Hello there! So, once more I shall promise myself to keep this short even though it's not really going to be like that. I am a 19 year old gay guy from Spain, seeking a relationship with another guy. Although the whole concept of friendship is supposed to be "great" and "fun", I am far from interested in that. I have had enough of that in the past and I know how it ends.
We can start off as two random strangers talking and getting to know each other better. It's not like I want to rush into a relationship the instant we start talking, but do bear in mind I don't want to stay friends with you if we don't hit it off.
I expect to be contacted by a guy mature and talkative enough not to make any dramas an, of course, isn't "curious". If you are not attracted to guys, don't hit me up thinking I could turn you.
Now, here it comes a list of things about myself:

As a loner with no friends, I enjoy spending all the free time that I can get inside my room. The pandemic has been a blessing for me in every single aspect. Not having to interact with people has improved my sleep schedule, I am confident about myself and waking up and getting dressed no longer feels like an annoyance. I should mention that I like Stoicism, too. It's a philosophy that I find rather amusing and provides me with enough willpower to persevere in life.
[Anecdote Time!] You may wonder why, right? Well, after repeating Spanish Baccalaureate for the second time last year, I was in a class that didn't quite like the idea of me minding my own business despite me not bothering them in any way.
I tried to strike a few conversations with them from time to time throughout the whole course (or at least before we got sent home), but their answers often came off as uninterested or they simply would avoid eye contact with me. It was clear that they did not see me as their equal (?). I was different to them, and thus they didn't put any effort in trying to get past the small talk. They clearly didn't mind stop paying attention to me and suddenly leaving if one of their friends suggested going to the cafeteria to eat something. Three of them mocked me once for getting along with teachers more than with people my age, insinuating that we were something else than friends.
Weeks before the pandemic hit my country, a classmate broke my umbrella's wooden handle while he was playing with it, thinking it was someone else's. Naturally, there was no teacher present at the moment, and when I confronted him about it (in a very polite and shy way), he said that "an apology should be enough man". Since arguing with him would prove pointless, I told a teacher about it next day. In a matter of days, a couple of people got word of me reporting the incident, and my entire class rallied up against me when our counselor came in to ask us what was going on.
According to this classmate, who also happened to be the principal's son, "it's not that there's a problem, more like someone is creating them". Another friendly classmate said that I was an "asocial that talks to no one". The rest of the class just kept quiet, while others said a big deal shouldn't have been made out of such a trivial matter, citing a classmate that lost her umbrella before and didn't tell anyone about it. During the whole debate, not a single classmate mentioned my name. I presume they did those subtle puns to ridicule my arguments as mere conjecture.
I remained quiet all the time not because I was a coward, but because I stood to lose against a whole class that, either through action or inaction, was out there to go against me. The counselor wasn't a very understanding person either, so no chance of talking to her. And from experience, I can tell that the vast majority of public servants in my country only care about making ends meet at the end of the month. There were only 1 or 2 teachers that I could speak positively of during my entire life. [End of Anecdote Time!]
But enough of that, let's not get ahead of ourselves. As I was saying, I like to sit on my fairly comfortable gaming chair and do countless things with my computer, such as collecting music which I have to tag later on, watch YouTube and/or anime, read an article about technology and so on. I use Ubuntu and am quite a lot into technology (no, I don't know how to code).
Did you know that I also play video-games? I play mainly on PC, Nintendo 2DS and Nintendo Switch because those are the only platforms I own anyway ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. So far I only have Breath of the Wild and Pokemon Shield on my Switch. I am a huge Nintendo fan (especially Pokémon) trying to purchase more games after a long hiatus that lasted until last year.
On Steam, I play single player games such as Stardew Valley, Hearts of Iron IV, Fallout 4 and Bayonetta. Sadly, I'm not into those colossal PvP multiplayer games that take up almost my entire hard drive. I do however like GTA Online and Minecraft.
Music! Ah, who doesn't love music, right? I listen to some tunes every single day when I'm alone all by myself. I have a very particular taste, which revolves around Japanese music only. And when it comes to Japanese music, I like anything pre-1990s unless it's video game/anime music. That means I'm big into Group Sounds, Kayokyoku, City Pop and the like. I have tried (actually not) to be into modern music such as some Sheeran guy or those shitty low effort lo-fi rap remixes, but to no avail.
This is an example of the music I like
Did somebody say... anime? Once again I have an exquisite taste that, as usual, ranges from series such as Yamato and Gatchaman to Lain and Evangelion. Few things above the 2000s rarely get my attention.
Since I play Hearts of Iron IV, I am quite passionate about history and geography, meaning I can stand watching a movie like Der Untergang or a WW2 documentary. The 20th century is the period that interests me the most. Then again, every era has its pros and cons.
I have this little pastime called photography which I put into practice when the weather is acceptable and not raining, despite me loving rain and nature in general. I have a camera which I use to take pictures of flowers, landscapes and sometimes people. Cats, of course, are one of my most important clients. I live in a rural area, and as a result of that, I guess you could say life is slower here, which, to be frank, is great.
I am 1,73 cm (5'8) and quite skinny to be honest, around 53 kg (118lbs). You can check my profile to see how I look. I'm merely your average young looking guy. I'm also vers bottom and cut. Oh and I prefer someone normal in that regard, not a full bottom or a top that only knows to repeat the same "I am your slut, please degrade me UwU" or "You will obey me and do as I say, Schlampe!" lines as in some theater play. Just be yourself, it's very unappealing and boring to base your entire personality around being gay, submissive, dominant or whatever.

