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70 hours later, and I’m convinced The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a true system seller
1:55 pm | June 30, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: | Comments: Off

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of my favorite games of all time, so I fully expected the sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to capture my heart too.

Unfortunately, I never clicked with Tears of the Kingdom when it launched in 2023, despite loving the concepts at play that gave players an endless sandbox to experiment with and an incredible physics engine.

Why, you might ask? Well, unlike when its predecessor, launched in 2017 on magical new hybrid hardware, Tears of the Kingdom not only chugged along at 30 frames per second (fps) with a lower resolution than the games I had become accustomed to playing on other consoles, but I also felt it lacked the feeling of new that made Breath of the Wild so magical.

Fast forward to 2025 and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition has completely revitalized my love for open-world games, and thanks to a huge performance boost, it’s now poised to sit on my Mount Rushmore of this decade’s video game releases. Read on to find out why it's one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games, but let it be known: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is one of the best video games ever made.

A breath of fresh air

Tears of the Kingdom Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launched to rave reviews, cementing it as one of the best sequels of all time when it launched two years ago. There’s nothing else I can say about the game’s mechanics and story that haven’t already been said, so I want to specifically focus on the upgrades the Nintendo Switch 2 brings to Hyrule.

Back when I first played Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d played the game before. And despite running impressively on an underpowered handheld console, the experience was jarring, and it just never clicked for me.

As a massive fan of the series, I was incredibly disappointed; it almost felt like I had outgrown my childhood, and the magic had disappeared. Thankfully, I can confidently say today that’s not the case; I just needed a boost from 2025 hardware to make Tears of the Kingdom look and feel like it should’ve back in 2023.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is a paid upgrade to the original, available for free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscribers, a paid upgrade if you already own the game, or by buying the full Nintendo Switch 2 version.

The game itself has no new content, per se; instead, it brings buttery smooth 60fps, a beautifully sharp resolution, and HDR, which makes the colors absolutely pop. I can’t emphasize enough just how much this version of the game feels like a total facelift compared to the outdated original version.

Tears of the Kingdom Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Future)

My biggest gripes with the game when it originally came out were all related to the magic of Hyrule’s expansive world feeling limited due to performance bottlenecks, and now on Switch 2, it plays like the definitive version of this absolutely incredible game.

Think of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition like wearing glasses for the first time, it’s as if the blurriness is gone and you can finally experience what you’d dreamt of as a kid exploring Hyrule for the first time, whether that was playing Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess.

Throughout my 70-hour playthrough, I haven’t encountered one performance hiccup, and on many occasions, I’ve had to pause to just stare in awe at the beautiful contrasting colors of the sky - I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful sunset in any game, ever.

The definitive way to experience Hyrule

Tears of the Kingdom Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Nintendo)

If, like me, you couldn’t click with the original game, not to any fault of it own, but rather a fault of the hardware limitations it was confined to, then not only should you run out and buy this game, but it’s enough to justify a Nintendo Switch 2 console in itself.

While I haven’t played Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, reading the review of that game on Switch 2 hardware tells a similar story to my experience with its successor. These Zelda games are just so good that an improvement to the experience by bringing them up to date for 2025’s standards makes them must-play, even if you experienced the land of Hyrule on Switch before.

Not only have I loved exploring Hyrule on my OLED TV in 1440p upscaled to 4K, but the performance upgrades here make the game a delight on Switch 2’s handheld mode. Running at 1080p with HDR enabled, it’s just the perfect experience to take your adventure on the go and not feel like you’re compromising.

Best bit

Tears of the Kingdom Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Gliding through the world of Hyrule on Switch 2 feels like you're experiencing freedom for the first time. Now with a crisp resolution and steady framerate, exploration has never felt so good.

Eight years ago, when I first experienced that feeling of continuing my adventure on my commute to work, in the park, or on vacation, it was the best gaming experience I had ever had in my life. Now, thanks to the Switch 2’s hardware, that experience is amplified to a whole new level, and all I want to do is finish writing this article so I can delve back into the land of Hyrule.

While some fans of the series will be disappointed at the lack of new content in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, I think the game can already feel a little overwhelming with just how much it offers.

At no point in my playthrough did I wish for new experiences; I was just happy to relive one of the best games of all time, but better. And, truth be told, while there’s not really any new content, despite an option for a second save file (Thank you, Nintendo!) on the Switch 2 itself, do not underestimate just how good the Zelda Notes companion app is.

The cherry on top

Zelda Notes, an exclusive feature to the Switch 2 Edition of this game, can be found in the iOS or Android Nintendo Switch app. It’s almost an app within an app, bringing a whole new extra element to your adventure.

Not only can you navigate the map in real-time on your smartphone or tablet, but the app also unlocks dozens upon dozens of Voice Memories, which makes Hyrule feel even more alive. While I would’ve preferred Voice Memories, audio clips you can stumble upon in different locations in the world, to be included in the game, rather than in the app, the added lore has made me want to explore every nook and cranny to try and uncover the hidden details of the adventure.

The Zelda Notes app also gives you access to your full playthrough data, which is a lovely addition considering Nintendo still doesn’t give you detailed playing stats on the Switch 2 console, as well as the ability to share items and building concepts for Autobuild via QR codes.

One of my favorite additions to the game via Zelda Notes, however, is the Daily Bonus, which lets you spin a wheel every 24 hours to unlock a nutritious meal or other stat boost that might help you explore the deepest depths or highest skies of Hyrule. I found myself playing the game more regularly just to experience my Daily Bonus, and it was just the incentive I needed to keep venturing on with my journey.

Should you buy The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?

Buy it if...

You’ve never played Tears of the Kingdom before, or are looking to replay it
This version of the game is the definitive way to play one of the best video games of all time. If you've never played Tears of the Kingdom, couldn't vibe with the less-than-stellar performance when it launched, or love the game and want to delve back in, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is worth picking up.

You’re looking for a reason to buy the Nintendo Switch 2
Yes, Mario Kart World is awesome, but after a while, it becomes your go-to party game rather than a reason to pick up your Nintendo Switch 2 after work. If you're looking for a reason to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2, this upgraded version of one of the best games of all time might be the perfect opportunity to do so. I don't say this lightly: Tears of the Kingdom in full 60fps is a system seller.

Don't buy it if...

You didn't enjoy the game the first time around
While I've just written over a thousand words on why this version of Tears of the Kingdom makes me love the game despite not enjoying it the first time around, my reasons for not clicking with the game were never related to the gameplay itself. If you don't enjoy open-world adventure and didn't click with Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom in the past, this new version of the game won't change your mind.

Accessibility

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition doesn’t have much going on with it, accessibility wise. While you still have access to gyro aiming and the ability to rebind your controls from the Switch 2 menu (which won’t translate to the correct button prompts in-game), there’s nothing much to write home about.

You can't increase the text size, turn off motion blur, or make any other adjustments to help with playing the game. There's also no difficulty setting, so if you find the nature of an open world with breakable weapons too difficult, tough luck.

How I reviewed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

I played over 70 hours of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch 2, venturing throughout the main story as well as completing a variety of side quests dotted around Hyrule.

I had previously played the game on Nintendo Switch 1, but was never able to complete it. Combined, I must have over 150 hours of gameplay in Tears of the Kingdom, and I've also played and completed every other mainline Zelda game.

I played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition in a mixture of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on one of the best OLED TVs, the Samsung Q90D, using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

First reviewed June 2025

70 hours later, and I’m convinced The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a true system seller
1:55 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: | Comments: Off

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of my favorite games of all time, so I fully expected the sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to capture my heart too.

Unfortunately, I never clicked with Tears of the Kingdom when it launched in 2023, despite loving the concepts at play that gave players an endless sandbox to experiment with and an incredible physics engine.

Why, you might ask? Well, unlike when its predecessor, launched in 2017 on magical new hybrid hardware, Tears of the Kingdom not only chugged along at 30 frames per second (fps) with a lower resolution than the games I had become accustomed to playing on other consoles, but I also felt it lacked the feeling of new that made Breath of the Wild so magical.

Fast forward to 2025 and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition has completely revitalized my love for open-world games, and thanks to a huge performance boost, it’s now poised to sit on my Mount Rushmore of this decade’s video game releases. Read on to find out why it's one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games, but let it be known: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is one of the best video games ever made.

A breath of fresh air

Tears of the Kingdom Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launched to rave reviews, cementing it as one of the best sequels of all time when it launched two years ago. There’s nothing else I can say about the game’s mechanics and story that haven’t already been said, so I want to specifically focus on the upgrades the Nintendo Switch 2 brings to Hyrule.

Back when I first played Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d played the game before. And despite running impressively on an underpowered handheld console, the experience was jarring, and it just never clicked for me.

As a massive fan of the series, I was incredibly disappointed; it almost felt like I had outgrown my childhood, and the magic had disappeared. Thankfully, I can confidently say today that’s not the case; I just needed a boost from 2025 hardware to make Tears of the Kingdom look and feel like it should’ve back in 2023.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is a paid upgrade to the original, available for free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscribers, a paid upgrade if you already own the game, or by buying the full Nintendo Switch 2 version.

The game itself has no new content, per se; instead, it brings buttery smooth 60fps, a beautifully sharp resolution, and HDR, which makes the colors absolutely pop. I can’t emphasize enough just how much this version of the game feels like a total facelift compared to the outdated original version.

Tears of the Kingdom Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Future)

My biggest gripes with the game when it originally came out were all related to the magic of Hyrule’s expansive world feeling limited due to performance bottlenecks, and now on Switch 2, it plays like the definitive version of this absolutely incredible game.

Think of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition like wearing glasses for the first time, it’s as if the blurriness is gone and you can finally experience what you’d dreamt of as a kid exploring Hyrule for the first time, whether that was playing Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess.

Throughout my 70-hour playthrough, I haven’t encountered one performance hiccup, and on many occasions, I’ve had to pause to just stare in awe at the beautiful contrasting colors of the sky - I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful sunset in any game, ever.

