Pokemon fans, both old and new, can easily get into playing Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch. This sequel to the classic N64 game from 1999 promises a fresh take on photography and adventure in the Pokemon universe. As an avid Pokémon enthusiast and a photography enthusiast myself, I couldn't wait to dive into this game and see if it lives up to the hype. In this review, I'll share my thoughts on Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch.

Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch is an absolute visual treat for the eyes. The game takes full advantage of the Switch's hardware capabilities, offering stunningly detailed and vibrant environments. Each level, referred to as an "island," is brimming with life and charm. 

The Pokemon themselves are beautifully animated, and their behaviors and interactions feel incredibly authentic. You'll be awestruck by the picturesque landscapes, whether you're exploring dense jungles, shimmering oceans, or icy tundras. The level of detail and creativity put into each island truly captures the essence of the Pokemon world.

Gameplay:

The heart of Pokemon Snap is, of course, photography. You will be embarking on expeditions guided by Professor Mirror, tasked with capturing the perfect shots of Pokemon in their natural habitats. The game encourages you to be patient, observant, and creative. 

Your photo expedition begins with just a camera, but as you progress, you'll unlock a set of handy tools to enhance your photography experience. These tools include edible fluffruit, luminescent illumina orbs, a music player, a scanning feature to elicit unique reactions, and an accelerator to keep up with swift Pokemon. While each tool has its uses, the illumina orbs stand out as the most unexpected. They can activate crystabloom flowers, luring Pokemonor even altering the course dynamics. Additionally, you can throw illumina orbs directly at Pokemon, causing them to radiate with a captivating glow. While many Pokemon may not react significantly to the orbs, a select few will surprise you with their responses.

The mechanics are pretty easy to grasp, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The challenge lies in taking the best shots. There's a rewarding sense of accomplishment when you finally get that perfect picture of a Pokemon in action; it's all about timing which is challenging to get at times.

Although I have to add that while the mechanics are relatively easy, if you are prone to motion sickness then go slow or play in short bursts rather than a long session. I initially played for more than an hour and found myself dizzy with maneuvering the camera Pokemon; espcially when it was docked. I found that sessions of 30 minutes or less were much better.

That said, one of the highlights of Pokemon Snap is the wide variety of Pokemon you will encounter. From the beloved classics like Pikachu and Charizard to newer additions, the game offers a diverse roster of creatures to photograph. As you progress, you'll unlock new areas and behaviors, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation to each playthrough

Exploration and Discovery:

One of the most enjoyable aspects of  Pokemon Snap is the sense of exploration and discovery. You never know what you might find around the next corner or beyond that dense thicket. The game encourages multiple playthroughs as you strive to capture every Pokemon species and observe unique interactions. This adds replayability and depth to the experience, making you want to return to the islands time and again.

Interaction with Pokémon:

In addition to capturing photos, you can also interact with Pokemon by tossing them Fluffruit (fruity snacks) or playing music to get playful reactions. These interactions add a layer of charm and unpredictability to the game. It's adorable to see how different Pokemon react to your presence and the offerings you provide.

Online Features:

The online features of  Pokemon Snap enhance the sense of community among players. You can share your favorite photos, compete in ranking battles (for the best photo of course), and even see the photos taken by others in your friend list. It's a fantastic way to connect with fellow Pokemon enthusiasts and compare your photography skills.

Verdict: 3/5

In the end, Pokemon Snap  for the Nintendo Switch delivers a delightful experience. It successfully captures the magic of the Pokemon world and combines it with the joy of photography. The beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and the sheer number of Pokemon to discover make it a must-play for fans of the franchise. 

Whether you're a long-time Pokémon Trainer or a newcomer, Pokemon Snap is a game that will make you feel like a part of the Pokémon world. So grab your camera and embark on a memorable journey to snap 'em all!

Should you get it?

While Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch is generally well-received, it's essential to acknowledge that no game is without its flaws. Some potential drawbacks include:

1. Limited Gameplay Depth: "Pokémon Snap" primarily focuses on photography and exploration. If you're looking for traditional Pokémon battles and deep RPG elements, you may find the gameplay somewhat shallow.
2. Repetition: The game encourages replayability by revisiting the same areas multiple times to capture different Pokémon behaviors. Some players might find this repetition less engaging over time.
3. Short Playtime: The main storyline of "Pokémon Snap" can be completed relatively quickly, leaving some players wishing for more content or longer gameplay.
4. Lack of Evolution: Unlike the original N64 game, "Pokémon Snap" for the Nintendo Switch does not feature the ability for Pokémon to evolve, which might disappoint some fans who enjoyed this feature in the original.
5. Limited Multiplayer Interaction: While there are online features for sharing photos and competing in ranking battles, the multiplayer interactions are somewhat limited, and players cannot directly interact with each other in real-time.
6. It's important to note that the appeal of "Pokémon Snap" largely depends on your expectations and what you enjoy in a game. While it may have some shortcomings, it excels in delivering a unique and enjoyable photography and exploration experience in the Pokémon universe.

[S$37-$68] New Pokemon Snap (Nintendo Switch)

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The latest Japanese boxed-video game hardware and software charts have been released for October 9th, 2023 to October 15th, 2023.

The best-selling game this week in Japan is the recently release and delightful Detective Pikachu Returns, which sold an additional 16K copies on the Nintendo Switch and it is followed by the charming Pikmin 4 Speaking of the Nintendo Switch, it was the best-selling platform, selling a comfortable 44,469 units. 

Here’s the best-sellers in the land of the rising sun:

1. [NSW] Detective Pikachu Returns (The Pokemon Company, 10/06/23) – 16,248 (101,887)
2. [NSW] Pikmin 4 (Nintendo, 07/21/23) – 14,114 (912,398)
3. [NSW] The Game of Life for Nintendo Switch (Takara Tomy, 10/06/23) – 13,443 (43,710)
4. [NSW] Rear Sekai (Bushiroad Games, 10/12/23) – 6,464 (New)
5. [NSW] Pokemon Scarlet / Pokemon Violet (The Pokemon Company, 11/18/22) – 6,381 (5,157,822)
6. [NSW] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo, 04/28/17) – 6,253 (5,514,955)
7. [NSW] Minecraft (Microsoft, 06/21/18) – 5,898 (3,286,698)
8. [NSW] River City: Rival Showdown (Arc System Works, 10/12/23) – 5,722 <strong(New)
9. [NSW] Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo, 12/07/18) – 4,566 (5,304,914)
10. [NSW] EA Sports FC 24 (Electronic Arts, 09/29/23) – 4,557 (27,046)

Hardware Sales (followed by lifetime sales)

Toki Tori was originally about two decades ago in 2001 on the Game Boy Color, before seeing re-masters of sorts appear on the Wii and Wii U etc... I actually had my first encounter with this game on device called the Palm in the mid 2000s.

So imagine my delight when I got the Nintendo Switch and saw it on the e-shop... on sale! Of course I had to get it and relive my childhood.

It's a very rewarding yet challenging and fun puzzle game. You are tasked with guiding Toki Tori around 5 worlds and their multiple levels. To complete each level and progress to the next, you need to collect all of the eggs. All of this is to be accomplished with a set number of moves and abilities such as building bridges, freezing the enemies, and using blocks, bubble or teleportation etc... 

The first world is relatively simple and with each world and level you get introduced to new abilities. Of course the more you progress, the more challenging it becomes and solving the puzzle really takes some brain power. Thankfully there are videos online to help you out if you do get stuck on  certain levels and it gets somewhat frustrating as you find yourself sort on one bridge or teleport move to complete the level.

One of the features I love is the rewind button by simply pressing the 'Y' Button! This saves time having to restart the level all over again and you can just continue from where you think you made a mistake. It does bring the frustration level down a little but then having to start again from the beginning: you get to trial run some of the moves and redo them to get the right path to collect all the eggs.

