspiciously at the absolute fiend that is Lolly the cat*.
The Privacy Of A Changing Room
In New Horizons there will now be a changing room in the Able Sisters clothing store for privacy. This is a change from previous games where players would do a quick twirl to try something on. It’s a cute little feature for sure, but probably redundant considering players can run around in bath towels..
We Have Sticks, We Have Stones, But We Also Have Acorns And Pinecones:
New Horizons is the first mainline Animal Crossing game to have pine cones and acorns as collectible materials. Although it hasn’t been confirmed how players will collect these items, it can be assumed that they may be obtained by shaking trees. (But beware the bees!).
These Four Walls…
It is true that you were able to place things on your walls in New Leaf. However, New Horizons takes wall decor to the next level (literally). Players can now place shelves at different heights, and adorn the walls of their home with a variety of things. I think the image below does a great job of showing how this feature can make a house into a home.
Facial Hair
Facial hair will make an appearance in Animal Crossing New Horizons. It hasn’t been confirmed whether this will be an element of character customisation, or an accessory/accessories that you can purchase. Even if you have to purchase facial hair, it is still a cool feature (that’s perfect for disguises..).
Changing With The Seasons
It appears that the decor viewable from outside of Timmy and Tommy’s shop will change with seasons and holidays. Two different exteriors of the Nookling’s store have been seen so far.
In the top half of the image below, their store has pumpkins outside, spider web and bat decorations, and a bat garland above the door. The leaves on the trees here are yellow, so maybe the store will look this way at Halloween or during fall.
In the bottom half of the image, the store has a life preserver outside, a lighthouse and seagull decorations in the window, and a nautical garland above the door. As the grass and leaves are green here, this might be how the store looks during summer.
Prettier Patterns
From the various New Horizons trailers and gameplay videos, one thing about patterns has become apparent. When players use their patterns on cushions, furniture fabric, etc, designs look a lot more attractive. Patterns appear to be a lot smoother, aesthetically pleasing and are less pixelated than in previous games.
Wiggly Fish Make The Water Swish
In previous games, players would know where to find fish due to the fish’s shadow swimming through the water. However, New Horizons takes fishing one step further with a new little detail. Now, not only will you see the fish’s shadow, you’ll also see the water around them being displaced as they wiggle.
- Mar 13, 2020
Here at MyPotatoGames we’ve already written an article containing 100 facts we know about New Horizons for sure. Additionally, we have also compiled a listicle on the great examples of attention to detail in the game. Recently, however, with the game’s release drawing near, some new facts have been released that you might not know.
Wreaths And Signs On Doors:
Now you may already know about the ability to place wreaths on your door in New Horizons. But did you know that there is a variety of different wreaths to choose from and that you can also place signs on your door? ?
Animated Wallpaper/Walls:
So far an animated cloud background and an animated school of fish background/wallpaper have been revealed. With the right furniture, clothing, character customisation and accessories, you too can be a certain mermaid and live ‘Under The Sea’. Or you could just have an aquarium room, but that’s just boring. Be the mermaid. ?♀️
Animated Flooring:
In the same video showcasing the animated aquarium-like wallpaper, animated flooring can also be seen, with the player’s feet even splashing as they walk over it. Ever wanted to have an indoor paddling pool? Well it seems you’re in luck. ?
Statue of Liberty:
A recent image suggests that players may be able to place a version of the Statue of Liberty on their island. Not THE statue of Liberty unfortunately, because that would be theft. (Unless Crazy Redd can lend a hand..) ?
Ability To Leave Parts Of Your Patterns Transparent:
A recent heartwarming Japanese commericial gave an insight into pattern design and placing in New Horizons. The commericial shows an encouraging image and message made out of patterns. The image shows that players will be able leave parts of their patterns transparent. ✏️
Craft Recipes In A Bottle:
The message in a bottle feature last seen in Wild World will make a return in New Horizons. As well as messages, it would seem that DIY crafting recipes can also be included in bottles. It has not yet been confirmed if players can put craft recipes in a bottle, or only find bottles containing them. ?
