The iconic arcade classic, Bubble Bobble, makes a triumphant return with "Bubble Bobble 4 Friends" on the Nintendo Switch.  Spoiler alert: it’s a bubbly joyride that fans old and new will adore.

Nostalgic Charm Meets Modern Fun

"Bubble Bobble 4 Friends" brilliantly captures the essence of the original 1986 game while infusing it with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics. The vibrant, colorful visuals are a treat for the eyes, and the updated character designs maintain the charm of our beloved bubble-blowing dragons.

Gameplay: Simple Yet Addictive

At its core, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends retains the simple yet addictive gameplay that made the original a hit. The objective remains the same: trap enemies in bubbles and pop them to clear the stage. The game's  levels are thoughtfully designed, offering a balanced mix of challenge and fun. Each level introduces new elements and enemies, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of power-ups that add a strategic layer to the game. Collecting letters to spell "EXTEND" grants you special abilities, making it easier to tackle tougher stages. This mechanic encourages replayability as you strive to unlock and utilize these power-ups effectively.

Co-op Play: Fun for All Ages

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends shines in its co-op mode, allowing up to four players to join the fun. Whether you're playing with family or friends, the cooperative gameplay is a blast. The game strikes a perfect balance, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned players can enjoy it together. The joy of working together to trap enemies and clear stages is amplified in multiplayer mode, making it a fantastic choice for social gaming sessions.

Classic Mode: A Nostalgic Treat

For those who crave a pure nostalgia trip, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends includes the original arcade version of Bubble Bobble. This mode is a faithful recreation, letting you experience the classic gameplay in all its retro glory. It's a wonderful addition that showcases the timeless appeal of the original game.

Verdict: A Must-Have for Fans and Newcomers Alike

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends on Nintendo Switch is a delightful homage to a classic game. It manages to capture the nostalgic essence of the original while introducing modern enhancements that make it even more enjoyable. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this game is a must-have for your Switch library. Its charming visuals, addictive gameplay, and fun co-op mode ensure hours of bubbly fun. Dive in and relive the magic of Bubble Bobble with this fantastic modern update!

Pros:

1. Captures the nostalgic charm of the original
2. Engaging and addictive gameplay
3. Fun co-op mode for up to four players
4. Includes the original arcade version
5. Vibrant and colorful graphics

Cons:

1. Some levels can be quite challenging for younger players
2. Limited variety in enemy types

Overall, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a joyful addition to the Nintendo Switch lineup, providing a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern gaming fun. Don't miss out on this bubbly adventure!

It is available on the Nintendo e-shop for US$39.90, but do look out for sales for more savings. If you would prefer the physical edition then Amazon or Shopee (if you are in Singapore / South East Asia).

If you are wondering what is Shopee, it’s basically a shopping platform like Amazon but with pricing closer to Temu. They have an app for Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia, mostly for the South East Asian countries. Besides the (probably) more affordable (cheaper) pricing, shipping is either free or less than SGD$2 (for majority of the sellers). The only downside is that you need a local number and address for each of the Shopee country app. 

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Play-Asia is an online retailer specializing in video games, DVDs, music CDs, and gadgets primarily targeting the Asian market. Established in 2002, it has grown to become a prominent platform for gamers seeking imports, rare titles, and niche products. It offers a wide range of products, including Japanese and Asian versions of games, which can be appealing to collectors and enthusiasts outside Asia. The company also provides digital services, such as digital codes for games and online subscriptions. Overall, Play-Asia serves as a bridge for gamers worldwide to access unique gaming content from Asia.

If you are looking for covers or items which are not available in your country then this could be a good place to look if you are not able to find any online anywhere else.

My experience was not so pleasant (mostly on the courier / shipping side of things) with the long wait, poor resolution time and almost losing the parcel, and the pricing. 

Let’s start with the website. It’s primitive and not user friendly. Navigating between product pages is not an intuitive thing and the design is like it is still stuck in the 2000s. The layout is messy and cluttered, so unless you know what you are looking for specifically… virtual window shopping does not spark joy.