There are 5 worlds which offer a set of regular levels. Once you have cleared the regular levels, the 'hard' and 'bonus' levels are unlocked. Both of these advanced levels are even more challenging and makes you really think out of the box, giving the most well-practiced puzzle experts a brain workout for sure. 

From World 2 onwards, there's a Wildcard option which enables you to pass on to the next level. You can only use this once and once you've spent it  you will need to complete the particular level it was used on in the future to have it returned to you. Of course there is the other alternative to search Google and find the solution online to see what you missed out. 

Toki Tori's difficulty is hard but rewarding when you manage to solve the puzzles: it forces you to plan out and execute each move to exact precision and timing, the wrong move could jeopardize the whole flow which results in a failed level. Unlike other puzzle games which are tricky due to infuriating mechanics which are out of your control, in Toki Tori you have more control per se. 

Some levels are relatively easy but others, especially as you progress, makes you wonder if it actually can be solved or not. The satisfaction comes from having solved or realizing what was the critical step to solve the level. Yes, even if you play cheat and find the solution from the countless of videos available on the internet it is still satisfying. 

Not only are the graphics and animation easy on the eyes, the soundtrack is adorable and catchy! So even if you are stuck on a certain level, it helps to soothe the frustration somewhat. 

Verdict: 4.5/5

Toki Tori is an adorably charming game which is fun and tricky at the same time. It really gives your brain a workout and the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when is complete each level is indescribable: it's like you feel you gain more intelligence with each level you complete as you are forced  come up with perfect solutions throughout the game. 

It's totally worth the money, more so when it is one sale on the Nintendo e-shop.

So if you love yourself a good puzzle game, or simply want to have it on the Nintendo Switch, you should get it! 

About The Game

Take control of an adorable turnip who happens to be an absolute menace to society. After failing to pay taxes and getting evicted from your home, you must go on an epic quest to pay back your massive debt to Mayor Onion. Garden tools to solve plantastic puzzles, meet eccentric vegetables and fruits, and take on treacherous fights. Along the journey uncover what’s spoiling this garden community and rise to tear down the corrupt vegetable government!

So... I came across this game on sale the other day for just under USD$3 and the premise seemed interesting and adorable at the same time. Needless to say I downloaded the game and have started play, hence this is a mini review on the experience so far. 

Playing as a turnip trying to evade taxes and defeat a seeming corrupted onion as mayor seems fun a vegan world. As Turnip Boy, you can can evade as much tax as you like without any real world repercussions; it is a game after all. 

It's one of the cutest games I've played and the gameplay is easy to grasp for the most part. Once you manage to get the hang of the controls, you'd be defeating baddies and evading taxes like a pro. 

Some captures from my game progress so far

At start of the game Turnip Boy obtains a ‘soil sword’ along with a watering can.  The sword is used to attack against fearsome snails, piglets, and other dangerous but adorable (mostly vegetable eating) animals. The water can can also help water bombs, put too much water and you'd lose a few hearts. Alternating between the sword and watering can can be a bit cumbersome, but once you get used to it, it's a breeze. There are 2 options to alternate between items 

1. Use the ‘L’ and ‘R’ is easy, OR
2. Holding down ‘Y’ to access to inventory

There's also a move to throw the bombs in the direction you want to attack animals or blast doorways to open pathways. Time it right after you use the water can and kick it in the direction you want or risk being bombed yourself. 

The whole tax evasion thing is the theme, and the aim is to repay back the onion mayor by doing various tasks. While exploring the world, the other characters encountered will also give you mini-tasks with mini awards / achievements. It's relatively simple: task is given, go to location, complete task and return for the reward. The reward could be new items or abilities. 

There's a wide range of characters you’ll come across during your travels, all of which comprise different fruits or vegetables (it is a vegan world after all). There's dialogue and you can follow the storyline as well. It would have been better if there was indication of which characters would give you tasks and others just there for comic relieve. Having to approach each character to see if a bit cumbersome and can be a bit frustrating since you cannot skip past some pointless conversations. If you take your time to read each one, it is still a nice adorable little game. 