Different Styles Of Tools:
As shown in the image below, different styles of tools will be obtainable in the game,
allowing you to whack bad residents in style!Whether or not they are part of themes or collections like furniture is, is yet to be confirmed. Pink shades and a red and yellow stripey net with a toy-like plastic handle = Snazzy. Promise! ?Daily Challenges:
New Horizons will offer daily challenges for players to participate in. Examples include talking to your neighbours, planting trees, catching fish plus more. Naturally, the challenges will change on a daily basis. The rewards for these challenges are points called ‘Nook Miles’. These can be spent on Nook Inc. themed clothing and items (and therefore endorsing Mr Nook for his generosity yes, yes!) ✈️
Blathers Can Assess Multiple Fossils At a Time:
In previous games, getting fossils assessed by Blathers was a pain, as he could only assess them one at a time. This is no longer the case in new Horizons, as Blathers can now assess multiple fossils at once. I wonder how he’d react to a donation of multiple insects? ?
Players Won’t Name Their Island Immediately:
In previous games players would name their village/town etc before arriving there. This will not be the case in New Horizons. Instead, you will attend an Island naming ceremony with Tom Nook, his nephews Timmy and Tommy, and your two starter villagers. ?️
The Wardrobe Is Actually A Space For Your Clothes:
In New Horizons, wardrobes actually function as real closets as opposed to previously where you could essentially dump everything. You can store and sort all of your clothing in your wardrobe, and can change outfits by interacting with it. How functional? ?
You Can Paint Your Character’s Face:
Patterns can now be placed on your character’s face in. Whilst slapping a full pattern tile on you character’s face could end up with you looking hideous, the new transparency feature when making pattern designs can make for some cool face paint designs. For more on this, click here. ?
At Least 4 New Emotions:
There were 40 different emotions that your character could learn and express in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. There will be at least 44 in New Horizons, meaning at least 4 brand new emotions. I for one am hoping for ‘stank face’, ‘existential dread’ and ‘I’m judging you real hard right now’.
The Return Of The Timer:
The timer tool will be returning in New Horizons. First introduced in Wild World, the timer tool allows players to set a timer for 3, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The tool is especially useful when playing with others, and with the variety of methods to play with friends in New Horizons, the tool could definitely come in handy. ⏲️
You Can Wear A Paper Bag Over Your Head:
Nintendo are back at it with their sense of humour. Animal Crossing: New Horizons will feature a large paper bag clothing item with eye holes which players can run around their island wearing. Alternatively, you can wear a brown gelato hat and essentially be a walking poop which is also kinda ‘cool’. ?
More Spaces For Pattern Designs:
Players will have significantly more slots for pattern designs than in previous games. Based on the following screenshot, you should be able to have at least 40 pattern designs at once. *Rubs hands together gleefully whilst searching for MANY cat meme Animal Crossing QR code patterns* ?
Plants Are More Durable:
In previous games, players ‘ran’ the risk of destroying precious flowers and hybrids by running through them/trampling them. In New Horizons however, plants are way more durable. The worst case scenario of running through your flowers is losing the plant’s buds. Your flowers will grow back as the main plant will remain in tact. One’s siblings will live. For now.. ?
Bulletin Board Improvements:
You can view up to six posts on the bulletin board at once, and can zoom in on a post by clicking on it. The bulletin board is also looking a lot more colourful and interesting with the introduction of stationery including different tacks and paper. The theme of the paper seems to correspond with the topic of posts, e.g. Birthday notices seem to be written on birthday-themed paper, fishing tourney announcements on marine-themed paper, etc. ?
You Can Keep Cupcakes In Your Inventory:
The following screenshot shows that players can collect cupcakes in their inventory. The purpose of these cupcakes is not yet know. Could they be used as gifts to bribe animals into becoming your friend? Will they be part of some kind of event? I for one hope that they can be thrown at villagers who threaten to move away or irritating special NPC’s. YEET. ?
Wander Around In Pyjamas Or A Bath Towel:
With the addition of pyjama clothing items and a bath towel wrap clothing item, you can now wander around outside in your PJ’s or a towel if you so desire. What have you got to lose! Your dignity? Pffft. *Waves hand dismissively* ?
- Feb 29, 2020
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is bound to be the top of every Nintendo Switch owner’s game wishlist this month. However, here are four other great games that are also coming to the console this month.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the 2005 matched pair of Pokémon games Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team. The remake will release on Nintendo Switch on March 6th, and will be available to purchase as both a digital or physical copy for USD$59.99.