Let's see, what else... ah yes, let us not forget about preferences. Everybody has that these days. I only ask you to be slim or skinny (aren't those the same thing?). I'm simply not attracted to fat people.
I can't stress this enough, but I do not wish to be messaged by people that do piercings, tattoos or have any disgusting self-destructive habits such as alcohol, smoking and drugs. It's an enormous turnoff for me. Did you ever know that I don't want any children? Well, now you do. I am pretty sure I don't want them.
You may be wondering yourself, what can I exactly provide you with? Well, I am a very affectionate person. I like going out for a walk, just the two of us, or maybe cuddling together? Maybe cook together since I genuinely like food, especially local Spanish cuisine.
My ideal plan is to do lots of things together, without anybody else being able to bother us. To keep it short, I want to hold hands together and do cute shit together :) So yes, you guessed it right, I've never grown comfortable with numerous groups of people, partying and all those activities extroverts seem to enjoy so much.
I use a certain app that starts with the letter D and a purple background to communicate with other people. Eventually, we could try voice calling one day, for as I'm a bit shy at first and I would like to get to know you more.
And I think that's about it. My apologies for the length of the post. If you've read this far and are still interested, do send me a PM with a decently detailed introduction about yourself, showing that you read the post, for as I will no doubt know if you haven't. Low effort messages saying "Hey" or "What's up" will be ignored. If for no other reason than it being a good sign of a dry texter, which I actively avoid like the ligmavirus.
Cheers!