For those looking for something adorable and relatively easy, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is definitely worth a try. That said, although Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is not too difficult, some of the boss battles and puzzles where you have to make use of multiple items may well pose a good challenge.

Verdict: 4/5

Overall, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a delightful vegan adventure and I cannot wait to complete the game! 

If you’re after a chill and adorable game with a bit of RPG action, then look no further; this is a great way to get started and also get more digital veggies into your gaming diet.

Have you played Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion? If yes, let us know in the comments below how much you liked it (or not)! 

You can get the physical copy to keep or re-sale after you are done, or get it from the Nintendo e-shop when there're sales.

[S$39.90](▼5%)[Nintendo]Nintendo Switch Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion

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Image: Game Freak/The Pokémon Company

As part of a Pokémon Presents stream on Monday, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are getting paid DLC and the first wave of the upcoming expansion is coming in fall 2023! 

It's called "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero", and it is separated into 2parts and will take players beyond the existing Paldea Region as well as let them encounter new Pokémon.

There are 2 parts to this new adventure: 

Part 1 is called The Teal Mask, and will arrive first in the fall of 2023. It will take players on a school field trip to the land of Kitakami, a mountainous region with a village at the base. 

Part 2 is called The Indigo Disc and is slated to arrive sometime before the end of winter 2023”. It will take players to visit their sister school, Blueberry Academy. 

Although it is split into two parts, both stories will link up into one continuous narrative.

Check out the trailer below:

Which new Pokémon are coming to The Teal Mask and Indigo Disk?

In addition to experiencing new locations, The Hidden Treasure DLC will also feature new Legendaries and returning favorites. 

The Teal Mask’s Legendary, will feature Ogerpon with new Pokémon Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti also appearing alongside the likes of Chingling, Shiftry, Milotic, Ninetales, Vikavolt. 

The Indigo Disc will feature the Legendary Terapagos, alongside returning Pokémon Dewgong, Metagross, Alcremie, Espurr, Zebstrika, and Whimsiscott.

The Pokémon Company also revealed that Pokémon Home will finally link Let's Go and Scarlet/Violet together. This, together with the DLC, will now introduce over 230 Pokémon to the games that weren’t previously available in them to catch or battle with!

Are you excited? I certainly am and will have this on my shopping cart ready to check out!

Have you gotten your copy of Pokemon Scarlet or Violet yet? If not, do check out the link below to get your copy to start your adventure! 

[S$67.00](▼5%)[Nintendo]Nintendo Switch Pokemon Scarlet / Violet / Double Pack

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Image from Ubisoft

Do note that this post may contain product affiliate links. If you purchase something through a link on this blog post. we may receive a commission, which goes into the upkeep of this blog.

With just about 10 days to it's release,  Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will make it's way on the Nintendo Switch on 20 October 2022!

In the strategy adventure Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Mario and his friends team up with the Rabbids once again to restore order to the galaxy! Explore planets filled with quirky residents, and even quirkier secrets, while you stop a mysterious evil from plunging the universe into chaos.

I went into it not really knowing what to expect but Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a hidden gem with full of surprises. It’s a turn-based tactics gameplay where you figure out the tactical puzzles of chaining together as many stringed attacks in the least amount of moves possible. It’s oddly satisfying seeing the enemies getting beaten up Mario and Rabbid style. 

[Mario Rabbids: Kingdom Battle Gold Edition + Donkey Kong Adventure DLC Review]

So now with it's sequel out, I can't wait to get my hands on another fantastic helping of strategy-focused goodness, Mario + Rabbid style of course. Besides the Standard Edition, there are are some special Gold and Cosmic Editions available!

I found the Cosmic Edition on Qoo10 for SGD$59.90, and the Gold Edition was SGS$110.90. What a steal!

