Weekend Plans: What Exciting Activities Do You Have in Store?
The weekend has arrived, which means it’s time to dive into some gaming. Before we get too comfortable, however, let’s take a moment to review the happenings of this rather quiet, uneventful week in the world of Nintendo (chuckle!).
Indeed, it has been an action-packed week because Nintendo has finally announced the Switch 2 officially. Not only that, but the launch trailer has also provided us with a brief yet enticing glimpse of a brand-new Mario Kart game, affectionately dubbed Mario Kart 9 for the time being.
Now we have a slight pause ahead of us, as Nintendo has confirmed that a presentation focused on the Switch 2 is scheduled for April. Following this, a hands-on event will take place in several locations, and you will have the chance to register for tickets online (if you haven’t done so already!).
Of course, we had so much to discuss about the new console, so make sure to check out our initial reactions to the trailer, along with our insights on Nintendo’s direction for this new era.
Ollie Reynolds, Staff Writer
I’m currently delving into a rather entertaining game for review, so keep an eye out for that soon. Otherwise, I’m deeply engaged in a Halo: Reach Legendary campaign run.
The latest rumors regarding the Master Chief Collection launching on Switch 2 have reignited my desire to play through the entire series again, and that’s exactly what I’m doing! It feels just right, and after refining my skills over the years, Legendary difficulty now seems like the perfect amount of challenge for me.
Alana Hagues, Deputy Editor
Here’s another WEEKLY UPDATE, yet another week of Trails through Dawn. Look, it’s like, 80 hours! I’m on chapter 5! That’s quite the progress, right? This is quickly becoming one of my favorite games in the series, despite its issues. Van is the best main character.
Tales of Graces f Remastered is also on my list – I’m so excited to revisit one of the finest battle systems in an RPG, and I’ll be experiencing the entire story through co-op as well! The reality is, we’ll be away for most of the weekend, so I likely won’t get much time with Arkride Solutions or the Lhants, so expect to hear more next week. Maybe.
Craig Reid, Contributor
I had planned to settle down with Disco Elysium all weekend, but the recent reveal of ‘squishy Mario’ in that snippet of Mario Kart 9 footage has made me crave some Italian food. This weekend, I’ll be docking the Switch into the living room TV to compete against my wife in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Party Superstars. Wish me luck; my queen is deadly in Superstars.
Depending on the outcome of our party games, I might have some time to nurse my wounds with a single-player adventure. And since I’m all in on the mushroom guys, I’ll be going back to Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time.
Let’s-a go!
Gonçalo Lopes, Contributor
I’m planning to continue my solid progress in the amazing The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. I’m quite intrigued by Blade Chimera and will invest considerable time into it as well. FreeSpace 2 continues to be one of the best space shooting simulations despite its age. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD may not be brand new, but it certainly remains a fantastic entry in the series. It’s time to level up my Assault Marine in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II and embark on my new career as a Sniper for the Imperium.
Game of the week goes to Smuggler’s Run: Warzones. I often revisit GameCube’s catalog, and the timing feels right to replay this classic Rockstar title. Turn the volume up, enjoy the chaotic digital soundtrack, and watch the pursuers soar into the air after triggering one of our countermeasure bombs. It’s (surprisingly) quite Zen.
Trent Cannon, Contributor
I haven’t been able to hit the gym much this week due to a sick toddler at home and a packed work schedule, so I’ve spent some time each evening doing the Ring Fit Adventure. Sure, it’s not quite the same as my typical workouts, but after half an hour, I’m breaking a decent sweat. Enough to keep me from abandoning my exercise routine entirely.
Who knows – maybe the Switch 2 will even treat us to a sequel.
Michelle Watch-Tho, Contributor
With the arrival of Switch 2 just around the corner (!), I’m working through my backlog this weekend/month/year. I received the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy for Christmas (having completed the Phoenix Wright Trilogy last year), so I’ll be spending some quality hours solving cases.
If I tire of shouting Objection! and Take that!, I’ll be playing Untitled Goose Game. I’m finally getting to this Australian-made gem after adding it to my wishlist years ago. Being a sneaky goose is so much fun. It’s even more enjoyable when I enlist my partner to join me in co-op mode – two geese are better than one.
Oliver Revolta, Contributor
On the 28th of December, I mentioned that I was playing Super Hydorah. I’m still at it. It’s so challenging (and also rewarding). I’m struggling to get through, but I’m only halfway – and I’m also grappling with the irony of being so excited for the Switch 2 while spending countless hours on a game that could have (I believe) run on the PlayStation 1.
Nile Bowie, Contributor
We’re just coming off the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, and I’m eagerly anticipating those subtly hinted mouse controls. It’s going to be a lengthy wait until the April 2nd presentation, but honestly, there’s a wealth in my backlog to dive into.
First on my list, I’ll be attempting Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, and it will be my first time experiencing it. I’m a little disappointed by the apparent lack of graphical enhancements in this HD remaster, but I’m reassured that the gameplay reportedly maintains its quality. These moments