The definitive way to experience Hyrule

Tears of the Kingdom Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Nintendo)

If, like me, you couldn’t click with the original game, not to any fault of it own, but rather a fault of the hardware limitations it was confined to, then not only should you run out and buy this game, but it’s enough to justify a Nintendo Switch 2 console in itself.

While I haven’t played Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, reading the review of that game on Switch 2 hardware tells a similar story to my experience with its successor. These Zelda games are just so good that an improvement to the experience by bringing them up to date for 2025’s standards makes them must-play, even if you experienced the land of Hyrule on Switch before.

Not only have I loved exploring Hyrule on my OLED TV in 1440p upscaled to 4K, but the performance upgrades here make the game a delight on Switch 2’s handheld mode. Running at 1080p with HDR enabled, it’s just the perfect experience to take your adventure on the go and not feel like you’re compromising.

Best bit

Tears of the Kingdom Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Gliding through the world of Hyrule on Switch 2 feels like you're experiencing freedom for the first time. Now with a crisp resolution and steady framerate, exploration has never felt so good.

Eight years ago, when I first experienced that feeling of continuing my adventure on my commute to work, in the park, or on vacation, it was the best gaming experience I had ever had in my life. Now, thanks to the Switch 2’s hardware, that experience is amplified to a whole new level, and all I want to do is finish writing this article so I can delve back into the land of Hyrule.

While some fans of the series will be disappointed at the lack of new content in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, I think the game can already feel a little overwhelming with just how much it offers.

At no point in my playthrough did I wish for new experiences; I was just happy to relive one of the best games of all time, but better. And, truth be told, while there’s not really any new content, despite an option for a second save file (Thank you, Nintendo!) on the Switch 2 itself, do not underestimate just how good the Zelda Notes companion app is.

The cherry on top

Zelda Notes, an exclusive feature to the Switch 2 Edition of this game, can be found in the iOS or Android Nintendo Switch app. It’s almost an app within an app, bringing a whole new extra element to your adventure.

Not only can you navigate the map in real-time on your smartphone or tablet, but the app also unlocks dozens upon dozens of Voice Memories, which makes Hyrule feel even more alive. While I would’ve preferred Voice Memories, audio clips you can stumble upon in different locations in the world, to be included in the game, rather than in the app, the added lore has made me want to explore every nook and cranny to try and uncover the hidden details of the adventure.

The Zelda Notes app also gives you access to your full playthrough data, which is a lovely addition considering Nintendo still doesn’t give you detailed playing stats on the Switch 2 console, as well as the ability to share items and building concepts for Autobuild via QR codes.

One of my favorite additions to the game via Zelda Notes, however, is the Daily Bonus, which lets you spin a wheel every 24 hours to unlock a nutritious meal or other stat boost that might help you explore the deepest depths or highest skies of Hyrule. I found myself playing the game more regularly just to experience my Daily Bonus, and it was just the incentive I needed to keep venturing on with my journey.

Should you buy The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?

Buy it if...

You’ve never played Tears of the Kingdom before, or are looking to replay it
This version of the game is the definitive way to play one of the best video games of all time. If you've never played Tears of the Kingdom, couldn't vibe with the less-than-stellar performance when it launched, or love the game and want to delve back in, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is worth picking up.

You’re looking for a reason to buy the Nintendo Switch 2
Yes, Mario Kart World is awesome, but after a while, it becomes your go-to party game rather than a reason to pick up your Nintendo Switch 2 after work. If you're looking for a reason to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2, this upgraded version of one of the best games of all time might be the perfect opportunity to do so. I don't say this lightly: Tears of the Kingdom in full 60fps is a system seller.

Don't buy it if...

You didn't enjoy the game the first time around
While I've just written over a thousand words on why this version of Tears of the Kingdom makes me love the game despite not enjoying it the first time around, my reasons for not clicking with the game were never related to the gameplay itself. If you don't enjoy open-world adventure and didn't click with Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom in the past, this new version of the game won't change your mind.

Accessibility

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition doesn’t have much going on with it, accessibility wise. While you still have access to gyro aiming and the ability to rebind your controls from the Switch 2 menu (which won’t translate to the correct button prompts in-game), there’s nothing much to write home about.

You can't increase the text size, turn off motion blur, or make any other adjustments to help with playing the game. There's also no difficulty setting, so if you find the nature of an open world with breakable weapons too difficult, tough luck.

How I reviewed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

I played over 70 hours of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch 2, venturing throughout the main story as well as completing a variety of side quests dotted around Hyrule.

I had previously played the game on Nintendo Switch 1, but was never able to complete it. Combined, I must have over 150 hours of gameplay in Tears of the Kingdom, and I've also played and completed every other mainline Zelda game.

I played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition in a mixture of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on one of the best OLED TVs, the Samsung Q90D, using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

First reviewed June 2025

I’ve spent 30 hours playing detective in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army on Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s been a memorable case – but not one that’s without fault
12:00 am | June 28, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

I’m a huge Atlus fan, and when Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army was revealed back in March, I was absolutely over the moon. See, I never got a chance to play the original JRPG – which first released on the PS2 – but had always hoped to get in on some demon-filled investigative action.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Release date: June 19, 2025

And Atlus has truly served up a full-blown remaster of Raidou’s first adventure, bringing the Devil Summoner’s story to just about every modern platform with full voice acting, fleshed-out 3D environments, enhanced visuals and audio, as well as evolved combat.

Atlus has produced banger after banger for decades, including some of the best RPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Persona 5 Royal. So, can the Switch 2 game Raidou Remastered rise to those same heights

Well, perhaps not quite. But it’s still a fantastic remaster. Here’s what I made of the game after spending more than 30 hours playing it on Nintendo Switch 2.

Where lies man, so lies dark

Herald of Yatagarasu converses with Raidou in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

(Image credit: Atlus)

In 1930s Japan, a young lady approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a shocking request. She wants you to kill her. But before you can hear exactly why, she’s kidnapped by mysterious individuals in red capes.

So, in steps Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, an apprentice detective at the Narumi Detective Agency who aims to serve the capital – not only by helping citizens with their day-to-day needs, but also by keeping things in check within the Dark Realm – a curious juncture between the real world and the netherworld, where demons lurk.

And now it’s down to Raidou and his allied demons to solve the mystery of the kidnapped girl... which, in turn, leads you to unveil a far greater conspiracy than you could ever imagine.

Of course, I don’t want to give away too many details plot-wise. But I can assure you that there are plenty of twists and turns as the mystery unravels – and that mystery remains gripping throughout. In addition, you don’t have to sit through hours of warm up before the story really gets going.

Best bit

Ippon-Datara converses with Raidou in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

(Image credit: Atlus)

The best part of any Megami Tensei title is witnessing the often wacky and wild nature of the various demons you encounter. At one point, I ran into a deeply troubled demon named Ippon-Datara who felt compelled, desperate even, to construct a wall blocking my path. It was only after I called him stupid, and got an earful about eating brains with a spoon that he eventually cleared the way. Classic SMT.

Yep, you’re flung straight into the middle of a dark case, in a city flooded with characters in need of your support – sometimes in the main story, and other times through brief, yet enjoyable side quests called Case Files. And you’ll meet a real range of individuals throughout the game’s runtime. No really, I ran into everyone from a yakuza captain through to a zany demon-fusing scientist – and that’s just in the real world!

These characters help to expose many of the game's key themes, which are tightly interwoven with the 1930s setting. There are frequent questions around the morality of war and the role of economic injustice on people’s everyday lives, for instance.

And I felt that I could connect to the cast thanks to newly added voice acting – one of the best inclusions in this remaster. Whether it's the somewhat lazy, yet playful Detective Narumi or rival Devil Summoner, Rasputin, expressive voice acting injects so much more personality into each character. Even the demons have some incredibly entertaining – sometimes bizarre dialogue that add so much whimsy to the experience. The commanding voice of Hayataro or the iconic hee-ho’s of Jack Frost even made me reluctant to fuse them into something else.

Your feline companion, Gouto, is also at hand to guide you through the case's key plot points and provide pointers if you get a bit stuck. Those tips are often handy, and generally, Gouto is far less invasive than a certain other cat that Atlus fans will be well acquainted with. I won’t name names of course... but it starts with ‘M’ and ends in ‘organa’.

Raidou’s revamped

Raidou Kuzunoha XIV in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

(Image credit: Atlus)

So, there’s an engaging plot and intriguing cast to match, but what about gameplay itself. Well, this is where the picture starts to get a little more mixed.

I’ll start with combat. You’re not getting the turn-based press turn battle system from Shin Megami Tensei titles, with this game instead taking a real-time action approach. However, the combat system has been significantly overhauled in Raidou Remastered, when compared to the original game.

There are no more pesky random encounters, Raidou can now use two demons in battle (as opposed to one in the original), you’ve got the ability to lock on to enemies, and much, much more. These alterations are all most welcome and have made combat feel way more fluid than before.

When doing battle, you’ll want to focus on draining MAG, which is expended when demons use magic attacks, such as the fire spell Agi or volt attack Zio. In order to get your MAG back, Raidou can dish out light attacks, which fill up the bar swiftly, enabling you to regularly exploit enemy weaknesses, and as a result, stagger them for an easier route to victory.

Combat in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

(Image credit: Atlus)

Other than those light attacks I mentioned, Raidou can use heavy attacks, fire his gun, cast magic abilities of his own (Summoner Skills) and unleash highly punishing moves like Devil’s Bane and Spirit Slash. You'll gain new Summoner Skills as the game progresses, and you'll also be able to allocate stat boosts to Raidou when he levels up across strength, magic, vitality and luck.

I went for a mixed strength / magic build, and my main strategy in battle was to whack out as many light attacks as possible, fueling one demon’s use of healing magic and another’s devastating elemental damage. You can also use items in battle, but I basically never needed to do this.