Layout, Taxonomy and Design still stuck in the 2000s

Next would be the purchasing experience, which PayPal is an option. Although it is mentioned that if you spend above a certain amount (basic) shipping would be free, however there are some caveats to that. Not to mention that the sales and discounts are really lackluster.

I was interested in this otome game My Next Life as a Villianess: All Routes Lead to Doom! - Pirates of the Disturbance. It was listed on PlayAsia but it was a pre-order and it was expensive (although the company is located in Hong Kong, they use USD$ as a currency on their platform). Then I saw a something which was interesting, Sword and Fairy Inn 2, the collectors’ edition.

I decided to try purchasing from PlayAsia and the first game from them was the collect’s edition of the Sword and Fairy Inn 2. Rating for the game was not too good but the cover looked so cute and the concepts ofthe game looked like something I would play, so I got it.

Checkout was easy, payment was swift but delivery… delivery was a pain. It took almost forever and more than a month before I received it. All because of the shipping company PlayAsia used - Quantiam Solutions.

You can read all about the lack of professionalism and lacklustre service of the shipping company in the link below.

[Quantium Solutions - the worst logistics and shipping company]

The item reached Singapore but was sitting in at the Post Office Center for a month with no accountability nor response by the shipping company!

It took 7 weeks for my parcel to arrive from Hong Kong and not because it was from a far away... even stuff I've gotten from Amazon US has come in a much fast timeframe with much better updates on the status of delivery ... It was because it was stuck in the Singpost sorting center, to which the logistics company Quantium Solutions was dead on replies and basically non-responsive pushing it over from the Hong Kong branch to the Singapore branch and then dead silence.

PlayAsia took about a week to finally conclude that it was “lost”, whilst its status was actually sitting there with not one bothering about it and no updates whatsoever. They provided an option, to either get a refund or resend out again. I opted for a refund and when that happened, the game was delivered the next day!

Now being the nice person that I am, I informed PlayAsia and they thanked me for informing them that I had received the “missing” item. Next they asked if I could make a payment again on their website since they had already processed the refunded. So meaning, if I had not informed them I would have gotten it for free and gotten an extra one?

But I “returned” them the money and I did earn a few cents back since the exchange rate was higher on the day the refunded me versus when I had bought it.

Oh, and that otome game I wanted? I managed to get it off Carousell for just S$60. That’s at least S$30 lesser than what it is on PlayAsia (not even including shipping).

So would I purchase from PlayAsia again? I guess that would depend if they have the games I really want that I am not able to get else where otherwise it is not worth the time, money and effort. There are also no incentives, unlike Amazon, Shopee or Lazada.

Have you purchased from PlayAsia before? If the answer is yes, how has your experience been so far? Please share in the comments below!~

Ever since I had gotten my Nintendo Switch it has been an adventure of playing games, and collecting physical edition of games. Being in Singapore, we usually get the MSE version of the physical games, which is the same looking as the US version. There are some games which are the EU version as well, but overall we get quite a few variety. 

Prior to 2024, first party games were released with the region code MSE. The physical games have an ESRB rating on the front cover of the box, and on the back there is an “Middle East/Southeast Asia/Official Product” logo, and the same Nintendo of America barcode as the respective product sold in the states. Inside the packaging is a USA region Game Card.

But starting this year in 2024, all first party Nintendo physical games in Southeast Asia will no longer have an ESRB age rating on the box. That would mean that games from this region will be the first in the world to have clean covers for first party titles. That is… with the exception of titles such as those from the Bayonetta series that will most likely have an IMDA 18+ age rating printed on the cover. 

The new ratingless versions will retain the MSE region code, “Official Product” logo, and have a unique Nintendo Co, Ltd (Japan) barcode. Inside the packaging, the USA region Game Card is expected to be replaced by a MSE region Game Card. Although the region of the Game Card is different, there are no differences to the software itself; all first party games work the same way regardless of its Game Card region.