Help needed in getting Minecraft for PC

Multiplayer or Co-Op games to play with my girlfriend

September 2020 Noteworthy Releases on Switch

I occasionally see people respond to my weekly Upcoming Releases posts with comments like “it's just a buncha' shovelware”, and I don't think people realize the potential in some of the games they're dismissing. And especially with Nintendo stepping back from their regular Nintendo Directs, I think there's likely to be a fair number of Switch players asking themselves, “so now what?”
Because of this, before we jump into the next month, I'm going through the list of upcoming games for that month that we know about, and highlighting the ones that have a strong chance of being worth paying attention to, as well as a brief snippet about the game explaining why it's worth watching.
I will specifically only be highlighting games that have a reasonably strong pedigree, or that are otherwise particularly noteworthy in some way beyond “this looks good, it could be interesting...”. This means that I'll likely be mentioning a lot of ports, as it's easier to know a game will likely be good if it was already good on another platform (I'm including games that scored 75 or higher on Metacritic on other platforms, 80% positive or higher on Steam, and/or 4 or higher rating on Google Play store). I'll also mention games whose developer has a decent track record for producing quality.
Oh, and before getting into the games, I should note that this is just the list we have available right now – there are likely to be new games announced after this list comes out, as well as games on this list that get delayed. Also, I should note that this is not a list of the only games worth getting on the Switch this month – just the ones that I feel can be backed up with more than just “feels” given what we know now. And of course, since these games aren't released yet, I obviously can't know they're good, they just look promising.
Two things I want to touch on for this month's list in particular. Firstly, this list includes a lot of games with vague “Summer” or “Q3” release dates, since September is the last month that could be considered either of those things. At least as far as anything we know, these games are announced to be coming out before the end of September, though of course these could also be targets that we'll find out have moved. Secondly, a lot of the games in this month's list have prior releases without a Metacritic score. I'm actually looking at this as a good exercise to see exactly how indicative Steam and Google Play user reviews are for predicting critical review scores of a Switch port. I suppose we'll see!
Anyway, on to the list!
9/2 – Piffle: A Cat Puzzle Adventure (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – Mobile developer Mighty Games has only one game on Metacritic with enough reviews to have a Metacritic score, but that score (for iOS game Shooty Skies) is a solid 83. However, that's not to say Piffle: A Cat Puzzle Adventure is an unknown entity – the game has been out on mobile devices since 2018, and currently has an average user rating of 4.3 on the Google Play store. This game is a cutesy take on the sort of Puzzle game where you release a multitude of balls (or in this case, cats) at an angle to try to take out blocks above. Clearly, this game is going to be on the more casual side of things, but if you want to get an idea what to expect, you can try it out on your smartphone now.
9/3 – Good Pizza, Great Pizza (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This arcadey restaurant game (compare to Cook! Serve! Delicious!! 2 and the various “Cooking Tycoon” games already on Nintendo Switch) was released on iOS in 2014 and PC in 2018, and while neither version has enough reviews to have a Metacritic score, the PC version currently has an 87% approval rating on Steam with 230 reviews. This game distinguishes itself from other games in the genre with its clever, funny writing and bizarre customers.
Announced on 9/3 - 9/3 – Spellbreak (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 74) – I didn't list this in my predictions but it did not have a release listed prior to its release. This is a free-to-play online battle royale third-person shooter that reviewers said was a nice magical twist on the genre. Note: This had a Metacritic score over 75, but then it dropped.
9/4 – Dirt Trackin 2 (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This game was released some while ago on mobile devices (I'm having trouble seeing when, exactly), and while the graphics on this racing game are nothing special, it currently has an impressive 4.7 average userscore on Google Play, with over 1800 reviews. That's not the only thing noteworthy about this game, either – it looks like this game will support races for 20 players online. Given how much the Nintendo Switch needs quality racing games, hopefully this will help to fill that need.
9/4 – Lair of the Clockwork God (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 82) – The PC version of this game released earlier this year, and currently has a score of 84 on Metacritic. This game is a clever hybrid of point-and-click adventure games and platformers, and critics loved its silly, “stupid” sense of humor and unique meshing of gameplay elements.
9/4 – Paradise Killer (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 81) – This is a game I missed in my original predictions, but list here for those looking at this article after the fact. This is an open-world graphic adventure game where you're interviewing various suspects on an island to get to the bottom of a murder mystery.
9/4 – Roommates (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – The PC version of this game released back in 2014, but never got enough reviews to get a Metacritic score. However, players enjoyed it – the game currently has an 80% approval rating on Steam, with 80 reviews. This game appears to be a dating sim/life management sim-style game where players must manage the schedule, chores, and social life of a student in a college dorm.
9/7 – Shaolin vs Wutang (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This game was released on PC in 2018, and while it doesn't have enough reviews for a Metacritic score, it currently has a 92% approval rating on Steam with over 750 reviews. This game is billed as a “indie casual fighting game”, aiming to appeal to a wider range of players than just fighting game diehards.
9/8 – AVICII Invector (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 81) – When this game released on other platforms in 2019, it got scores ranging from 79-82. This is a music-rhythm game featuring the music of AVICII, with a stylish futuristic presentation. If you want to give it a try, this game has a demo out on the eShop right now.
9/8 – Meganoid (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – Mobile developer Orange Pixel's one game to get rated on Metacritic, Gunslugs 2, got a Metacritic score of 78. Meanwhile, this game released on mobile devices and currently has a Google Play user rating of 4.0 or 4.4 (depending on the version you go for). This is a challenging procedurally-generated action-platformer. Watching video, it kinda' puts me in mind of a fast-paced sci-fi Spelunky, though that's just speculation. Anyway, one of the versions of this game on Android is free with ads, so you can give it a try if you're curious.
9/8 – OkunoKA Madness (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 82) – This game's predecessor, OkunoKA, got a Metacritic score of 80, and hopefully this follow-up will be just as good. This game is a super-fast challenging platformer.
9/8 – RPG Maker MV (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 65) – This game, first released on PC in 2015, has yet to get enough reviews to get a Metacritic score, but players absolutely love it – Steam users give this game a 92% approval rating with over 3500 reviews. As the name indicates, the RPG Maker series is a powerful toolset for creating and sharing your own custom-made RPGs. What's more, the PC version currently costs $80, while the Nintendo Switch version will be selling for $50, making the Switch version the less-expensive alternative, for a change. Even cooler, you don't even need to buy the game to enjoy other players' creations – NIS America plans to release a free player alongside this game allowing anyone with a Nintendo Switch to download and play the RPGs made by other players (sadly, no cross-play with the PC version, though), so RPG fans without a creative bone in their body will have a lot to look forward to as well.
9/10 – Death and Taxes (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This game released on PC earlier this year, and hasn't gotten enough reviews to get a Metacritic score. However, the reaction of players has been positive – the game currently has a 90% positive rating on Steam, with over 900 user reviews. This is a game that puts you in the role of Death, which is apparently a desk job that has you stamping paperwork and organizing your desktop. I get a vibe from this one that reminds me a lot of Papers, Please, so those who enjoyed that game may want to give this one a look.
9/10/20 – Deleveled (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – Developer Quantum Astrophysicists Guild has a solid track record when it comes to quality, boasting an average Metacritic score of 76. This game is a Puzzle-Platformer that has players controlling two squares above and below a series of platforms that must transfer their velocity to help each other past obstacles.
9/10 – Hotshot Racing (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 76) – This is a game I missed in my original predictions, but list here for those looking at this article after the fact. This is a retro-style racing game that critics praised for its arcade-style racing and multiplayer play.
9/10 – MO:Astray (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 86) – This game, first released on PC in 2019, was overlooked by critics, but it has an impressive 94% approval rating on Steam, with over 2250 user reviews. This is a platformer that has you playing a sticky ball of goo that can fling itself around and stick to walls.
9/10/20 – Othercide (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This game already released on other platforms earlier this year, and the different versions of the game got an average Metacritic score of 76. This is a Tactics-style Strategy-RPG and critics praised its top-notch tactical gameplay.
9/10 – Tomoyo After -It's a Wonderful Life- CS Edition (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This visual novel takes place after the events of Clannad, which got a Metacritic score of 83, and while the PC version of this game, released in 2016, does not have enough reviews for a Metacritic score, players are universally thrilled with it – the game has a 94% approval rating with 325 reviews. This game's story follows a pair of young lovers whose desire to spend a nice Summer together keep getting trampled on by unexpected house guests. Interestingly, this game also houses a game-within-a-game Tactics-style Strategy-RPG that players can partake in as well, for those looking for something beyond the standard visual novel gameplay.