Most of the time, my strategy proved to be a sure-fire way to win battles, meaning that combat could get a little repetitive. Also, despite enhanced battle mechanics – which includes more fluid maneuvering – I found that Raidou could feel a little clunky to control, especially in the air. This was rarely a huge issue, but if you’re expecting incredibly seamless, ultra-smooth movement from this title, you might be a little disappointed.

Boss fights are still good fun, though, and can often pose a decent challenge. Here, I found that blocking and dodging was a bit more important. Just spamming my light attacks and expecting my demons to do the rest was rarely good enough. I’m sure this would ring even more true if you’re playing on hard mode, but I played on Private Eye difficulty – which is essentially the standard level of challenge.

Before we continue talking gameplay, though, I just wanted to flag that this game has a great soundtrack – there are some seriously catchy tunes here. I still can’t get the theme from Narumi’s Detective Agency out of my head.

Battling our demons

Jack Frost in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

(Image credit: Atlus)

Anyway, let’s continue chatting gameplay – and the real highlight here, for me, is filling out the demon compendium and fusing the most powerful creations imaginable.

You can recruit demons pretty much hassle free – not always the case in other Atlus entries (I’m looking at you, SMT 4). And you can also request the help of the peculiar Dr. Victor in the Goumaden, who enables you to fuse multiple demons together and forge new, stronger companions to take into battle. You can also fuse swords, spears or axes for Raidou, which come which come with fresh abilities as well as differing stat boosts.

During demon fusion specifically, you can pass on abilities and passive skills which will help you target the weaknesses of opponents in the Dark Realm – just make sure you keep an eye on their Investigation Skills, which will come in use outside of battle.

And that brings me onto what is, without doubt, the weakest part of Raidou Remastered – solo investigations. These occur when Raidou is unable to progress through an area himself, and he instead enlists the help of his demons (which most humans are unable to see in the real world). You can send a demon out to gather clues or investigate blocked off locations, which sounds interesting, but ends up being just boring.

Most demons move pretty slowly, and the sprint button doesn’t work when they’re out investigating. On top of that, retrieving clues usually just consists of pressing a single button to search an area, read a mind, or squeeze into a tight area. I just wish that these parts of the experience were more interactive, especially given that being a detective is central to the game’s plot.

Kaya glowing blue in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

(Image credit: Atlus)

Finally, a quick note on the experience playing on Nintendo Switch 2. Typically, I played with my Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the game controlled nicely. Switching between targets while locked on took a bit of getting used to – it could, at times, feel a little rigid. But everything else, from using attacks, summoning demons, sprinting and dodging felt totally fine.

Similarly, performance was very strong – though I would expect this given it's hardly the most demanding title out there. It runs at a maximum of 60fps at 1080p, which looks solid, though the lack of 4K may disappoint some.

Overall, though, I love how the game remains faithful, visually, to its PS2 roots, while still ensuring characters and backgrounds look polished. Oh, I also rarely experienced frame rate issues – that is unless I performed Raidou’s ultimate attack, Spirit Slash. This would sometimes cause a little bit of slowdown, but never to a degree that it cost me a battle or anything.

In the end, I had a blast with Raidou Remastered. I was keen to complete almost every Case File, the main story had me hooked, and of course, I loved summoning some of my favorite demons from the SMT series. Combat, though fairly layered, could sometimes get a little samey and I really wish solo investigations didn’t feel like a chore. But overall, Atlus did an excellent job with this remaster and I’m grateful that it’s enabled me – and so many other fans – to solve this mystery for the very first time.

Should you play Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army?

Satake converses with Raidou in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

(Image credit: Atlus)

Play it if...

You love the worlds of SMT and Persona
If, like me, you adore titles like Persona 4 Golden and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, I’d say that Raidou Remastered is well worth your time. It’s not as long as these games and doesn’t offer turn-based combat either (still my preference). But you’ve got mostly the same demons, and another host of awesome characters to interact with – crucial aspects that drew me to previous Atlus entries.

You’re a sucker for narrative-driven RPGs
There’s no vast open world to explore in Raidou Remastered. Sure, you can roam around the capital and get busy working on Case Files, or even take a trip to the Dark Realm. But the main event isn’t really exploration. It’s the games narrative, which at times, takes turns that you may not have foreseen. If you love story-driven RPGs, you’re likely to enjoy this mysterious adventure.

Don't play it if...

You’re not such a fan of real-time action gameplay
So, I mentioned it earlier, but if you’re only really into turn-based combat, it may be worth giving Raidou Remastered a miss. This game makes use of real-time action combat, meaning you’ll engage in much more intense, time-sensitive battles.

You want fully-fledged, shiny current-gen graphics
The bones of Raidou Remastered’s PS2 origins are very prevalent in this game, visually speaking. Personally, I was charmed by that, but I’m certain that it won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Oh, and this game runs at 1080p on Switch 2, rather than 4K, so if you’re expecting to be wowed by the flashiest graphics in the world, you’ll be disappointed.

Accessibility features

The game includes subtitles, button remapping in the controls section, a control stick sensitivity slider, and the ability to toggle vibrations on and off. There are some other subtle changes you can make, such as the option to simply hold the A button, rather than press it repeatedly to confine a demon. There are four difficult modes, including one which makes combat extremely basic for those who want to essentially focus on story alone. There isn’t a colorblind mode for anyone seeking that out, though.

How I reviewed Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army:

Atlus disclaimer in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

(Image credit: Atlus)

I spent more than 30 hours with Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, playing through the main story and the vast majority of Case Files. I had the game set on Private Eye difficulty – essentially normal. I’ve played a ton of Atlus titles before, from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne through to Persona 3 Reload, so I was already plenty familiar with systems like demon fusion.

I played the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, which I downloaded digitally via a code supplied by Sega. Usually, I played in docked mode in 1080p at 60fps, but I did try playing for a while in handheld mode too. When docked, I had my Nintendo Switch 2 connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2, with audio playing from the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar.

First reviewed June 2025

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on Nintendo Switch 2 is the biggest portable time sink since I was hooked on Animal Crossing
2:00 pm | June 25, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

If there’s anything a game can do to make a good first impression, it’s having its dual protagonists riding huge dragons in what feels like a cataclysmic event.

Having no skin in the game as far as Rune Factory as a series is concerned, it felt as though I’d skipped a whole host of chapters and was getting ready for the final battle between good and evil, and then… my character woke up.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on:
Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Release date:
June 5, 2025

Rather than charging into battle atop a mythical creature, I found myself cleaning up weeds and harvesting wood. The surprising part, however, is that in doing so, I came to fall in love with the depths of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma’s systems.

There’s combat here, sure, but in the 25 hours I spent in its charming world on Nintendo Switch 2, the biggest draws were getting to just the next upgrade for my burgeoning town, offering just the right gift on a character’s birthday, and enjoying quality time with its cast.

Rhythm is a dancer

A screenshot from RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

Still, I’m getting ahead of myself. As I mentioned, I’ve never played a Rune Factory game before, but with multiple Switch 2 games dropping into the laps of gamers, I wanted to kick the tires somewhat even before this review in hopes of filling a knowledge gap.

Waking from a dream, my amnesiac hero finds himself in the quaint Spring Village. Here, the sacred tree has stopped blooming, and I was tasked with cleaning the place up in hopes that better times would return.

As it would happen, the protagonist is an Earth Dancer, able to tap into natural forces (isn’t that always the way?), allowing them to wield divine instruments that help plants grow and push back against a sort of blight that’s strangling this once-vibrant world.

That narrative setup leads into the main mechanic of Guardians of Azuma: Village management. If the game itself were a sacred tree, its village customisation and management tools would be the central trunk–absolutely everything feeds into it, and that’s what helped me sink so many hours in so quickly.

Making friends…

A screenshot from RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

In the game’s opening hours, you’ll be led by the hand through all sorts of smaller pieces of village stewardship. You’ll meet its inhabitants to grow social bonds (more on that shortly), and spend time building up a designated area for fields and small buildings.

It doesn’t take long to build a couple of relatively humble abodes to help bring in new villagers, or harvest crops that can be sent elsewhere to raise capital for your village. In fact, before long, there’s the same kind of satisfaction you find in any other management game, as things tick along nicely.

The more villagers you can, the more they’ll be able to help with chores and tasks, and each has individual perks that help them fall more naturally into roles like Loggers, Farmers, or Miners.

Seeing my small patch of farmland from the game’s first hour gain a whole host of villagers to work on the harvest, or adding my first blacksmith, felt perfectly paced. The carrot on the proverbial stick of “I just need to get to the next upgrade” kept me up past 2 AM more than once, and there’s a really cosy quality to Guardians of Azuma that makes it a natural fit as a Switch 2 launch game.

…and influencing people

A screenshot from RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

In between your daily routine of tidying things up, bossing people about, and trying to make a bit of gold, you’ll also have the chance to grow friendships with your companions and even branch out into romance with them.

This is achieved by making an effort to converse with them regularly, fulfilling any requests they may have, and eventually working with their likes and dislikes to select suitable gifts or suggest suitable activities.

It’s not as strictly structured as something like Persona, and while there is a day/night schedule (complete with debuffs for staying up late), it’s easy to fit multiple social engagements into one day.

Best bit

A screenshot from RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

They say 'it takes a village', and I loved watching my relatively small patch of farmland grow into a bustling production line of crops being picked, weapons being crafted, and making coin via trading.

That’s a good thing, because many of the characters are just so fun to talk to. Ulalaka, the divine spirit of the game’s first village, is relaxed and cordial but holds some deeper fears about the state of the world and her diminishing powers. And, while some characters are certainly more one-note (Murasame is the relatively generic swordsman, while Takumi is the affable, boisterous carpenter), they’re all brought to life with exuberant voice acting and great regionalisation.

A screenshot from RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

A special shout-out, too, to Woolby. The game’s comic relief could have felt more irritating given how much he’s on screen in certain scenes, and I had feared he’d be akin to Persona’s Teddy or Morgana, but I ended up genuinely enjoying his appearances, and he didn’t grate much at all.