[S$59.90](▼30%)[UBIsoft][Pre-Order] Nintendo Switch Mario Rabbids Sparks of Hope (Pal/Eng) - Release on 20th Oct 2022

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It's sad that we don't have the steel case, but if you order from the Nintendo Store UK it comes with with a free SteelBook case.

The Gold Edition includes the base game, a Season Pass (which contains upcoming DLC packs, including additional story content featuring a new character, quests, and battles), and the Galactic Prestige Collection (three exclusive weapon skins, unlockable right away). 

The Cosmic Edition just does not have the Season Pass for the DLCs, which is pretty reasonable for that price. It comes with  the base game, and the Galactic Prestige Collection mentioned above.  I've been buying a tad too much games, so this was the only one which was more 'friendly' on my wallet, so this is the version which I got. I could always get the DLCs at a later stage if I am interested in it.

Now all I have to do is wait for the game, and find time time to play! 

Have you pre-ordered your copy of the game or will you wait before getting it? Share it with us below in the comments below!

The Paldean region of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has added another unique creature to its ranks...

... Meet the Wiglett

Digletts are Ground Type Pokémon basically whack-a-moles with cute noses, and they were made even more memorable by their cries of “Diglett Dig” in the cartoon. It's cousin the Wiglett,  resembles a garden eel, a subset of the eel species that live underground and poke their heads out from under water. It debuted during a livestream in Japan, which verified that while it bears a striking resemblance to Diglett, it is different enough to be classified as a unique species and not a Paldean variant.

Wiglett is a long worm-like creature that rises from the ground. But unlike the Diglett it is not a Ground Type but Water Type.  It also has a pair of eyes and a nose similar to Diglett, one of the original 151 Pokémon that has already been shown in trailers for the new game.

The Wiglett becomes the 17th new Pokémon revealed for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, including the Paldean variant of Pokémon Wooper from the second generation. New species introduced for the new game include LeChonk, the legendary Koraidon and Miraidon, and the newcomers Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the ninth main installment in the Pokémon franchise, which will introduce players to the new region of Paldea when it launches on 18 November 2022 exclusively on Nintendo Switch.

 Pre-order @ Amazon - SGD62

 Pre-order @ Qoo10 - SGD$60

Source: Nintendo

Sometime back I reviewed Nintendo Switch Sports Volleyball and Badminton, and this time I am back with Chambara. I thought Volleyball and Badminton gave a workout for the arms, but Chambara  actually overtakes Volleyball  and Badminton: the speed and arm movements for Chambara are definitely more intense (particularly if you opt for the Twin Swords 😅)!

[Nintendo Switch Sports Volleyball and Badminton First Thoughts Review]

So what is Chambara?

Source: Nintendo

It's basically sword fighting, and is one of six sports in Nintendo Switch Sports. It requires a single Joy-Con, but can be played with two, and allows up to two people to play at a time.

What are the rules?

To win, within the time limit (45 seconds) you have to knock your opponent off the platform and into the water using the arm movements Attack and Guard. If no one is knocked off within the time limit, it becomes a draw. If no winner is decided after three rounds, there's a Final Round in which the arena shrinks.

What are the basic moves?

Attack: Slash the Joy-Con as if it were a sword. The direction of your attacks greatly matters. If your opponent is guarding vertically, you should attack vertically, and so on, or they will block you.

Source: Nintendo

Guard: Hold the ZR(or ZL) button to Guard. Aim perpendicularly to the incoming attacks to stun your opponent.

Source: Nintendo

What types of weapons?

Source: Nintendo

There are 3 types of swords to choose from:

1. Sword: has an edge with the simplest mechanics. It can knock an opponent off the platform in just 4 attacks.
2. Charge Sword: f you're adept at blocking at the perfect time, the Charge Sword could be a better fit for you.
3. Twin Swords: it has the ability to easily confuse the opponent, since you can switch stances and guards very quickly. It can knock an opponent off the platform in 6 attacks.

Some Tips:

If you've loved the rustic and calming gameplay of  A Short Hike and wished it was on a physical game cartridge for your Nintendo Switch, your wish has been granted thanks to Super Rare Games!