9/10 – Wintermoor Tactics Club (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This combination Tactics-Style RPG and Visual Novel (hey, didn't I just post about one of those?) got a Metacritic score of 81 when it released on PC earlier this year. Critics praised its lighthearted story and accessible gameplay.
9/11 – Firework (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This game, released on PC in 2018, was overlooked by reviewers, and doesn't have many user reviews on Steam yet, but those who have reviewed it are unanimous in their response – the game has a 100% approval rating on Steam with 24 reviews. Judging from the trailers, this looks like an action-platformer that reminds me a lot of the Mega Man games.
9/17 – Intertial Drift (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 79) – This is a game I missed in my original predictions, but list here for those looking at this article after the fact. This is an arcade racer with a unique two-stick control scheme.
9/17 – Fight Crab (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 72) – This is a game I missed in my original predictions, but list here for those looking at this article after the fact. This is a game that has you fighting as various crabs wielding weapons. Critics praised its unique gameplay and sense of humor. Note: This game previously had a Metacritic score above 75, but that later dropped.
9/17 – Dog Duty (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – Developer Zanardi and Liza has mostly flown under the radar of critics, but their prior game, Battle Bruise, has a 91% approval rating on Steam with nearly 300 reviews. Dog Duty is a bit different, though, and appears to be a sorta' small-scale Real-Time Strategy game, with players commanding three units and positioning them to take out enemies. In any case, it certainly looks interesting.
Announced on 9/17 - 9/17 – Hades (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 92) – I didn't list this in my predictions but it did not have a release listed prior to its release. This game is an action-packed Roguelike that critics praised for its excellent combat and fantastic story.
9/17 – Mini Motor Racing X (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 72) – Critics overlooked this game when it released on multiple platforms in 2019, but Steam users liked it, with a 97% positive rating from over 35 user reviews. This game is also the successor to the iOS game Mini Motor Racing, which got a Metacritic score of 79. This looks to be a lighthearted racer with 4-player split-screen play and two different racing modes: top-down and behind-the-vehicle. Also, the Nintendo Switch version is getting new game modes, too. Given the lack of quality racing games on the Nintendo Switch, hopefully this will give players one more good option.
9/17 – Moero Crystal H (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 74) – This is a game I missed in my original predictions, but list here for those looking at this article after the fact. This is a raunchy dungeon crawler that critics praised for its humor and solid gameplay. Note: This had a Metacritic score over 75, but it has since gone down.
Announced on 9/17 - 9/17 – Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 93) – I didn't list this in my predictions but it did not have a release listed prior to its release. This previously-Xbox One and PC exclusive sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful Metroidvania with a focus on platforming.
Announced on 9/1/20: 9/17 – Super Punch Patrol (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 75) – Game developer Bertil Hörberg has a stellar track record, having produced the Gunman Clive games and Mechstermination Force, all games that received Metacritic scores of 79 or higher. His new game, Super Punch Patrol, is a Final Fight-style Brawler with a similar cel-shaded "sketchy" art style to Gunman Clive.
Announced on 9/3/20: 9/18 – Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 82) – Now that this is officially announced and dated, this is the easiest call in the world to make. Two of the games in this collection have been called "the best videogame of all-time" more than just about any other games out there, and Super Mario Sunshine is pretty damn good too. Nintendo would have to mess up this release pretty severely for it to not get a high Metacritic score.
Announced on 9/17/20: 9/17 – The Long Dark (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 77) – This is a game I didn't have in my original predictions because it was released right when it was announced, but list here for those looking at this article after the fact. Critics praised this for being a solid, challenging survival game.
Announced on 9/1/20: 9/22 – Rebel Galaxy Outlaw (Trailer)(Metacritic Score: 83) – This game came out on PC in 2019, and Metacritic gives that version of the game a score of 77. Critics praised the game's space combat gameplay as being a spiritual successor to beloved classic Freelancer.
Announced on 9/10/20: 9/23 – Castlestorm II (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – The original Castlestorm got a Metacritic score of 78 when it released on the Nintendo Switch, and there's little reason to expect its sequel will fare any worse. This is a side-scrolling Tower Defense game that incorporates action and puzzle elements as well, with players building their towers and aiming a ballista at the enemy's tower to try to knock it down.
9/23 – Unrailed! (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This game released on PC in 2019, and while critics overlooked it, the game has a nice 92% approval rating on Steam, with nearly 3600 user reviews. This game has a blocky “voxel”-style look that will undoubtedly draw comparison to Minecraft, as well as gameplay that has you mining for resources, but this game is a bit more focused, with players working together to try and build their train's tracks before it derails.
Announced on 9/3/20: 9/24 – Alluris (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – Released to multiple platforms in 2019, but not getting enough reviews to get a Metacritic score, the Steam version of the game has a 92% "very positive" rating with over 100 reviews. This is a card-based RPG with "choose your own adventure" elements.
9/24 – Dungreed (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – Yet another game critics overlooked but users thoroughly enjoyed, Dungreed's 2018 PC release has a 90% approval rating on Steam with 4575 reviews. This one looks to be a fast-paced action-platformer with RPG and Roguelike elements. Edit: Delayed until 10/27/20
9/24 - Embracelet (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 84) – Developer Machineboy's prior game, Milkmaid of the Milky Way, earned an average Metacritic score of just over 75 between all of its versions, and its follow-up looks to be even more ambitious, with players exploring an island and using a magical bracelet to solve puzzles.
9/24 – Going Under (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 82) – This is a game I missed in my original predictions, but list here for those looking at this article after the fact. This is a Roguelike critics praised for its goofy presentation and fun gameplay.
9/24 – Rivals of Aether – Definitive Edition (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – This platformefighting game was released on PC in 2015 and Xbox One in 2018, yet there still haven't been enough reviews for the game to get a Metacritic score. Users are absolutely ecstatic about the game, though – it has a 94% positive rating on Steam with over 11,600 user reviews. The Nintendo Switch version also promises to include all of the game's add-on content, including cameo characters like Shovel Knight and Ori.
Announced on 9/8/20: 9/24 – RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 71) – This classic management sim may be 16 years old now, but it's still beloved by many, and the PC version has a Metacritic score of 81. This release includes the Soaked and Wild expansions, as well as the series' signature Coaster Cam.
9/25 – Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia (Trailer) (No Metacritic Score as of 10/10/20) – While a licensed game based on a direct-to-Netflix children's series doesn't seem like a surefire bet when it comes to quality, this one is being developed by Wayforward, who has been extremely consistent in putting out quality game after quality game in recent years, even rising above mediocre licenses with fantastic games like The Mummy Demastered. Hopefully this game will be in keeping with their usual quality.
9/29/20 – Alwa's Legacy (Trailer) (Metacritic Score: 76) – This game got a Metacritic score of 78 when it released on PC earlier this year. Critics seem to be saying that this is a solid kid-friendly Metroidvania.
August/September 2020 - Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition (Trailer) – Well, this didn't come out in August, so that just leaves September. This is a follow-up to Sunless Sea, which released on the Switch earlier this year. However, it is generally agreed that Sunless Skies is much improved over its predecessor, with the 2019 release of the game on PC getting a Metacritic score of 87. This is a game that balances RPG and survival elements with a dark, almost Lovecraftian atmosphere in an alternate-world Victorian England swallowed up under the Earth. Note: Delayed until TBA
September 2020 – Space Crew (Trailer) – This game is the successor to Bomber Crew, which got a Metacritic score of 75. Based on how Bomber Crew played, I'm guessing this one will have you controlling a spaceship by having you direct each member of the crew to control their own individual responsibility within the ship. Note: Delayed until October
Summer 2020 – Pixeljunk Eden 2 (Trailer) – The original Pixeljunk Eden got an average Metacritic score of just over 80, so there's good reason to expect its long-awaited sequel to be top-notch. This is a unique platformer that has you controlling a flea-like creature jumping and swinging on the scenery. Note: Delayed until Fall 2020
Q3 2020 – Nongunz: Doppelganger Edition (Trailer) – Nongunz was originally released on PC in 2017 and got a Metacritic score of 75. This is an Action-Platformer that critics praised for its challenging action. Note: Missed release date
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Anyway, that's what I could find for September 2020 on the Switch, but no doubt some of you have specific games you've got your eye on this next month. Please feel free to give a shout out to any game you feel deserves attention! :-)