This brings a new opportunity for those who wish to collect clean covers, aka covers with no age rating, of first party Nintendo games, which has never been possible for titles before 2024.

For my first game of 2024, Princess Peach: Show Time!, the cover is nice and clean. The game card however is still the US version and not MSE. But a cleaner cover looks nicer, doesn’t it? 😆

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Have you played any cosy games? If you are new to gaming and just got onboard the Nintendo Switch bandwagon, I would like to introduce you to Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town.

If you are looking for something aside from the busyness of life and would like to curl up somewhere comfy and escape to a virtual world where you can farm, talk wait virtual villagers and manage your farm which you inherited from your virtual grandpa? Welcome to the enchanting world of Story of Seasons: Friends of Olive Town.

Nestled at the heart of Olive Town, you inherited piece of land from your grandfather. Olive Town is more than just a fertile soil for crops; it's a community teeming with fascinating characters, each with their own stories, dreams, and aspirations. As you till the land, raise livestock, and explore the vast beauty of the valley, you'll also have the opportunity to form profound connections with the townspeople.

The changing seasons play a pivotal role in your farming journey, bringing both challenges and rewards. With each new season, you'll adapt, strategize, and learn the rhythms of nature. Tend to your crops, care for your animals, and unlock the secrets of the land while embracing the ebb and flow of life in Olive Town.

But it's not all about toil and sweat. Olive Town comes alive with an array of lively festivals, opportunities for exploration, and the chance to delve into the captivating mysteries of the valley. From seasonal celebrations that showcase the town's unique culture to quests that will test your mettle, there's always something new and exciting on the horizon.

As the seasons dance by, so too do the challenges and rewards of farming. Adapt your strategies, tend to your crops, and uncover the mysteries of the land while embracing the natural cycle of growth and renewal.

From bustling festivals to thrilling quests, Olive Town offers a plethora of opportunities for exploration and delight. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the town, embark on adventures, and unravel the secrets hidden within its charming streets.

I like this as it is single player, there is no need to interact with humans (which can be comforting for some), and you play at your own pace.  There might be a lot of graining but the satisfaction in the consistency is there as you develop friendships with your virtual villagers. 

[Top 10 Tips When Your Start Playing Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town]

You can always buy the physical game cartridge (and resell it when you have completed the game) or check out the Nintendo e-Shop for sales (they have pretty good sales from time to time).

Do let me know in the comments below what are your favourite cozy games and why! 

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Do note that this blog 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.

Paper Mario: The Origami King is the sixth installment in the Paper Mario series. It was released on the Nintendo Switch worldwide on 17 July 2020. The game follows Mario, who opposes an evil army of origami characters known as Folded Soldiers. They are ruled by the Origami King, King Olly.

This was my first experience with the Paper Mario series, and the ring-based system used to solve puzzles was a pretty interesting and novel way to play a game. Some gamers have said that it is a bit repetitive and pointless, but I think it's a relaxing way to play a game for the first time. 

Your brain does not overwork itself trying to solve complex puzzles, and you have fun while following along the storyline (which by the way was pretty nice). The motion controls are relatively easy enough compared to the likes to Mario Odyssey or Zelda, so it's the perfect game for a first timer too. 

Oh and did I mention that the animation and art transition is simply beautiful? The way Olivia transforms and folds herself into an elemental is a treat for the eyes!

So back to the game's storyline.... In order to bring back the world to its original form, Mario together which his new friend, Olivia travel throughout the Kingdom to defeat the Folded Soldiers and their overlord, King Olly.

The battle ring system might be rather repetitive at times, but getting those coins for shopping and confetti to fill up the holes was a motivation. It did help that the battles with the big bosses were more challenging and different from the usual. Instead of sliding the boss into position, you have to create routes for Mario to follow so that he can step on buttons to activate abilities to trump the bosses. 