About
In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, you will wake up in a village as a Pokémon including the likes of Pikachi, Eevee, and Charmander. Whilst getting to explore a magnificent reimagined world, your objective is to solve a strange predicament and build a rescue team to find and rescue lost Pokémon from a variety of dangerous dungeons. The game can be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop for USD$59.99 or purchased as a physical copy.
Features
- Begin the game by taking a personality test to determine which of 16 Pokémon you will become.
- Try out the first few levels of the game in the free demo version. If you want to continue playing, you can carryn over your save data to the full version of the game.
- Experience living as a Pokémon in a bustling village and interact with other NPC’s living there.
- Solve the mystery of your strange predicament by befriending others and taking on a variety of missions to find and rescue lost Pokémon from dungeons.
- Build a rescue team who are up to the challenge of saving the world from a variety of natural disasters.
- When not rescuing lost Pokémon from perilous dungeons, return to Pokémon Square to prepare for your next challenge.
Half Past Fate
Half Past Fate is an upcoming 3D Pixel-art-stylised rom-com adventure game developed by Serenity Forge and set to be published by Way Down Deep. The game is set to release on March 12th 2020 on a variety of platforms.
About
In the game, you follow the lives of 6 different individuals who find each other in unusual ways. Half Past Fate is described as a time-jumping saga, from eight days to eight years, that will change how you feel about fate forever. The game will release on a variety of platforms including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and of course, Nintendo Switch, where it can be downloaded for USD$19.99.
Features
- A heartwarming and relatable present day narrative.
- Jump through time and discover how six ordinary people find each other in extraordinary ways over eight years.
- Immerse yourself in a beautiful 3D Pixel-art-stylised world.
- Change a flat tire, eat some spicy ramen, and learn the difference between green and black tea.
- Most importantly, enjoy relatable stories about life and love, and how fate can bring people together.
A Street Cat’s Tale
A Street Cat’s Tale is an emotional pixel-art-stylised adventure game about the survival of a stray kitten. The game is both developed and published by feemodev, and was first released on PC and Mobile last year in 2019. The game will be published and available to download on the Nintendo Switch eShop by CFK for USD$7.99 on March 12th 2020.
About:
A Street Cat’s tale is a game where you play as an orphaned kitten. The aim of the game is to survive thirteen days as a kitten on the streets alone, after the tragic death of your mother. In the game, you will have to find your own food (which can be healthy or unhealthy and affect your health) and forge relationships with other animals and humans. But beware, not all of the NPC’s you encounter will be nice. Will the poor little kitten survive? And will it end up continuing to roam the streets, or find a loving home?
Features:
- Roam the streets as a stray kitten and obtain food in order to avoid starvation and survive.
- The game features a variety of NPC’s each with their own personalities.
- Like in real life, some NPC’s dislike strays and will get angry if you attempt to interact with them.
- However, some people will like you and may give you something to eat.
- If you get close enough to certain NPC’s, they may tell you details about themselves.
- There are 11 different endings in this emotive narrative-driven adventure game.
Cooking Mama: Cookstar
Cooking Mama: Cookstar is the sixth mainline game of the cookery simulation-styled Cooking Mama series. Whilst a specific release date has not been announced, the game is set to release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 at some point in March 2020.
About
Cooking Mama: Cookstar is the first ever HD Cooking Mama game. It is also the first Cooking Mama game to release on a platform besides Nintendo or mobile. The game has been praised by PETA for featuring a vegetarian mode. screenshots of the game were first leaked back in August of 2019.
Features
- Live out your culinary dreams and become a virtual Cookstar with Mama as your mascot.
- Collect and master over 90 brand new recipes.
- Re-create a variety of dishes from previous games in the series.
- Choose between traditional and vegetarian options for the first time ever.
- Play by yourself or with a friend in the game’s multiplayer mode.
- Take photos of your dishes and apply filters and stickers.
- Share pics of your creations with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter.
- Feb 25, 2020
The recent Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Direct revealed a bunch of features and details. Examples include using QR codes from New Leaf, new NPC’s, details about the airport, and the introduction of terrain customization, to name just a few.
However, it also confirmed and gave details about amiibo compatibility. This is a feature that fans have been asking about since before New Horizons was even named. Amiibo figures and cards are a great way to bring toys to life. Since many Animal Crossing fans own amiibos, it is nice to know that there is still use for them yet. Here’s what has been confirmed about amiibo compatibility in the game so far.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will support all Animal Crossing amiibo figures and cards apart from the Sanrio collaboration card series.