Follow the marked trails or explore the backcountry as you make your way to the summit. Along the way, meet other hikers, discover hidden treasures, and take in the world around you.

• Explore the island any way you like. Choose your own path to follow and see where it leads you. You never know what you might stumble into!

• Hike at your own pace – there’s no need to rush to the summit! Take your time fishing along the river banks or swimming by the lakeshore.

• Collect hidden treasures to reach new heights. Try taking a dive off the mountain peaks to soar above the forests.

• Chat with the other hikers you meet along your route. You might be able to help each other out!

• Listen to a lush original soundtrack by Mark Sparling that progresses dynamically as you explore the wilderness.

The collector's edition contains a a 46-page retro style guidebook of Hawk Peak, 4 sticker sheets of the Flora and Fauna found on Hawk Peak, a poster-size retro style fold-out map of Hawk Peak (all held together by a Short Hike Belly Band), a Claire pin badge, 3 postcards, and the beautiful OST composed by Mark Sparling. 

How cool is that?! 

If you are a collector and love this game, you should definitely get it! 

 Buy Now

What is Nintendo Switch Online?  

More information on the Nintendo Site

Individual Membership

What is it: Provides Nintendo Switch Online service to the Nintendo Account that purchased the service. Individual Memberships are available in 1 month, 3-month, or 1-year increments. An individual Nintendo Switch Online membership costs USD$19.99 a year, while the expansion pack would cost USD$50 per year.

Who is it for: If you just want the basic cloud save, being able to play online and access to the usual offerings an online subscription has to offer, then opting for the normal individual plan would be sufficient. If you want to have more with the additional access and content the expansion pack has to offer, go for it! 

However, if you have a big family, or a group of friends, it might be more economical to get the family membership instead.The point of a family group is to bring together everyone's Nintendo Account under one subscription.  The family membership for Nintendo Switch Online can have up to 8 people on one plan. The more people you get to join in on this plan, the more money you save. 

Family Membership

What is it: the Nintendo Switch Online service to everyone in the purchaser’s family group (up to 8 people). Family memberships are available in 12-month increments only. The normal Nintendo Switch Family Online membership costs USD$35 a year, while the expansion pack would cost USD$80 per year.

Who is it for: If you want to get the membership at a slightly cheaper price and save some money, that and / or you have a big family or group of friends. 

How: All accounts must be part of a “family group”. It doesn't matter if they are used on a single Nintendo Switch console (with multiple Nintendo profiles / accounts) or on multiple Nintendo Switch devices with their respective Nintendo Accounts.

The family membership utilises family groups, so each account can be assigned a different role, with set permissions:

Personally, I prefer a mix of digital and physical because it just makes sense. This is especially the case for:

•  digital games which go on sale on the Nintendo e-Shop and are way cheaper than the physical copy (sometimes up to a 50% discount or more!)
• physical games which come with special bonuses, make for a good collection or if I don't like it, I can resell it away to fund my other games

Depending on what you want both digital and physical games have their pros and cons. But in a nutshell, if you want easier access to games on the go without having to constantly take out game cartridges each time you want to play a different game, then investing in a in a large-capacity microSD card and getting games digitally would be the choice for you. However, if you prefer owning the game cartridges and have your own little collection which you can trade or resell to fund future games, then physical game cartridges with a little investment on a  invested a smaller microSD card and a carrying case for the cartridges.

Note: The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite have 32GB of internal storage, while the Switch OLED offers 64GB. When you download a game from the eShop, it will occupy some of that storage space. You can expand the Switch's storage through microSD cards up to 2TB (which is more than enough for plenty of Switch games), but that's an additional expense.

Personally, I prefer a mix of digital and physical because it just makes sense. This is especially the case for:

•  digital games which go on sale on the Nintendo e-Shop and are way cheaper than the physical copy (sometimes up to a 50% discount or more!)
• physical games which come with special bonuses, make for a good collection or if I don't like it, I can resell it away to fund my other games

Pros