It’s my birthday today! Here’s some advice from a new 19 year old 😎 please read!

I just turned 19 today which is honestly unreal because it feels the same as the last few years even though I’ve hit some pretty big life milestones such as graduating from high school and moving out to college. Here are some random bits of knowledge I have gained over the years, feel free to take it or leave it:
(Sorry in advance for formatting, I’m on mobile lol)
-if your school is holding classes online via Zoom/Google Meet or Canvas or some other online alternative it can seem really optional and easy to put out of mind. I know I struggle with this A LOT. I’d recommend having a friend or 2 in each class that you do class work/homework with. This way you’ll hold each other accountable and can help each other out with motivation. This has helped me out SO much cuz I’m a lazy mf who wouldn’t get anything done without my friends
-I just recently (over the last 6ish months) started using Venmo/Cashapp on my phone and it’s honestly such a convenient way to exchange money. It’s a great alternative to cash, highly recommend.
-Gameboy/Nintendo DS/3DS emulators exist and they’re so fun to play. Most run on all operating systems but some can be really beefy and need adequate system hardware to run
-If you’re ever playing Minecraft in a server and not everyone can sleep, you can have the person closest to a bed sleep while everyone else logs off. Then, you can rejoin once it’s daytime again
-When buying LED strip lights, consider also buying masking tape. Put the masking tape up first on the wall where you want to put the lights and then run the lights on top of them. If you ever need to remove the lights in the future, this guarantees that the adhesive won’t damage the wall in any way. This was so helpful to me when decorating my college dorm because now I have an easy way to remove the lights at the end of the year.
-Not drinking in college won’t make you “uncool” or less likely to get invited places. I’ve never had a drink in my life and I still feel really valued by everyone I’ve met so far. I’ve taken up the role of the “mom” in my friend group and the fact that I’d never let my friends drive drunk and will go out of my way to make sure they’re safe and will drive them home at 2am has made me just as “cool” if not cooler to the people who surround me. And remember kids, you can still be the life of the party while still being sober 😎
-In my experience, I haven’t really seen much peer pressure to drink or smoke or do anything I didn’t want to from my friends. It seems to me as though most teens today are more tolerant and willing to accept that people don’t want to do things for a multitude of reasons and I’m so grateful to my friends for having this mindset. However, if your friends keep pressuring you to try things that you don’t feel comfortable doing and you have told them about your objections already, then it might be time for better friends :/
-Pick up some new hobbies! I recently got into a whole buncha stuff once I moved to college 2 months ago such as reading webtoons, skateboarding, playing League of Legends (I want to bang my head into a wall because of this), going to the gym a little more often (not really working out for me lmao, I’m SO lazy), and trying to watch new TV shows. I feel like I’ve just been a lot happier now that I have different interests I can switch between once I get tired of one for the day. Pick up new things!
-Anime is cool but hardcore shove-it-down-your-throat anime fans are not. Also, GOD DAMN there are a LOT more people in college who watch anime than I thought, I feel like most people are now lowkey anime fans who keep it under wraps haha
-Dark mode on your devices is superior. IF IT HAS A DARK MODE OPTION PLEASE USE IT. (You don’t have to if you don’t want to tho, it’s all you bro 😳)
-Keeping up streaks on Snapchat is such a commitment, it started to feel like homework for me so I stopped and deleted snap for a while. If you feel overwhelmed by it, it’s okay to take a break. The same goes for your other social media apps. It took me a long time to realize TikTok had to go from my phone. I finally did it and had never felt better. It’s been a couple months since then and I’ve redownloaded both Snap and TikTok, but this time I have way better self restraint and try not to spiral into my social media addiction again lmao
-I like beanies. Just got my first beanie 2 weeks ago. I thought I’d look silly in it but I’m actually really liking it, and it’s really warm which is helpful because I live in a place that’s cold in the winter
-Recently discovered the act of bringing speakers into the shower and playing music. HIGHLY RECOMMEND, I be a superstar all up in that bathroom 😎
-Drink water! Stay hydrated! I still struggling with making sure I drink enough water in a day but on the days that I do, I be GŁØWÏÑG up in this bih. I feel SO good.
-Wet dreams during NNN DO NOT COUNT 🤬 if you bust while you’re asleep, you can still participate. This rule has been passed into law by me with the highest authority in the council of NNN. Follow it 🤬🤬
-I use an empty Nike show box as a stand for my monitor. Why tf would I pay for a stand when I have a perfect good one right here?
-if you ever want to spice up your desk at home, buy a lamp! They made my room go up +10 in coolness points
-having a good headset/ear buds makes a world of difference in listening to ANYTHING on your devices
-I can’t tell whether I love or hate Yasuo mains in League.
-I know I mentioned parties and drinking and stuff before but please be mindful that that’s not a good idea right now because there is a pandemic going on. Please be responsible and wear a mask. I worry for you all.
-Lastly, make sure to take advantage of your teen years! I know that there is a pandemic going on right now but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Download discord! Play games online! Screen share a movie! Have an online talent show! The internet has opened so many possibilities for interaction online that it wouldn’t make sense to NOT take advantage of them!
I hope this st00pid list was at least an entertaining read for some of you. I appreciate everything that teenagers has done for me over the last (almost) 2 years that I’ve been here in terms of entertainment. I can’t wait to see what big year 19 has in store for me.

