Can Nintendo's Biggest Flop Find New Life on the Switch 2?

A First Look at Upcoming Nintendo Games: Are They Worth the Hype?

Anime News Network recently attended a New York preview event showcasing several upcoming Nintendo games, products, and expansions. We got hands-on experience with demos and samples of these products. Here's a breakdown of what stood out and whether these titles deserve a spot on your Nintendo Switch 2 library.

Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics: A Nostalgic Trip with a Catch

Initially, the idea of re-releasing the Virtual Boy catalog seemed odd, given its historical status as a commercial failure. However, Nintendo allowed us to experience the recreated peripheral designed for playing Virtual Boy games on the Nintendo Switch 2. A peripheral, or a cheaper cardboard alternative, is required to play these games properly due to their unique depth-of-field perspective.

The original Virtual Boy used wireframes and depth to create a pseudo-3D effect, much like a precursor to the Nintendo 3DS's depth slider. Some games utilized this effect effectively. Telerroboxer, a first-person boxing game similar to Punch-Out, and 3D Tetris, which added depth to the classic puzzle game, stood out as genuinely fun experiences. The rewind feature, similar to other virtual console games, was a welcome addition, allowing players to correct mistakes or better understand the gameplay.

Other titles, like Innsmouth, a previously Japan-exclusive Lovecraftian-inspired Virtual Boy game, felt less suited for this format. Despite the novelty of playing a game never officially released in the West, Innsmouth's first-person survival horror gameplay, involving navigating hallways, finding keys, and shooting monsters, didn't fully capitalize on the Virtual Boy's unique features.

While the preview softened our initial skepticism, the charm quickly faded after about twenty minutes of gameplay. Like the original Virtual Boy, prolonged use caused eye strain. The games lack visual enhancements and retain the original black and red color scheme. Playing requires hunching over and staring at a small screen with aggressive red wireframes.

The recreated Virtual Boy console itself is well-crafted and sturdy, but the lack of comfort ultimately detracts from the experience. An option to play the games without the periphery or with visual options to reduce eye strain would greatly improve the overall experience.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park: A Multiplayer Delight

Super Mario Bros. Wonder was already an excellent 2D platformer. The prospect of an upgraded version with an expansion was very exciting. Nintendo emphasized the multiplayer aspects of the Bellabel Park expansion, and we were grouped with other players to try it out.

The Bellabel Park games felt reminiscent of Mario Party. Some involved direct competition, such as collecting coins from King Boo in a game of Red Light, Green Light, while others focused on reaching the finish line. Cooperative games, like Donut Block Maker, had two players control characters while two others used the Switch 2's mouse controls to create blocks that manipulated the environment. The block creation felt similar to Mario Maker.

The multiplayer was an absolute blast with smooth gameplay and tight controls. Bellabel Park's bright, distinct colors looked great. Rosalina, a new character, was available, and her spin jump proved useful for platforming. Assist badges provided helpful buffs for first-time players. The sheer amount of content hinted at a deep and engaging experience.

If you enjoyed Super Mario Bros. Wonder and its multiplayer, the Bellabel Park expansion promises even more fun with friends.

Mario Tennis Fever: A More Explosive Take on the Classic

Not being a longtime fan of Mario sports games, Mario Tennis Fever was surprisingly impressive. This game aims to be bigger and more explosive than previous iterations. The large roster of playable characters, including a Chain Chomp, and the variety of racket choices make each match a unique experience.

Players can choose from dozens of racket types, each with a unique special ability that activates when a special gauge is filled. The shadow racket creates a doppelganger that helps smash the ball and operates independently. The Thwomp racket summons a Thwomp to block the ball. Other rackets trigger hazards like electricity and fire. These effects can be turned against the player if their opponent returns the special shot.

The gameplay is snappy and responsive. The AI is aggressive, even leading to a brutal loss in solo play. A health bar on the court is affected by racket and field hazards. Depleting the health bar results in being temporarily knocked out of the court. An additional mode tracks score via Wonder Seeds, which create environmental hazards.

Mario Tennis Fever is a genuinely exciting addition to the Mario sports series. The racket system is fun, the character roster is expansive, and the gimmicks are well-integrated into the gameplay.

Resident Evil Requiem: A Terrifying Showcase of Switch 2 Power

Resident Evil Requiem is the latest installment in the survival horror franchise. The game visually showcases the increased power of the Switch 2, especially in docked mode. You are trapped in a corridor and must explore, grab items, and survive.

The objective is straightforward, but something is chasing you. The game encourages exploration and rewards it with audio cues that build suspenseful fear. Finding key items can be challenging, but the fact that the player is chased by something with limited movement adds to the tension.

The opening sequence is challenging, possibly one of the hardest in the Resident Evil series. The detailed environments are fun to explore, and the game runs smoothly. Minor graphical issues, like the lack of reflections, are slightly distracting. Overall, Resident Evil Requiem looks like a worthwhile addition to the Switch 2 library.

PRAGMATA: A Unique Blend of Action, Puzzles, and Sci-Fi

PRAGMATA is a science fiction, action-adventure puzzle game where you play as a soldier who travels with a little android girl on your shoulders. The game combines various play styles, which can initially feel overwhelming, but the feedback loop quickly becomes engaging.

The game requires hacking enemy robots to expose their weak points and using a variety of weapons. The hacking is simple but gradually becomes more complex. Puzzles must be solved in real time while fending off robots. Playing feels like controlling two characters simultaneously.

While the story remains unclear, the hints and comments suggest a compelling narrative. The chemistry between the soldier and the girl is evident. The game also breaks the fourth wall. Similar to Resident Evil, PRAGMATA effectively demonstrates the graphical capabilities of the Switch 2. The machine details and graphical effects enhance the environment.

Despite its impressive appearance, the game is relatively simple. Once understood, it becomes easy to adapt to. The main concern is whether the game structure will evolve over the course of the full game. The puzzles and hazards could become more complex, but the gameplay itself lacked variety. The environments were good, but the platforming and movement were simple, and the guns were uninspired. PRAGMATA shows promise as a unique and fun experience, but more needs to be seen before fully embracing it.