Laying down the law of the land

A screenshot from RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

You’ll want to spend time chatting up your cohorts, too. There are around two dozen romance options, but once any of their bond levels hit 1 (which is very, very easy to do), they’ll be able to accompany you on expeditions out of the village.

That’s important because while your town is busy working on items and weapons you can take out into the world with you, there are monsters to slay.

While the bright art style may suggest similarities, it’s not quite as deep as in something like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Many enemies can be felled with a few swings of your sword, but there are plenty of weapons to unlock, each with their own skill trees.

That applies to your party, too, so leveling your social bonds can be the difference between rolling into a boss fight with a relatively slapdash squad or with a team of hardened veterans.

There’s a breeziness to the action-based sword-swinging and bow-firing, and the option to slow time when you nail a ‘Perfect Dodge’ and follow up with a whirlwind flurry of attacks feels just as good here as it has in recent Zelda titles.

Some enemies will even turn into villagers, making seeking them out (and various other bonuses in the areas outside your village) a worthy endeavour.

Rinse, repeat

While there’s always something to do, be it a notjiceboard request or working towards the next village upgrade, the game’s structure won’t be to everyone’s liking.

Each chapter essentially adds a new village, and if you’ve not had a great deal of fun managing the minutiae of harvesting and selling crops in the first one, you’ll probably struggle to find the fun in the following villages.

Each comes with its own unique challenges, characters, and mechanics, but the overarching mechanics remain the same. That’s something I had a blast with, just constantly min/maxing my time, but it won’t be to everyone’s tastes.

I also found that there are some frame rate drops while playing on a TV at 4K, but those weren’t an issue in handheld. Given the option to sit back and do some village management while watching TV, though, I can see the latter being the way most people enjoy Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma.

Should you play Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma?

Play it if...

You’re looking for something to scratch that Animal Crossing itch
Rune Factory
isn’t quite as cutesy, but it does offer plenty of management systems for your villages. And yes, you can just walk around pulling up weeds as if Tom Nook is watching over you.

You want something to sink hours into
Between finding materials, recruiting villagers, restoring your home, and much, much more, it’s easy to get lost in Guardians of Azuma’s series of interwoven mechanics.

You’re looking for a great starting point for the series
I’ve never played a Rune Factory game, but it’s a series I’ll be keeping an eye on in the future. It’s easy to follow right from the jump.

Don't play it if...

You’re looking for a deep story
Guardians of Azuma’s
story is relatively by-the-numbers, but a strong cast of characters and great voice work help it feel more than the sum of its parts.

Accessibility

As far as I could see in the settings, there are no additional subtitle sizes on offer, but you can auto-pause dialogue when a sentence is finished. You can also adjust the speed at which subtitles appear.

Button mapping is very flexible, too, meaning players can customize their button inputs as much as they’d like, and the game does a great job of keeping button tooltips on screen, too.

A screenshot from RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

(Image credit: Marvelous Inc.)

How I reviewed Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

I played Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma for 25 hours, completing the main story and mopping up a whole host of side quests.

I did so on Nintendo Switch 2, switching between docked with my Sky Glass TV and playing in handheld mode, and making use of the Switch 2 Pro Controller. It marks one of my favorite Switch 2 experiences alongside The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild, as well as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but up next it’s Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition.

First reviewed June 2025

I’ve spent over 300 hours in Fortnite, and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is slowly becoming my favorite way to play the game
10:00 pm | June 17, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is quite simply the same game, but better. Bless developer and publisher Epic Games for trying, but Fortnite on the original Nintendo Switch is hardly the most elegant way to play and feels like you’re at a significant disadvantage thanks to the decreased graphical fidelity, framerate, and draw distance. It’s forgivable on handheld, but with TV mode, it looks rough and feels rougher. But I’m glad to say the Nintendo Switch 2 edition is a great way to play, no matter where you are.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on:
Nintendo Switch 2; Non-Switch 2 version available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, Android, iOS (in some regions)
Release date:
June 5, 2025

I mean, what can you even say about Fortnite at this point? Epic Games’ 100-person Battle Royale game has taken over the world over the last eight years, and it’s only grown larger in the time since. In the vein of something like Roblox, Fortnite is both a battle royale and a user-generated game platform where you can find an endless amount of custom maps to play with your friends on.

But let's get into why the Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is such a great way to play.

Chug jug with you

Fortnite screenshot

(Image credit: Epic Games)

To really hammer that “you can play Fortnite without even touching its main mode” point home, I don’t like Battle Royale – the marquee mode – thanks to the game's building mechanics. However, when it comes to the Zero Build mode, it’s undoubtedly the best Battle Royale game on the market right now. Over the years, Epic has augmented the core mechanics of the game with a host of new movement options like wall kicking and roll landing that keep things fluid in what used to be the jankiest of movement systems.

Of course, the problem with any ‘evolving game’ is that it’s tough to give a review of the main mode because of how it changes. Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 was peak, while Chapter 4 and Chapter 5’s third seasons were two of the absolute worst seasons of a live service game I’ve played. This means there could be three-month stretches where you just simply don’t like the game. And considering Epic Games has been experimenting with seasons based around media franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and a rumored upcoming Simpsons season, if you don’t like those, that’s all you get for months.

Thanks to the use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s feature set and specs, it's one of the best ways to play the game on console and by far the best handheld version.

Outside of that, there are the Epic Games-created modes. There’s Fortnite OG, which brings back the original Chapter 1 map (which can also be played in Zero Build, thankfully); Reload, which is a faster-paced 40-player battle; and Ballistic, a first-person mode that is a take on Counter-Strike. While none of these stand up to the core mode, they offer different ways to take on the mechanics of Fortnite and are solid games in their own right.

Then there are non-shooting modes like the Minecraft-inspired Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and the best side mode, Fortnite Festival, which is a rhythm game mode and the closest thing we’ll get to a new Rock Band game, considering it was developed by Guitar Hero and Rock Band creator Harmonix. This mode gets constantly updated with songs and artists, with a new singer taking center stage with a skin and big song drop every few months or so (with the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Metallica, and Hatsune Miku showing up).

And despite having so many options, the player base for each main mode is really healthy, meaning you’ll never wait too long to find a game of anything, with some custom games even having dedicated player bases. A few of these Epic-made modes have their own seasons and battle passes, too, which does add up if you don’t subscribe to the Fortnite Crew. However, Epic recently changed it so XP earned in any mode goes towards every single pass, which is a massive step up.

Mouse trap

Fortnite screenshot

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the same game as it is everywhere else; there are no exclusive modes or anything of the sort. However, thanks to the use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s feature set and specs, it's one of the best ways to play the game on console and by far the best handheld version of Fortnite.

Compared to the Nintendo Switch version, which ran at 880p docked and 660p in handheld mode, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition runs at 1224p docked and 900p in handheld, so it still isn’t 4K / 1080p, but it is a significant boost. However, the resolution isn’t where the upgrade matters; the improved textures as well as a far greater draw distance, which was one of the original console’s biggest hindrances – especially with how big the Fortnite map is. Most importantly, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition runs at a solid 60fps as opposed to the 30fps of the Nintendo Switch – which in an online shooter that has cross-play with more powerful platforms – makes a world of difference.

Gyro aiming returns from the Nintendo Switch edition of Fortnite, but new to the Switch 2 version is support for mouse controls via the Joy-Con 2 controllers. Effectively, this allows you to use a mouse setup for aiming with the movement capabilities of an analogue stick, and is a wonderful combination.

Best bit

Fortnite screenshot

(Image credit: Epic Games)

As I was writing this review, Epic released a Hank Hill skin alongside an emote recreating the King of the Hill intro: my best bit can only be that and even how it looked on the Switch 2, which was excellent.

However, the mouse implementation is a touch awkward. Due to the lack of buttons available, you’ll still need to access the face buttons on your Joy-Con to jump and reload, which creates some uncomfortable moments as you crane your hand. Plus, the mouse controls need to be activated from the in-game menu, as opposed to just sticking the Joy-Con in mouse position like in other games. This isn’t the biggest pain in the world, but it doesn’t revert back once you use a controller that doesn’t support mouse controls (such as attaching your Joy-Con 2 to the Switch 2 itself), which means you’ll need to get the controller off and go through the menu with the mouse to deactivate it.

Fortnite is a phenomenon for a reason; if you let yourself get by the “popular game bad” noise that you often see with this and the likes of Call of Duty, you’ll find what is probably the best Battle Royale game in the genre. And even outside of that, it’s a massive game platform that has an endless supply of whatever you like, from racing, rhythm games, and even custom Fall Guys games.

However, the risks of an ongoing game persist because you’ll occasionally be hit with a season that makes the game bad for months, and there’s not much you can do to help it.

Having said that, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is easily the best way to play on the go or on a handheld device, and while it’s outclassed in power by the PS5 and Xbox versions when it comes to TV mode, it’s still solid to look at, and the mouse controls give it an edge that those consoles don’t have.

Should you play Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?

Play it if...

You want to play Fortnite on a handheld
Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
outclasses the version on the original Switch in every way, taking what is a means to an end and making it a fantastic way to play in its own right. Plus, the mouse controls make tabletop mode a great way to play, too.

You want something free to play on Switch 2
Fortnite
has a seemingly endless amount of modes and content, and is being updated constantly. And unless you want to pick up a skin of John Cena or Raiden from Metal Gear Solid, you don’t have to pay a single penny to play all of the game’s modes.

Don't play it if...

You need the best graphics and performance from Fortnite
While the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Fortnite has a perfectly fine resolution and – in my experience – sticks at a solid 60fps, that’s where you cap out. The current-gen console versions and PC ultimately look better and support higher framerates.

Accessibility

Fortnite has a ton of accessibility options, including multiple color blindness filters, the ability to remap controls however you like, alongside multiple control options like gyro aiming and mouse controls.

A standout feature is the visual sound effects toggle, which displays a ring around your character to indicate the source of sound effects and their corresponding representations (footsteps, loot, gunfire, etc.). This is particularly beneficial for those with hearing difficulties or when playing the game with the sound muted.