Can I appear offline without owning an Xbox?

I first would like to sincerly apologize if i sound rude at any point of this post.

For context. I am a person born with ADHD, Autism, I like drawing things, writing things, using imaginations to my fullest, or rather, i used to like drawing things and making art and things. My skill level is.... I would say a rookie? Maybe below rookie. (That is debatable) And so back then, before i really knew what copyright and trademark was really all about, i went absolute ham on just getting ideas after ideas out of my head for things, Fan Fiction, Tracing a drawing and so on.

But now that i have grown, i have become more and more self-aware and self-conscious. (And thus past things that i have done has hit a mental toll on me). And when it comes to copyrighted materials. It has all went downhill. For example. About a year ago, i was really back into Pokemon. I bought pretty much all games (from gen 1 to the latest switch game). And i was so fascinated by the whole "You, the person, YOU are the main-character of the game". But due to the limited narrative and such, i wanted to explore and put out my own ideas. And so i started writing my own fanfic, started to get into drawing art (Which i was really terrible at prior to this, but as time went on, i started getting better at it. I even made my very own comic). But, the thoughts eventually hit me, "I don't own Pokemon. I am not Nintendo or Game Freak. And therefor. I should probably stop and never speak about my own ideas and imaginations about this particular IP to anyone or to myself" And i even googled up to see whether or not i am allowed to do these kind of things. But there were too many different answers, so i assumed the worst.

(And note that, i made fanfic and drawing as a mean of exploring the narrative of the said IP in more depth, so i didn't want to make anything commercial anyway in good faith)

And so it felt like i had already gotten a Cease and Desist from Nintendo but mentally even though i haven't even published or even posted anything on the internet. And so i stopped making anything that was related to Pokemon. But it soon hit me later. "But, if i am not allowed to make anything related to Pokemon, though i am not making a single penny of it, should i even be allowed to like Pokemon at all? Because if i like the games, the show, etc, then that will likely spark ideas and my own imagination about it and i probably want to share that idea to friends or family. But since i am not allowed to do that, i should not like Pokemon at all". And due to that, i stopped liking Pokemon completely because what i interpret is that we consumers who give in and observe to others expressive idea are not allowed to express our own interpretations and ideas of the others idea.
(My general basic knowledge of copyright and trademark is that; You can't just upload a DVD movie to Youtube. And i often am on the moral side and i agree with that rule. Or that, you can't just make a drawing of a mouse character with 2 round ears and cartoony eyes and red shorts and call it mickey mouse and claim you are the creator of the character and then attempt to sell it. Otherwise there would be a billion versions of mickey mouse on the internet already. I can sorta understand that rule, but.....)
But this is just the beginning, it is just the tip of the iceberg. It goes downhill from here.

And so i moved on from Pokemon to Minecraft. Everybody loves Minecraft, right? I certainly do, And so i started playing Minecraft (I have a strong nostalgic value with Minecraft.) And so i wanted to "Make a world that would perfectly summerize my past and things that i liked." And i went absolute crazy with it, it was fun as heck. (It is over 1-2 GB on MCPE, Minecraft Pocket Edition/Switch/Phone). I made pixel art of Mario, Pokemon, Sonic. I maybe even went a little bit over the edge with merging my map with maps that others has created. Like, a island with a theme. Like, Mario Island, Skyrim Island, etc.
But, I may have breached copyright/EULA Contract by using the Template Worlds that are found on the Marketplace with the IP and merged it with my world, but i credited whoever made the map/island inside my own world. And i wasn't really thinking about that i breached EULA in that particularly way, all i was thinking about was that, "It would be so frickin awesome to have multiple worlds connected to one world and travelling to each one without having to go to the main menu, and i could build new things on the said islands". Yeah. I thought it was the smartest idea. Why exiting the game and scrolling through just to access the world when i can just Merge everything together so it becomes easier accessible for me just by going in-game. And i wasn't even thinking about publishing the world either. I just wanted to have fun. I even went as far as to build my own Apartment 1:1 just because i thought it was fun. I even built my local groceries store so i could show people and amaze them by the silliness of going to a building that's based off IRL but is in minecraft, or that i could at 5 seconds, travel from a Mario-themed island to Halo-Themed island. And i often mentioned to people that i didn't create those islands

But then. Minecraft implemented or did a "Moderators are now better than before". And i watched a Youtube Video explaining what i can and can't do and what the consequences could be. And that got me legitimately scared. But people claim that Moderators are only for online multiplayer servers. But.. Whenever i start my singleplayer world and invite a friend through Xbox service. My world technically becomes multiplayer. And as for the possible consequences, if a Moderator decides that. "Yeah, you have breached Marketplace contract by merging worlds from marketplace with your own, you will now be permanently banned" then not only will i not be able to play online anymore, but due to the conduct and terms of use of minecraft being heavily tied to Xbox and Microsoft, if i get banned in minecraft, then according to Microsofts Terms of use and Conduct, my microsoft account would be suspended. Thus, Hotmail, Onedrive, everything else would be gone for me in the blink of an eye. And that is when i said "Alright, i'll never play Minecraft ever again, because trying to achieve dreams in the game that may be affiliated with others Ip is not allowed" So Minecraft essentially became a past thing that i would never bring up to people.