You can use amiibos by paying a visit to the Resident Services kiosk. Players then hold the figure or card to the NFC touchpoint on a joycon.
All of these amiibos will work in one way or another. Your character may obtain a portrait of the character scanned, and/or be able to invite them to the Campground. You can then invite the regular villagers that visit, to live on your island.
Players can also use Animal Crossing amiibo cards and figures to invite characters to a place called Photopia. Photopia is an island where you can pick outfits for animals to wear in fun and creative photoshoots.
The Nintendo Direct did note that not all characters would be immediately available upon the game’s release. However, there will be free updates in the future to support more characters.
- Feb 25, 2020
Animal Crossing: New Horizons have a few new features that show Nintendo are being more inclusive. Some of these new features are ones that fans of the franchise have been asking for for a while. However, there will also be some new inclusive features in New Horizons that will make it more enjoyable and relatable, that nobody really expected.
Choosing Your Hemisphere
New Horizons lets players choose their hemisphere. The real time clock in previous games was always set to the northern hemisphere. Now, players living in the southern hemisphere will be able to choose their hemisphere and experience appropriate seasons throughout the year.
Customisation from the start
In previous mainline Animal Crossing games, the only way to have control of your character’s initial appearance was by answering the questions of Kapp’n or Rover with specific answers. Being able to customise your character from the start will allow players to create a character they truly identify with.
Different Skin Tones + New Hairstyles And Hair Colours
Initially introduced in Happy Home Designer, New Horizons will be the first mainline Animal Crossing game where players can choose from a variety of skin tones. Players of colour previously had to go through the annoying tanning process to get their player to have darker skin.
Additionally, New Horizons will include a wider variety of hairstyles and hair colours for players to choose from. These additions will allow players to express themselves more freely and have characters they can relate too. This is especially the case with the introduction of hairstyles for people of colour.
All Facial Features And Hairstyles Are Gender Free
New Horizons will have two new nose types (round and square) in addition to the traditional triangle nose shape, and various mouth types and hairstyles to choose from. These are all gender free, so you can be who you really are.
You Can Change Your Look At Any Point In The Game
Like in Pocket Camp, players will be able to customise their look at any point in the game. This is a great feature for many reasons. Whether you’ve dyed your hair, got a new haircut, or changed gender, you will always be able to have a character who reflects who you really are.
First Game In The Franchise To Be Localised in Latin American Spanish + An Introduction Of Mexican Elements
Those of you who speak Latin American Spanish will know that it can differ to European Spanish slightly. Examples include idioms and alternative words for items. Therefore this is great news for Latin American Spanish speakers.
Additionally, there will be elements of Mexican culture in the game. Clothing is a confirmed element, as a character can be seen wearing a “Vestido de China Poblana”, which is an outfit from the Mexican state of Puebla.
Players Can Learn About New Cultures
The recent Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Direct mentions “learning about new customs we aren’t familiar with”. The video then proceeds to show a character wearing a kimono. Whilst different cultures have been a part of previous games, an expansion on this with a wider variety of cultures being represented would be great.
Animals’ Speech Bubble Colour No Longer Tied To Gender
In previous games, an animal’s name in their speech bubble would either appear in pink or blue, depending on their gender. In New Horizons however, the colour will match the NPC’s colour scheme instead.
- Feb 23, 2020
The official Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch Edition or the Aloha Edition for short was so popular it sold out within days. But rest assured you can still have an adorable looking and Animal Crossing themed Switch!
Decals have been around for long and known to make your console just a little bit more personalized and cute. Decals can be a little tough to put on but if you invest the time and effort you can really achieve beautiful results
Animal Crossing New Horizons Decals
Controller Gear is one of the leading companies making perfectly fitted and officially licensed decals for Nintendo Switch. Their new line of Animal Crossing New Horizons Decals is so lovely and a perfect addition to anyone who missed out on the new Aloha Switch Edition or just doesn’t have a reason to get a new Switch console.
The New Horizons Decals are available now for as low as $9.99 for the Switch Lite or $19.99 for the bigger Nintendo Switch you can check them out right here.
More Animal Crossing News
Take a look at these amazing Animal Crossing New Horizon details – you can even change the case on your Nook Phone in the game!