How I reviewed Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

I played around eight hours of Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on top of a good 300-400 hours played across PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch. During my time with the Nintendo Switch 2 edition, I tested Zero Build mode, Fortnite Festival and a number of custom games.

I played this in a mixture of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on a Samsung Q60D TV and a Samsung HW-T450 soundbar using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and the Joy-Con 2 controllers when using mouse mode.

First reviewed June 2025

I’ve spent 20 hours in Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster on Nintendo Switch 2, and not much has changed, but that’s okay
4:00 pm | June 15, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a weird Nintendo Switch 2 launch title, something of a time capsule in every manner the phrase could imply. As a game, it’s stubbornly unchanged, and yet by being so familiar, it remains just as enjoyable as it was on its initial Nintendo 3DS release.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

As the game’s producer Tomoya Asano noted ahead of this remaster’s release, Bravely Default was designed as a throwback to the classic 2D and 16-bit era of RPGs.

Its success both at home and abroad inspired the company to develop its HD-2D titles, such as Octopath Traveler and the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. It emulates classic Final Fantasy with a grand globe-trotting adventure to save the world, wonderfully representative of the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System eras of the storied franchise.

One day, a great chasm suddenly opens in the earth underneath the village of Norende, with Tiz the sole survivor. The four crystals driving the natural balance of the world have been plunged into darkness. When he runs into one of the Vestals (priestesses of the crystals), Agnes Oblige, he is inspired to protect her and seek a way to reawaken them. Over time, you are joined in your travels by Edea Lee and Ringabel, and these four warriors of light set out to rejuvenate the world.

This is a turn-based RPG, enhanced by a deep job system and much more. The result evolves this basic framework into something highly engaging and, even all these years later, wholly unique. The titular Brave and Default mechanics bring a fascinating risk-reward thrill to difficult combat: you begin with 0 BP in each battle, with any action consuming one point. You can act multiple times in a single term by using Brave, consuming extra BP, but you’ll be unable to act again until you recover to at least zero.

Default is this game’s term for defending: you won’t act, but you’ll gain an extra BP and take less damage, allowing you to act twice next time without skipping a turn. By building up BP across multiple characters and tying it to special moves it allows for some intense all-out attacks if you strategize correctly.

Fairy-ly Strategic

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

(Image credit: Square Enix)

And strategize you must. Success against bosses hinges on correctly utilizing this system, as well as the jobs. These are the various classes you may already be familiar with, such as mages, thieves, and knights, alongside more exotic jobs like merchants.

Mastery of these classes allows you to inherit some of their abilities to other classes, essentially allowing a character to embody the best of two jobs at once. Battles require not just good strategy but knowing your limits, all while taking advantage of this job system to craft a mage with the speed of a thief, and so on.

One typical frustration when it comes to turn-based RPGs is that combat can soon feel slow or repetitive. These systems combine to avoid that. If you do feel the need to grind to increase your level, earn money, or improve a character’s class proficiency, you can assign actions for characters to take in auto-battles or change encounter rates and battle speed.

Best bit

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

(Image credit: Square Enix)

After first struggling to beat a boss, stepping back to adjust your jobs and equipment before tackling it with the right balance of offense and defense takes advantage of every aspect of the battle system, and makes victory feel oh-so sweet.

It’s hard to find much to complain about when it comes to Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster. It was praised in its time for being one of the best RPGs, and that remains true today. The script and characters charm, the battles thrill, just as they did before. Next to nothing has changed.

The character models and world are the same low-polygon 3D models as the 3DS release, bar a few upgraded textures, a fact only more apparent in the models for minor characters or the stiff, limited animations in cutscenes. It’s a testament to the timeless art style of the original game that the towns and select areas remain at times stunning and never feel garish when blown up on a larger screen.

A lingering legacy

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

(Image credit: Square Enix)

The only real differences in Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster are more of a necessity than anything else: the old game made heavy use of the network features of the 3DS, encouraging players to send combat support to other players while walking out in the world via StreetPass, or linking the abilities of your party with friends. These have been adapted to the Nintendo Switch Online ecosystem somewhat awkwardly, the joy of encountering strangers while walking outside replaced with much less interesting ghosts in towns.

There are two new minigames, but these feel like they exist primarily as an excuse to justify Nintendo Switch 2 exclusivity. They each use mouse controls, but not very effectively. Luxencheer Rhythm Catch is a rhythm game timed to a few iconic songs from the game’s soundtrack while a character of your choice dances along. It’s serviceable, but doesn't feel as natural as a proper rhythm game should.

Ringabel’s Panic Cruise is easily the more involved and interesting of the pair, putting you behind the controls of an airship as you steer around a course and react to commands by pulling switches and knobs or blowing whistles. I could imagine myself enjoying a full game with this concept and controls, but here it feels like little more than a tech demo. With both hidden in submenus, these will be forgotten almost immediately.

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Take these minimal bonus features away, and this is almost exactly the same game as it was before. Excluding a few quality of life changes and an adaptation from a two-screen handheld to a single-screen hybrid console, this is identical to the original release. Often, titles like Bravely Default may receive a new translation ahead of a new release, but even that remains unchanged here.

This, at least for me, is fine. In retaining as much of this 3DS experience as possible, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster stands apart from its contemporaries as something unlike other RPGs on the market right now, faithfully making a classic of the genre accessible to a new generation.

While it’s a tough sell to those who played the original game upon its release due to the unchanged nature of this story and gameplay, I’ve personally enjoyed the excuse to revisit it, exactly as I remember.

For all it isn’t pushing the new hardware to the limits while the limited new features are more of an excuse and obligation to test new hardware than enhance the experience, it’s hard to complain when you have one of the best RPGs of the last 15 years on the largest or smallest screen you could desire.

Should I play Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster?

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Play it if...

You never tried the original game
An adventure inspired by the classics but updated into something singular, Bravely Default is still not only timeless, it’s one of the best RPGs of the past 15 years

You love to strategize
No matter your level or job, an overly offensive or poorly strategized boss fight can leave you vulnerable to defeat in any fight. You’re always on your toes in your journey to save the world.

Characters and story drive your play
Bravely Default has such a charming core cast of characters whose chemistry will leave you laughing from the moment you meet. Their jokes and spirit alone can keep the adventure going.

Don't play it if...

You’re a returning player wanting something new
There’s nothing here you haven’t seen before if you played the original game. While Bravely Default is an enjoyable enough experience worth replaying, don’t come expecting a new perspective on this classic.

You want to push your new Switch 2 to the limits
This is a Nintendo 3DS game at its core, and the title has been given minimal visual upgrades. New content is limited to two minigames. This won’t test the power of the device or push all the new features of Nintendo Switch 2.

Accessibility features

While it’s possible to adjust language and subtitle options in Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and there is hardware-level limited button remapping for those using the Switch 2 Charging Grip or Pro Controller, there are no other accessibility features for those needing features such as colorblind mode.

How I reviewed Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

I played 20 hours of Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster and tried all features, including town rebuilding and bonus minigames.

This brought me partway into the second chapter of the game, although I did complete the game upon its initial release on Nintendo 3DS and compared the experience between the two titles.

Much of the game was played on a Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld or tabletop mode, as well as on an ASUS VG27AQL1A gaming monitor. Audio was utilized in a mix of the system’s internal speakers, Apple AirPods Max connected wirelessly to the device, as well as Denon speakers connected to the monitor via a Yamaha A-S301 Amplifier.

First reviewed June 2025

After more than 12 hours with Survival Kids on Switch 2, I’ve found it to be a kid-friendly puzzle platformer that’s equal parts simple and satisfying
6:00 pm | June 14, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: , | Comments: Off

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived, and along with it, so have a handful of launch games. Some old, some new, and some, well, they land somewhere between those two categories.

Meet Survival Kids, a cooperative platformer, built on the bones of the 1999 Konami Game Boy Color game of the same name, and developed by the minds behind the wildly popular game engine Unity. Its inception is a mouthful, and yet when it comes to the reality of the game itself, it’s very simple – perhaps too simple.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on:
Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 6th, 2025

In Survival Kids, you play as a (you guessed it) kid who, after being capsized in a mythic storm, must craft their way across an ancient archipelago in the hopes of escape.

The twist on this classic survival set-up is that the islands themselves aren’t static and are, in fact, living turtles that can cause the islands to flood. While it’s an interesting premise, Survival Kids commits to a more casual play style, and the submerging occurs only when the player is ready. It’s a reasonable choice for a game built for a younger demographic — I only wish there were multiple game modes for players of all ages, or those who may be more adept.

As you progress, you’ll uncover new biomes and take on chaotic environmental hazards like purple-goo firing turrets and body-barrelling wind tunnels, using earnable tools like fishing rods, trampolines, and comically large leaf fans to best them. Much like the premise, the levels are similarly straightforward and offer an occasionally moreish workload of mindless tasks to complete with friends or by yourself.

Rinse and repeat

Survival Kids.

(Image credit: Konami)

Every level in Survival Kids begins with a capsizing, and players wash up on the shore of a new island. From this point on, the aim of the game is to consolidate resources and move your base camp to the highest point, where you’ll construct a raft and start the cycle all over again.

The parts you need to complete this objective range from easily-accessible vines and stones (which can be harnessed by chopping down trees or mining rocks) to hidden aeroplane wings and half-buried propeller parts. It’s not as complex as something like Astro Bot by any means, but the diversity of islands and the platforming challenges embedded in them were varied enough to keep me entertained as I continued to explore.

In place of any towering challenges or punishing mechanics, the biggest antagonist you’ll face here is your stamina, which dictates how far you can climb on a climbing net and whether you can unearth objects. To increase your stamina, you need to find and cook food, making sure not to burn your precious meal in your camp’s cooking pot by leaving it on the castaway-hob too long. The more food you load into the pot, the better the quality of the meal, providing you with extra precious stamina.

