Damien McFerran
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Writing For
Nintendo Life
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While it lacks the additional content seen in the PS1 port, the original arcade iteration of Ridge Racer remains a landmark release in the history of the racing genre, and it's just as gripping and playable today as it was back in 1993. The ability to compete for high scores online adds massively to this version's staying power, and while its long-term appeal does have a fairly low ceiling, it's easily worth the modest asking price just to experience the primal satisfaction you get from pulling off a perfect power slide. Here's hoping Hamster brings Ridge Racer 2 and Rave Racer to the Arcade Archives 2 range in the future.
Tetris is one of the greatest video games of all time, and Tetris Effect: Connected is perhaps the best iteration of the classic puzzler yet. While this Switch port doesn't offer a great deal over existing versions in terms of features, it delivers the one key ingredient that its rivals cannot: portability. Sure, some will argue that Tetris Effect: Connected's unique brand of synesthesia only really comes alive when played on PSVR or an Oculus Quest headset, but we'd argue quite passionately that this game benefits far more from the ability to pick it up and play whenever, wherever. Just as the Game Boy and Tetris combined to create an irresistible, world-conquering fusion back in 1989, Tetris Effect: Connected has finally found the hardware that allows it to truly shine, making this an utterly essential purchase for all Nintendo Switch owners. Just don't forget those headphones.
One of modern gaming's true multiplayer success stories, Rocket League is an essential addition to the Switch's striking year-one library. Analyse every screenshot and video and yes, you'll spot visual downgrades when compared to the other console editions, but what's key here is that the spirit of the game has been transferred perfectly, with the added benefit of portable play which opens up the chance to host local matches with your Switch owning mates wherever and whenever you fancy. Developer Panic Button has done an utterly fantastic job with this port, but technical wizardry aside, what really matters is that the core game is so addictive, so compelling, so enjoyable and – perhaps above all else – so deep. Don't let anyone tell you that Rocket League is simplistic or lacks longevity; the vibrant community that has grown up around Psyonix's masterpiece renders that viewpoint wholly incorrect. This is a game that rewards skilful play and perseverance, and new tactics and strategies seem to flow from each and every match you partake in. Only the occasional network niggle throws shade on this otherwise sublime release; the Switch has yet another must-have release to add to its awe-inspiring 2017 pile.
The release of Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is timely. Bloodborne is currently thrilling PlayStation 4 owners all over the globe, yet like its distant relative Demon's Souls – and unlike its two most recent spiritual forerunners – it's a Sony exclusive. Scholar of the First Sin – which is essentially a remastered version of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 epic, complete with technical improvements and all of the available DLC – therefore represents a vital entry point for those who are new to the PS4, or only have access to an Xbox One. Whatever perspective you approach From Software's legendary title from, you're in for a treat. A painful, often disheartening treat – but a treat all the same.
Like the Hollywood classic Drive which provided a large helping of inspiration during development, Hotline Miami is a visceral assault on the senses which often leaves you breathless and sweaty-palmed, but also isn’t afraid to offer up moments of shocking frustration. Part action game, part puzzle title, part subversive mind-bender, this is a game which delights in spraying the screen with gore yet has a surprisingly thought-provoking story at its heart.
With Fatal Fury, SNK proved it could compete with Capcom, but with Samurai Showdown it showed it had the talent to surpass its rival. Fans still argue over which game is better – this or Street Fighter 2 – but one thing is for sure, any self-respecting Wii owner should really own both.