Alright. If i can't use Minecraft without being in the risk of losing everything, then i'll just use stuff in real life because that can't be "illegal to use due to copyright". Like, Beyblades, for example. The ideas of spinning tops is such a generic thing that i should not be in trouble. And i used to LOVE Beyblades as a kid and i always used to carry around a special beyblade wherever i went because it was so important to me. (It holds so many memories that it would take over 800 A4 pages full of text just to retell everything). And so i got happy again i thought. I bought Beyblades off Ebay, even went as far as to join Beyblade Subreddit and post amazing discoveries and my purchases of beyblades and see what everyone else thought of the beyblades i got. I felt like "It can't get better than this" But it did get a lot better because i then had the splendid idea of writing a document about this one special beyblade i have and tell all the adventures and fun i had in the past with it. And i wrote so far about 20 pages full of texts and of course images for various contexts. Like, what did a Beyblade Launcher look like? And why things didn't work or why things happened and i felt like i had to put images on my document to explain what was going on and why things happened.
(Makes sense right? Essentially, imagine describing a topic to someone who has never heard of that topic.)

I thought it was brilliant. And of course, in my mind i kept thinking "Even if i shouldn't be using images because it isn't mine, i can as easily describe the images with words" So it was like a Failsafe in case i would be starting to doubt myself. And then i later saw the potential of the document and started to think that i should maybe publish it. Commercial or non-commercial. It would be awesome to share my story of my life and past. (And i certainly was writing everything i could remember from my past with beyblades and how i overcome various difficult situations).

But, the exact same thought i had when i was into Pokemon came right back to me.
I don't own Beyblade. I am not Hasbro or Takara Tomy (Japanese toy manufacturer, etc), so i am not allowed to make ANYTHING out of it even though if it would be for personal use and even if it were not profitable. But then i thought "Alright, maybe it is time for Plan B. I should try to obtain permission!" So i searched up for the Creator of Metal Fight Beyblade. And i got a hold of his twitter and sent him a message asking if i could get permission to just make a document about my life and beyblades and perhaps just sharing it to friends. The answer i got was neither a Yes or No.... but more or less closer to a No. As the Manga Author of Metal Fight Beyblade apparently doesn't have permission himself to make anything regarding Beyblades, I must contact the Beyblade Corporation, WBBA, or Takara Tomy. And then i thought "Alright, i give up. There is no chance in hell that is gonna work out. I don't think corporations gives any answers to any individuals like me who are classified as a nobody"

And thus, i should cease all activity of writing and imagining, even cease all writing of my own real life. And soon everything started to crumble and spiral down into a pit of dispair. A majority of my life contains Copyrighted/Trademarked materials. And so.... Have i sold my soul to every corporation that i have laid my human-senses on? Am i not even allowed to make a dairybook? And you might be thinking "Try to contact a lawyer". Yeah. Show me where and how. I would really like to know. And especially in the time of Corona? Yeah. I don't think it will work. But it eventually got worse. As i was watching a video on youtube, i couldn't help but notice certain parts of various videos were blurred out. Particularly, someone was wearing white shoes and i was unsure what that kind of shoes was. But i soon saw in the comments about someone mentioning Nike. And that is where it hit me even more. "So.... i am technically not even allowed to wear branded clothing? So i need to pay a fee to wear clothing that i have already purchased? But how much would that fee be? Certainly i alone can't pay that, and even if i could, would Nike even answer my mail about permission at all? Very unlikely" And so i thought to change all clothes i had at home to empty shirts, empty pants. Like, there is not a single logo, branding, number, letter, nothing. Just plain old coloured shirt.

And so ok. If i can't use any of others IP to at least tell my past, then i'll sure as hell am gonna make my own thing then.

Because, during my time with this Special Beyblade i had, i wanted to make my own "Creature" of it. The thought process was that i wanted to make my own Monster that would appear out of the beyblade, like in the show. And so i designed a Dragon-Serpent with wings all on my own, all was my own original design. Though it wasn't immediately obvious to people that it was inspired by Beyblade so i had to keep mentioning the fact that in the show, there are monsters that come out of the beyblades whenever there are a battle going on. But i soon saw the importance of this creature i designed and i stopped associating my own creation with Beyblades. Alright! I finally got something that is mine and mine alone. I wanna make something that can replace that special beyblade i have so i no longer feel in the dangerous zone of copyright/trademark stuff.

And then i had the brilliant idea! A Custom Made Coin!! Yes! I could order a custom coin with my own design! Splendid! And the coin could be double sided, so like, there are engravings and art on both sides. One with my dragon-creature and the other side would be a slight reminiscence of the Beyblade that my dragon was based off. Because there is nothing in the law that says i can't use inspirations right? I mean, a Hexagon in the middle and some spikey things around it wouldn't imply that it is necessarily a Beyblade but rather that it would remind me about it.

And so with my knowledge of drawing and making art, i started to draw my own (Or making a technical mock-up of it) through GIMP. And i had the envision of how it would look like. Something in the similar fashion to one of those Military Challenge-Coins. And so i designed it with text, art and how i think it could look like. I did google up what Challenge Coins typically looked like so i had an idea of what it could be like. And i did like what most Challenge Coins are designed; A big circle with gold text around it and a engraved art in the middle.
Though my design may or may not be too comlpex, but i don't know how printing on coins work anyway, so i kept going along with it. I put some text, i learned through some tutorials on youtube on how to bend text around a circle. And yeah, i thought it was neat. But then i started to feel a little bit unease when i was making the back-side of the coin. I made a Big Hexagon in the middle with some spikes, but since the Hexagon thing was empty, i thought "I should maybe make a Insignia that would represent my Dragon?" And so i went on for hours upon hours, i didn't want it to be simple, yet i didn't want it to be super complex and not obvious that the insignia is refrencing my dragon, but also totally does. I went for hours and even days for making up different designs.

And then. I was amazed by the amazing discovery. I drew like a U... or like a upside-down omega sign Ω. And then i drew a upside-down triangle ▼ and i slowly moved the triangle towards the center of that Omega Sign and then i noticed... It Looked like a dragon! WOW! Whaaa?! This is so cool! Omg! I am so happy now! I worked on it a bit further with 2 horns on the side because my dragon had it. And i was very very proud of it..... Only for it all to be crushed by realisation and reality. I started to feel like i maybe had seen the symbol i just created somewhere... Oh right! It looks very similar to Skyrim. And i mean the Dragon-Symbol that appears on Words-Wall in the Skyrim Game. I even went to look for comparison side by side and....... Well.... Let's just say that my happiness was a false sense of security. I thought i had done something incredible that i could feel proud of, but only for it all to be taken away by reality and facts. And so i broke down mentally about it. But after a day or so, i started to experiment and try a different route with designing insignia.