Beyond staying fed, there aren’t really any stakes to speak of. Sure, you can fall off a cliff and lose your items or fail to wrangle a fish. But you can simply go back and pick them up again or just cast your line at the same fish a second time.

Survival Kids.

(Image credit: Konami)

You’re never really punished for your mistakes in any meaningful way, which has its pros and cons. By keeping the workload accessible and forgiving, Survival Kids feels like a great introductory game for kids who may not be familiar with the Survival genre. Still, at times, it feels as though it’s underestimating what younger players are capable of, especially when you consider the alternatives on the market like Nintendo’s own appropriately challenging Super Mario Odyssey.

Upon completing a level, you’ll earn stars depending on how quickly you escaped the island or how many collectables — called Treasure Stones — you found in the process. Early on, these stars mean very little, and you can breeze through the game - no questions asked. However, as you near the end, there’s a good chance you’ll need to revisit an island to collect a few more to surpass some star-based progress gates.

With little else to latch onto, Survival Kids often feels a bit dry and lacks the personality to really make its mark. It says something that not even a quirky British narrator can lift the tone. In fact, their chatter quickly started to grate.

Play nice

Survival Kids.

(Image credit: Konami)

Between island hopping, you’ll also get a chance to customise your cartoon avatar with a selection of kitschy castaway garb. There isn’t a great deal of diversity at first, but it’s plenty to set you apart from your co-op collaborators, and it’s good fun to tweak your hair colour, skin tone, and ocular scenario before hopping into a level. Thankfully, this small pool of outfits is just a jumping-off point, and you can unlock more by completing challenges layered throughout the game.

Alongside meeting the essential crafting criteria, you can complete optional tasks like fishing ten times in a row or cooking with a certain number of ingredients in your pot. By achieving these optional objectives, you can unlock themed outfits to jazz up your mini-me. Many will be achieved automatically as you play, but at the very least, I was pleased to have something else to shoot for outside the confines of the repetitive campaign.

Best bit

Survival Kids.

(Image credit: Konami)

Survival Kids is at its best when played with friends. Between the simple control scheme and the plethora of comfortably mindless processes to complete, I could chat to my heart's content without needing to maintain an intense back-and-forth to complete objectives.

Survival Kids can be played in single-player mode, however, it’s just not nearly as much fun as it is when you’re playing with friends. Aside from helping collect loot, the most fun I had was antagonising, and subsequently being antagonised by, my co-op partner. On one occasion, I led my fellow-survivor into a wind tunnel where they were gust into oblivion.

The repercussion was that after spending ages fishing and cooking up a delicious meal, they threw it off the edge and out of my reach. When playing solo, these kinds of light-hearted interactions aren't possible, and instead, you’re just left with the workload.

It’s clear there’s been an effort to scale things back in solo mode and make the levels more approachable, like reducing the stamina needed to pull up objects. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t make up for the tedious nature of completing the same tasks alone.

When playing through the later levels in the game, I found myself frustrated, not by the turrets shooting me off the map, but rather the boring nature of carting materials back and forth with no help. It’s admirable that the team at Unity wanted to give solo players a chance, but it doesn’t do justice to the obviously communal aspects at the core of Survival Kids' gameplay loop.

Should you play Survival Kids?

Survival Kids.

(Image credit: Konami)

Play it if...

You want a silly co-op game to play with friends
The simple nature of Survival Kids makes it a great backdrop for chatting with friends and cracking jokes, as you don’t need to focus too hard when solving puzzles. View Deal

You want Nintendo Switch 2 features like GameChat and GameShare
Survival Kids makes great use of both GameChat and GameShare, so it's a good game to pick if you want something that uses those console features.View Deal

Don't play it if…

You want a complex platformer
Survival Kids does offer a decent variety of platforming puzzles, though many repeat over time. View Deal

Accessibility features

In Survival Kids, you can access the settings menu from the main menu or anytime in-game by pressing the pause button and selecting the Options button.

From here, you can toggle on and off subtitles and a level timer, as well as level objective arrows and banners. In the Controls submenu, you can toggle between two layout options. Where audio is concerned, you can use incremental notches to tweak Music, SFX and Narration Volume.

How I reviewed Survival Kids

Survival Kids.

(Image credit: Konami)

I played Survival Kids' main campaign over twelve hours in a mixture of single-player, local co-op, and online co-op.

I used a Switch 2 console in both handheld and docked modes. When docked, I used an LG OLED C2 55-inch TV, with no additional soundbar or external speaker system.

First reviewed June 2025

Deltarune is brilliantly bizarre, and a must-play on Nintendo Switch 2
6:26 pm | June 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

Deltarune fans have been waiting over five years for the release of the third chapter in developer Toby Fox's role-playing game, but the wait is finally over. To coincide with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Fox has released not one but two more (of the seven total) chapters of the indie gem, with the four chapters releasing as a launch title for Nintendo's long-awaited console.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on:
Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, PC
Release date:
June 4, 2025 (June 5, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2)

Both were well worth the wait. Fox's charming adventure is the perfect companion for the new console, offering a surreal, personable world (well, worlds) filled to the brim with memorable, chaotic characters, brilliant writing, and tons of heart. Undertale fans will find a lot of familiarity here.

But, thanks to the overhauled battle system, the addition of party members, and a cast of bizarre new (and returning) characters, Deltarune is as welcoming for new players as it is for long-time Fox fans.

After over 15 hours with Deltarune, I'm itching for more – to return to its bewitching world and the characters I've grown to love across its four chapters. The wait for the last three chapters, likely to be released one to two years apart, is going to be excruciating.

Wake up

DELTARUNE

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

Straight off the bat, Deltarune lets you know this is not a story you have much control over. You begin Chapter 1, creating your "vessel," choosing their arms, head, legs, and... uh... favorite blood type.

It feels a bit fishy, but hey, if it's anything like Undertale, I knew to be prepared for weirdness. And I was right. Upon finishing your character, it's discarded: "No one chooses who they are in this world," a mysterious voice tells you.

Best bit

DELTARUNE

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

Those who played Undertale will find a lot of references to its universe in Deltarune. From characters like Toriel and Alphys to in-game item references (the sign in Kris' hallways says: "It's you") and even the name "Deltrarune" (an anagram of Undertale), there's a clear connection between the two worlds.

Instead, you're Kris, child of Undertale's Toriel, except the Undertale and Deltarune universes are not directly connected. They're parallel, with characters and references to Undertale appearing throughout Deltarune, but this Toriel is not the same as the one we knew.

This Toriel is Kris' doting mother, ushering him to school, where he's late. The punishment? Being teamed up for a group project with Susie, the class bully/badass monster. Sent on a mission by their teacher, Alphys, to find chalk (Susie ate it), the pair stumble across a closet that leads to the Dark World, where they meet adorable dork (and prince) Ralsei, who tells them they're part of a prophecy. Kris, Susie, and Ralsei are the Lightners, the heroes that will seal the Dark Fountains prophesied to destroy the world (both light and dark).

Across the three chapters, Susie, Ralsei, and Kris make their way through unique Dark Worlds to seal the fountains, meeting peculiar (and often hilarious) characters on their way and uncovering more about the link between the Dark and Light worlds.

Friend or foe?

DELTARUNE

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

The juxtaposition between Deltarune's Light and Dark Worlds is palpable. The Light World is an idyllic town with a diner, hospital, school, library, and friendly animal-like inhabitants (some of which will be familiar faces to Undertale fans.) Once Kris and Susie enter the Dark World, however, things get much weirder.

Chapter one sees Kris, Susie, and now Ralsei facing off against perhaps the worst bad guy in history – and I don't mean that in a ‘he's so fearsome’ way. Lancer, the young son of a tyrant king, tries his best to intimidate the heroes but spectacularly fails again and again, eventually having to get help from Susie. The writing throughout Deltarune is laugh-out-loud funny, with each character bubbling with personality and acting in unpredictable, unique ways.

For example, grumpy Susie initially hates being a hero and tries to pummel any characters you encounter – regardless of whether you want her to. But, as Ralsei warns you early on, acts of kindness are the most profitable in this game. You're actively encouraged to show mercy to the weird and wonderful ‘enemies’ you encounter. "Nah," says Susie.

DELTARUNE

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

But, throughout the four chapters, you grow to love Susie as she gradually lowers her walls, learns to be a ‘good’ hero, and awkwardly courts her crush, school nerd Noelle. Likewise, all the returning characters develop through the four chapters, opening up about their backgrounds, insecurities, and more. So, by the end of chapter four, I felt I knew these characters. These bizarre animal-like creatures were friends, I knew how they'd likely respond to something, what they'd say, or how they were feeling in a situation. They felt like real friends – a feeling I've not had with a game before.

So much of that is down to the writing. While there's a lot of it, and an auto-play feature would be helpful rather than clicking a button after each paragraph, the writing manages to capture and present the personalities of every character you meet seamlessly – both friends and foes. It never feels shoehorned, either.

You want to know more about each and every character because they're so interesting and unique, and you know the unveiling will likely have you laughing out loud. That's why you're so taken off guard when an emotional beat hits, like Susie's realization that her Darkner friends, Ralsei and Lancer, can't just go to school with her in the Light World. A tough pill to swallow when her Light World reality is much lonelier.

Alongside the writing, it's the design of Deltarune's characters and world that brings this adventure to life. Across the chapters, you'll go toe-to-toe with water coolers, mice, flamboyant weather people, and a three-headed cat that loves trees, boys, and sports as you traverse various Dark Worlds. In the first chapter, you work through a forest-like setting, the second sees you navigating a cyber world, the third takes you to a TV World (where you're a contestant on a deadly game show), and the fourth sees you working through a church-like setting. These pixelated worlds are stunning, with their atmospheres further boosted by unique, chiptune soundtracks. I dare you not to feel good listening to the Cyber City World tune.

Each of these worlds has its own, eccentric boss that you can't help but love. The bosses in chapters one to three are all pretty bad at their jobs and encounters with them result in some of the game's funniest moments, like chapter two's Queen who is obsessed with her "Sweetie Honey Darling Gravy" Noelle, but continually hides from her adoring peon Berdly. It's absurd, and utterly brilliant.