Depending on the direction he can turn certain abilities on. Once turned on, he can use the special abilities. The challenging part is that you need to get him to land on an attack icon to deliver a devastating blow. Miscalculating your movements or land on the wrong button might be a regular occurrence and Mario might not be able to attack.

There are 5 streamers (big bosses to defeat): Red, Blue, Yellow, Purple, and Green.

[Paper Mario Walkthrough Guide] -> this was a life saver clearing some of the challenging stages.

The journey to each streamer leads to a different part of the kingdom and simply exploring the areas are a visual treat. Along the way, they pick up a Bob-omb with amnesia, whom Olivia names Bobby. He helps in some battles and is really handy to have around. 

What I was not expecting was him sacrificing himself to save Olivia after he regains back his memory. I was totally not expecting that. I thought it was a happy feels game... till Bobby blew himself up. I did get quite attached to that little bomb. 😭

After getting over my virtual grief (for about a month), there were some quirky characters which also grew on me. The Professor, who is a Toad who can dig up coins and treasure! If only I had someone like this in real life, my bank account would also be plush.

In addition, Olivia, whom some (experienced) players might find irritating as she pops up to guide Mario (the player) to certain points in the game; too much hand holding they think. However, if this is your very first game, she is the perfect guide and to be honest, I kind of grew fond of her as we travelled the Kingdom defeating the foes. Just like Bobby, I was totally not expecting her (pointless) end. Yes, you read that right... she "died". 😭😭😭

Of course they have an alternative or true ending, but both King Olly and Olivia are shown as origami people in their origami castle and it's up to you to imagine they are happily ever after. 

Verdict: 3.5/5

After 55+ hours invested into this game and after reaching the ending, I can say this game started out as a fun narrative with plenty of exciting locations and ended up a little bittersweet. As I progressed along the story, I started to get attached to the characters that when I realized they were no longer, it left a virtual void in my virtual heart. 💔

Because of what happened to Bobby, it took me awhile before I could continue on and complete the game. While I enjoyed the mechanics, gameplay and adorable paper animations, the ending could have been better. For a children's game, the theme starts out fun and cute but ends on a heavy note with a badly worded wish which ruined everything (for me).

Happier times with Bobby

Also, the whole premise was a little weird: a Toad who is so good at making origami folded the antagonist, Olly, and using a forbidden technique gives him life only for his creation to turn on him. Olly is Olivia's brother, but he is the one who folded her and used the same technique to bring her to life. So instead of being Olivia's brother won't he considered more like a father? But no, he is her brother.... who then goes on to cause havoc to the Mushroom Kingdom and Olivia aims to set it right as it originally was, sacrificing herself in the process.

A little google search also turned up some depressing news that as cute as the Paper Mario Series sounds, the endings are always "bad". The accompanying "new" characters never survive and must always sacrifice themselves for the greater good (of the storyline).  I mean.. like why though? 

Does it have to have that morale to the story in order to make it a good game where such a (pointless) sacrifice is needed? 

Life is already riddled with it's own challenge's so why would someone knowingly want to pay to play a depressing series which is disguised as adorable is beyond me. I am not against bad endings, they just have to make sense to be good. 

At the very least they could scripted the game better, and given it a more satisfying ending which makes more sense. Then again, maybe that is why they included the alternate "happier" ending which still was lackluster. 

Why do the accompanying mascot characters of the Paper Mario Series always have to sacrifice themselves for the greater good even if there could have been a better ending? Just because they will not have their own game series does not mean they have to be "killed off". They could happily live in their virtual worlds and avoid such needless "deaths" with the right smart choices.

Paper Mario: The Origami King might be the game for you if you like the bizarre charm found within Mario's world and love participating in puzzles. Also if you can stomach the not so satisfying ending.  I would have loved it if the ending was more conclusive and obviously not just means to an end with the wrong choice of words and a whole lot of naivety on Olivia's part. 

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Have you played Paper Mario: The Origami King yet? If so, what are your thoughts about it? Let us know in the comments below!

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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.

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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.

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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? 

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Image from Ubisoft

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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!