Acts of kindness

DELTARUNE

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

Ralsei's emphasis on acts of kindness is pivotal in Deltarune, because, unlike other RPGs, you are encouraged not to fight your opponents. This was a large part of Undertale's unique battle mechanics but is much more apparent here.

While Deltarune's encounters look similar to Undertale's and focus on turn-based combat, the battle system has been overhauled. Now, rather than fighting alone, you fight alongside your party members: Ralsei and Susie.

When you encounter an enemy, you're given several options: Fight, Act, Item, Spare, or Defend. While you can fight enemies, you ideally shouldn't. Not only is that because it's not quite in line with the game's ethos, but also because the foes you are kind to, and ultimately spare, can be recruited (officially in chapters two to four), with recruited allies helping you out in some way in the chapter's endgame. The recruited allies also move to Castle Town, your Dark World town base, with some building new shops you can take advantage of.

So, how do you win? Well, you kill them with kindness. By that, I mean, you use your turn to make each of your party members Act, which can involve flirting, talking, or complimenting your opponent, and increasing the Mercy meter of the enemy until they reach 100, allowing you to Spare and recruit them. Alternatively, you can tire them out and use Ralsei’s Pacify magic ability to spare them.

These enemies won't go easy on you during the encounter, however. They attack using the Bullet Board seen in Undertale. While in the Bullet Board, you must move around your soul (a heart icon) to avoid the enemy's bullet hell attacks. If you can Graze the bullets, and get close to them without getting hit, a white heart icon appears, and you gain TP (Tension Points) that allow you to use more powerful Acts and Magic.

DELTARUNE

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

The Bullet Board can be hard to get to grips with. While you're encouraged to move bit by bit, avoiding the bullets can be near impossible at times – potentially because the Switch 2’s controls are less accurate than a mouse and keyboard. It's a frustrating mechanic that I disliked in Undertale, too, but a critical aspect of all encounters.

What I do like is the extra mini-games that can crop up in encounters, like an ability that requires you to catch the mouse to increase the mercy bar, or to "knock the socks" off an enemy by shooting its... socks.

In between turns, your opponent will likely say and do ridiculous things, which makes these encounters much more entertaining as, especially in chapter one, they can feel a bit repetitive. Fortunately, unlike Undertale, Deltarune doesn't have random encounters, but chapter one's battles definitely get repetitive after a while. This issue eases up a bit in the following chapters, though, with fewer of the same enemy types and the recruit feature offering an incentive to work toward.

It feels like Deltarune finds its footing in chapters two to four and addresses any concerns about repetition we may have had in chapter one. As you progress through chapters, you come across new tools to use, Magic to utilize, and different obstacles and mini-games to complete, making each chapter feel unique but familiar.

Dark vs. Light

DELTARUNE

(Image credit: Toby Fox)

I can't sing Deltarune's praises loud enough. Toby Fox has created a refreshing witty, charming adventure that isn't afraid to be tongue-in-cheek and weird. At the same time, Deltarune's full of heart. Its emphasis is on the power of kindness and empathy for others, but its benevolent message is wrapped in a bizarre, coming-of-age RPG that is a joy to play.

There's no denying Undertale is the foundation upon which Deltarune is built, and the memorable pixelated gem Fox is building on that foundation is a stroke of genius. Keeping up that momentum across the next three chapters, however, will be the real challenge. And for fans like me, the years of waiting between them will be just as difficult.

Should I play Deltarune?

Play it if…

You love narrative-driven games with interesting characters
Deltarune has some of the best character development I've seen in a game. From the heroes themselves to the random enemy encounters, and bosses, every character is memorable and brimming with personality. If you want to sink your teeth into a story where the characters are the heart of the adventure, you can't go wrong here.

You want a lot of variety
Deltarune's four chapters offer unique characters, bosses, worlds, music, and mechanics, so if you want one game that almost feels like four different ones in a single package, it's well worth picking this up.

Don’t play it if…

You hate bullet hell games
As explained, the Bullet Board mechanic in Deltarune's encounters is tough to navigate. This is a bullet hell game, even if you take the path of kindness, so if you don't like that genre, or prefer unchallenging games, this may not be for you.

You don't want to wait for the whole story
Deltarune is an episodic RPG, consisting of seven chapters. Right now, only chapters one to four are available, with chapter five due to release in 2026 and the remaining chapters' release date TBC. If you want to play the entire thing at once, maybe hold off until every chapter has been released – though you'll be waiting a while.View Deal

Accessibility

Deltarune offers a few simple (but welcome) accessibility options. In the Config menu, you can select 'Controls' to remap the controls to a configuration best suited to your needs.

The Config menu also offers the ability to enable Auto-Run, which I advise for everyone. By default, Auto Run is toggled off, requiring you to hold the run button (B on Switch 2) to run. Kris moves slowly, but this can also prove tricky for those with dexterity issues. Enabling Auto Run means Kris runs everywhere without the need to hold the button.

I would have loved to see more accessibility options, especially for encounters. Some moves during encounters require you to quickly move the left toggle back and forth of the button bash, which proved especially challenging for me due to a recent wrist/thumb injury. The ability to hold a button or auto-complete these actions would be ideal.

How I reviewed Deltarune

I played Deltarune for 15 hours, with each of the four chapters taking around three to four hours to complete.

While I focused on the main story, I made sure to take the time to explore the game's various side routes where possible. Having previously completed Undertale, I was able to compare this game to Toby Fox's previous offering to give insight into the key similarities and differences between Deltarune and Undertale.

I reviewed Deltarune Chapters 1-4 on Nintendo Switch 2 with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, primarily playing in the console's TV mode with my Samsung Q80T QLED TV. I occasionally switched between the Pro and the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip but found the Pro controller to be much more comfortable to use.

First reviewed June 2025

Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition brings one of my favorite games ever to Nintendo Switch 2, and I just can’t put it down
4:55 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: , | Comments: Off

It’s hard to overstate just how much there is to do in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. This Nintendo Switch 2 port of the latest entries in the legendary stealth series comes crammed with everything from 2016’s Hitman, its follow-up Hitman 2, and the most recent instalment Hitman 3 plus heaps of downloadable content (DLC).

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

You get a total of three main story campaigns, tied together by a servicable overarching plot. Storytelling has never been the main appeal of Hitman, however, which lies instead in its highly replayable, richly detailed global locations.

There are 21 here (or 25 if you count the more limited tutorial and Sniper Assassin stages) ranging all the way from a high-profile Paris fashion show to the annual meeting of a sinister secret society on a remote North Atlantic island, the top of a skyscraper in sun-drenched Dubai, and the high-tech rain-swept streets of Chongqing.

Each of these is an expansive open-world sandbox that is designed to be replayed over and over again. As Agent 47, the world’s greatest assassin, your objective is always the elimination of a highly guarded target - but how you approach that is entirely up to you.

Feedback loop

Hiding with a pistol in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

You could sprint through a stage and shoot your target in the face, before mowing down legions of guards on the way to an extraction point like a bald John Wick, but careful stealth is always more effective and rewarding. The likes of Splinter Cell’s Sam Fisher might rely on futuristic tech to remain undetected, but Agent 47 just needs a simple change of clothes to get by. Knock out a guard and you can steal their outfit, exploring otherwise restricted areas and getting close to your target without the fear of being stopped.

Dress up as a member of a maintenance crew, and you might be allowed to tamper with dangerous equipment - setting up the perfect, undetectable accident kill. Agent 47 can become almost anyone, anywhere, and the possibilities that this opens up are practically endless. You’re always free to experiment, but those who prefer a more guided experience can follow dedicated mission stories - elaborate, showstopping eliminations that require multiple steps to pull off.

Every playthrough contributes to a location’s overall mastery level that unlocks new weapons, tools, starting locations, and so on. You might go in for the first time armed with just a silenced pistol and your trusty fibrewire, but before you know it you have access to compact sniper rifles, undetectable poison syringes, lockpicks, explosive rubber ducks, throwable decoys, flash grenades, and so much more. You can even start armed with a floppy fish to slap enemies over the head.

Best bit

Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

Every location in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is superb, though the New York bank of the Golden Handshake mission remains a firm favorite. It’s a wholly indoor environment, but that doesn’t mean that it’s small. There are multiple floors to explore and some great Mission Stories including a full-on bank heist to pull off.

Even when you’ve finished the main story, this Signature Edition comes with the fantastic Patient Zero side campaign on top of heaps of bonus missions to master. You also have Escalations (bite-size challenges that layer-on absurd conditions to often hilarious results), live-service Elusive Target contracts that can only be attempted once, seasonal challenges and stages, the Sniper Elite-esque Sniper Assassin levels, and a roguelike Freelancer mode.

For the $59.99 / £54.99 asking price the value is undeniable, though it is a shame that a small amount of content is gated behind further paywalls. Some cosmetic packs, for example, and, more significantly, the extra Sarajevo Six campaign are locked behind additional $4.99 / £4.49 purchases.

There’s so much here already that most players likely wouldn’t even notice, but for die-hard Hitman fans like me who have already paid for such extras on multiple other platforms, it’s a shame that this Nintendo Switch 2 version isn’t truly 100 percent complete.

Missed shot

Pretending to be a bartender in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

With gigantic crowds of NPCs and complex AI interactions, Hitman World of Assassination is a very technically demanding game. The Nintendo Switch 2 port runs at a level that I would consider just about good enough, provided that you don’t intend to play a lot with the system docked. In handheld mode, texture quality and resolution takes an obvious hit compared to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions, though this isn’t hugely noticeable on the smaller screen unless you compare the images side by side.

The render distance has also been reduced by a fair amount, and there’s more pop-in than other platforms - even the Xbox Series S. When the image is static, it looks about on par with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of the game to my eyes - which is not the worst result when you consider the battery life and cooling limitations of a handheld console. The frame rate is stable in most situations too, averaging between 40 and 50 fps, but is prone to dips in certain areas of specific stages.

The streets of the leafy Vermont suburb Whittleton Creek, for example, are noticeably more jittery, as is the dense rainforest of Ambrose Island. Signature Edition also seems buggier than other versions with small visual issues, like floating objects and doors sometimes vanishing when opened, decreasing immersion. Neither of these complaints amount to anything that renders the game unplayable, but I am hopeful that things will be smoothed out in future patches.

Getting a pat down in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition.

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

As for the docked experience, this is unfortunately where it all falls apart a little bit. Blowing the picture up on a big screen allows you to appreciate some of the complex lighting, weather, and reflection effects at play, but makes the cutbacks much more apparent. Again, the experience is never horrifically bad, but if you want Hitman World of Assassination on a big screen you will unavoidably be much better served by the PS5 or Xbox Series X and Series S editions.

There are also some areas where I feel as though developer Io Interactive has really missed the opportunity to make some simple changes to really take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Foremost is the game’s control scheme, which is effectively identical to other console versions. There’s no Joy-Con 2 mouse aiming here, or even basic gyroscope support which is disappointing given how much it would improve precision aiming with long-range weaponry.

Hitman World of Assassination is also still limited by the lack of a proper offline mode. Sure, you can technically play the game without an internet connection - but you have to sacrifice access to literally all your progression. Unless you’re keen to run around with default loadouts, you have to be online. While I like to play at home, this could be a dealbreaker for those looking for a new favorite to play on the go.

With all that said, is Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition worth picking up? I would say yes as, despite this version’s flaws, you’re still getting a fully playable version of one of the greatest stealth games ever made. There’s plenty here to keep you busy and, with a few updates under its belt, we could be looking at a must-have Nintendo Switch 2 release.

Should I play Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition?

Play it if…

You want a top quality stealth game
Hitman World of Assassination is still one of the greatest stealth games ever made. If you love sneaking around, then this Nintendo Switch 2 release is the perfect excuse to pick it up.

You after a game with heaps of content
I’ve already spent hours in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition and barely scratched the surface of what’s on offer. Pick this up if you want a content-rich game that will keep you occupied for hundreds of hours.

Don’t play it if…

You’re keen to play docked
Graphically, Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is solid in handheld mode but lacking when the Nintendo Switch 2 is docked. If you mainly play on a TV, you’ll be better off with one of the other console versions of the game instead.

Accessibility

There are unfortunately no dedicated accessibility settings in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. The game features subtitles, which are enabled by default, and some basic assist settings including an aim assist.

How I reviewed Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

I played Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition for more than 10 hours on Nintendo Switch 2, experiencing every location in the game at least once.

I’m a die-hard Hitman fan, and have spent more than 900 hours in Hitman, Hitman 2 and Hitman 3 on Xbox One and Xbox Series S, in addition to roughly 200 hours in Hitman World of Assassination on PC and PlayStation 5 so I compared my experience closely to that.

First reviewed June 2025

Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition brings one of my favorite games ever to Nintendo Switch 2, and I just can’t put it down
4:55 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: , | Comments: Off

It’s hard to overstate just how much there is to do in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. This Nintendo Switch 2 port of the latest entries in the legendary stealth series comes crammed with everything from 2016’s Hitman, its follow-up Hitman 2, and the most recent instalment Hitman 3 plus heaps of downloadable content (DLC).

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

You get a total of three main story campaigns, tied together by a servicable overarching plot. Storytelling has never been the main appeal of Hitman, however, which lies instead in its highly replayable, richly detailed global locations.

There are 21 here (or 25 if you count the more limited tutorial and Sniper Assassin stages) ranging all the way from a high-profile Paris fashion show to the annual meeting of a sinister secret society on a remote North Atlantic island, the top of a skyscraper in sun-drenched Dubai, and the high-tech rain-swept streets of Chongqing.

Each of these is an expansive open-world sandbox that is designed to be replayed over and over again. As Agent 47, the world’s greatest assassin, your objective is always the elimination of a highly guarded target - but how you approach that is entirely up to you.

Feedback loop

Hiding with a pistol in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

You could sprint through a stage and shoot your target in the face, before mowing down legions of guards on the way to an extraction point like a bald John Wick, but careful stealth is always more effective and rewarding. The likes of Splinter Cell’s Sam Fisher might rely on futuristic tech to remain undetected, but Agent 47 just needs a simple change of clothes to get by. Knock out a guard and you can steal their outfit, exploring otherwise restricted areas and getting close to your target without the fear of being stopped.

Dress up as a member of a maintenance crew, and you might be allowed to tamper with dangerous equipment - setting up the perfect, undetectable accident kill. Agent 47 can become almost anyone, anywhere, and the possibilities that this opens up are practically endless. You’re always free to experiment, but those who prefer a more guided experience can follow dedicated mission stories - elaborate, showstopping eliminations that require multiple steps to pull off.

Every playthrough contributes to a location’s overall mastery level that unlocks new weapons, tools, starting locations, and so on. You might go in for the first time armed with just a silenced pistol and your trusty fibrewire, but before you know it you have access to compact sniper rifles, undetectable poison syringes, lockpicks, explosive rubber ducks, throwable decoys, flash grenades, and so much more. You can even start armed with a floppy fish to slap enemies over the head.

Best bit

Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

Every location in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is superb, though the New York bank of the Golden Handshake mission remains a firm favorite. It’s a wholly indoor environment, but that doesn’t mean that it’s small. There are multiple floors to explore and some great Mission Stories including a full-on bank heist to pull off.

Even when you’ve finished the main story, this Signature Edition comes with the fantastic Patient Zero side campaign on top of heaps of bonus missions to master. You also have Escalations (bite-size challenges that layer-on absurd conditions to often hilarious results), live-service Elusive Target contracts that can only be attempted once, seasonal challenges and stages, the Sniper Elite-esque Sniper Assassin levels, and a roguelike Freelancer mode.

For the $59.99 / £54.99 asking price the value is undeniable, though it is a shame that a small amount of content is gated behind further paywalls. Some cosmetic packs, for example, and, more significantly, the extra Sarajevo Six campaign are locked behind additional $4.99 / £4.49 purchases.

There’s so much here already that most players likely wouldn’t even notice, but for die-hard Hitman fans like me who have already paid for such extras on multiple other platforms, it’s a shame that this Nintendo Switch 2 version isn’t truly 100 percent complete.

Missed shot

Pretending to be a bartender in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

With gigantic crowds of NPCs and complex AI interactions, Hitman World of Assassination is a very technically demanding game. The Nintendo Switch 2 port runs at a level that I would consider just about good enough, provided that you don’t intend to play a lot with the system docked. In handheld mode, texture quality and resolution takes an obvious hit compared to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions, though this isn’t hugely noticeable on the smaller screen unless you compare the images side by side.

The render distance has also been reduced by a fair amount, and there’s more pop-in than other platforms - even the Xbox Series S. When the image is static, it looks about on par with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of the game to my eyes - which is not the worst result when you consider the battery life and cooling limitations of a handheld console. The frame rate is stable in most situations too, averaging between 40 and 50 fps, but is prone to dips in certain areas of specific stages.

The streets of the leafy Vermont suburb Whittleton Creek, for example, are noticeably more jittery, as is the dense rainforest of Ambrose Island. Signature Edition also seems buggier than other versions with small visual issues, like floating objects and doors sometimes vanishing when opened, decreasing immersion. Neither of these complaints amount to anything that renders the game unplayable, but I am hopeful that things will be smoothed out in future patches.

Getting a pat down in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition.

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

As for the docked experience, this is unfortunately where it all falls apart a little bit. Blowing the picture up on a big screen allows you to appreciate some of the complex lighting, weather, and reflection effects at play, but makes the cutbacks much more apparent. Again, the experience is never horrifically bad, but if you want Hitman World of Assassination on a big screen you will unavoidably be much better served by the PS5 or Xbox Series X and Series S editions.

There are also some areas where I feel as though developer Io Interactive has really missed the opportunity to make some simple changes to really take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Foremost is the game’s control scheme, which is effectively identical to other console versions. There’s no Joy-Con 2 mouse aiming here, or even basic gyroscope support which is disappointing given how much it would improve precision aiming with long-range weaponry.

Hitman World of Assassination is also still limited by the lack of a proper offline mode. Sure, you can technically play the game without an internet connection - but you have to sacrifice access to literally all your progression. Unless you’re keen to run around with default loadouts, you have to be online. While I like to play at home, this could be a dealbreaker for those looking for a new favorite to play on the go.

With all that said, is Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition worth picking up? I would say yes as, despite this version’s flaws, you’re still getting a fully playable version of one of the greatest stealth games ever made. There’s plenty here to keep you busy and, with a few updates under its belt, we could be looking at a must-have Nintendo Switch 2 release.

Should I play Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition?

Play it if…

You want a top quality stealth game
Hitman World of Assassination is still one of the greatest stealth games ever made. If you love sneaking around, then this Nintendo Switch 2 release is the perfect excuse to pick it up.

You after a game with heaps of content
I’ve already spent hours in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition and barely scratched the surface of what’s on offer. Pick this up if you want a content-rich game that will keep you occupied for hundreds of hours.

Don’t play it if…

You’re keen to play docked
Graphically, Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is solid in handheld mode but lacking when the Nintendo Switch 2 is docked. If you mainly play on a TV, you’ll be better off with one of the other console versions of the game instead.

Accessibility

There are unfortunately no dedicated accessibility settings in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. The game features subtitles, which are enabled by default, and some basic assist settings including an aim assist.

How I reviewed Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

I played Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition for more than 10 hours on Nintendo Switch 2, experiencing every location in the game at least once.

I’m a die-hard Hitman fan, and have spent more than 900 hours in Hitman, Hitman 2 and Hitman 3 on Xbox One and Xbox Series S, in addition to roughly 200 hours in Hitman World of Assassination on PC and PlayStation 5 so I compared my experience closely to that.

First reviewed June 2025

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