So i made what someone pointed out, a Sigil that represented my dragon. And my friends even pointed out that it looked even better than the dragon-insignia i had previously made. So! alright! I'm back on track! Great! Now i should finish the rest of the coin design. I wanted to include various symbols of other things, like, things that i like. Video Gaming, Stars, Horoscope, Infinity. And it would all have a meaning to me. Like, a symbol of controller, it would be that i love gaming. Or that i think Stars are bright and nice. And my Horoscope is Leo. And Infinity for Infinite Possibilities.

But.... It was then i started to think deeply again... "Are these symbols copyrighted? Can i really use these symbols?" And so i googled up and got a Question-Answer on Quora "Is Fonts/Emojis copyrighted?" And..... Yes..... They are copyrighted...... And i went everywhere on google to search up if i could use the fonts that came with Windows for Commercial use (In my head, Commercial use = Printing it on a custom coin for personal use) So i wanted to make sure if i could use.... And.... at first sight i found that Microsoft lets user do whatever they want with the included fonts..... BUT.....then when i scrolled down, i found that the fonts can't be modified. But then wait a second. If i use an eraser in like GIMP to edit the letter, like changing colour for example or to make room for more things, doesn't that qualify as modification? There are neither questions or answers on the internet for that and i started to be doubtful...... Can't i really use Fonts at all? Am i not allowed to even write? What about all these fonts that can be purchased? Well. The prices aren't cheap. So.... That means. Microsoft has given me a false sense of security again. Ok, but what about Public Domain? That should leave me out of trouble completely, right? That's what Public Domain stand for, "Right to use without limit". But boy was i wrong. Public Domain has a lot of strings attached to it to a point where i am not even sure if it is free at all. And all questions i have about these things, i don't exactly have a lawyer as a neighbor. And i started to break down mentally again. And it went more downhill. Like. What's next? Am i no longer allowed to use my eyes any more to see any copyrighted material? Am i no longer allowed to even mention anything? What about the apartment i live in? The architecture is probably copyrighted on a floor plan or something. So am i no longer allowed to have a home? But what about my life? Am i not allowed to live any more as majority of my life is copyrighted? Is it prohibited for me to live? And...... That is where i think i can't handle it anymore. And i am sure people are gonna say "Well, that is how the world works". Alright, if that is how the world works, then i don't think i should be alive. And i probably should commit suicide. like i said, i live in a apartment, i live on the second floor of the apartment and i am sure that my head first to the ground from that height would either A.) Kill me, or B.) injure me serverly to a point of almost not return but still keeping me alive.

My interpretation about copyright and trademark has gone from a sensible standpoint of justice that makes sense to a dictator-like perspective. And since there is nothing that there can be done about it. I don't think i am fit to live in this world.

Your argument may be "This stuff only applies to commercial intentions, like, you can't use someone's else work to make money". I will remind you that people have had art taken down, videos taken down, fangames, fanfics taken down and they didn't make a SINGLE CENT. (And that is what i only have heard, heck, there could be thousands of things taken down but have gone unoticed) And you might say that "Most companies don't take things down because it wil hurt the fanbase or their reputation, or they only take it down if it gets popular". Well. Just like a tiger. It might appear as friendly and calm, but it can at ANY point bite you and you'd be finished, and it doesn't have to give a reason to why. And you might be using Fair Use as an aurgument. Well. Tell me this then. What exaclty constitues as Fair Use? Let me remind you. Parodies, Reviews, Criticism, Journalism, Educational purposes are within Fair Use. Anything outside that? Anything you make that have SLIGHT connection to someone's IP = Derivative work. And even if Fair Use would be in my favor for whatever reason. If i got a Cease and Desist, do you honestly think i would be able to do anything about it even if it is Fair use? No. Unless i myself have a corporation that makes millions so i can get lawyers, i am nothing. I am a nobody, i am a stepping ground for others. I am nothing but a souless corpse that will do anything for others in the eyes of corporations.

And maybe your argument is "Well, Why don't you just fucking read their license if you can use it". Trying to read license documents is like trying to read a completely different language.

And trying to contact anything to get permission at all is almost impossible by today standard. I, who am a nobody would not get a respond at all from a corporation or even an individual for that matter

And to clear things up. I am neither a youtuber or a streamer and i don't plan to become one either. But.... With all these crap that has happened to other people. I am sure as heck that i would be no exception to this. I would be treated exactly like all others. I have started to interpret that Copyright And Trademark is to silence freedom of imagination.

And as other things, you might even say "Well, be original, make your own unique things, why steal others stuff for your own benefit?".....First of all. I am never in the intention of stealing or using without permission for financial gain. But i want to make a fantasy story and share it with friends or maybe family, i want to make something. Facebook it or whatever. But, no i cant. And that also implies i should invest in EVERYTHING and make EVERYTHING on my own from ground up. I would have to start making my very own clothes, making my own video games from ground up. No, scratch that, i would have to make my very own computer from ground up and then make my own coding language from ground up. Like. And if that is not all. My whole life has been nothing but a fucking mess. Bullies. Failures. Mistakes. I can't live with it.
And if things couldn't get any worse. If we say i do make my own things. Who's there to stop anyone from taking what i have done and then using it against me as if they had made it? Because i am not well educated within copyright, i am basically fucked as hell. And trying to fully educate myself within copyright is easier said than done. For that i would need a high level degree of english grammar and reading. But since i don't have that. I am a fucked up fuck.
THIS WORLD IS JUST SO FUCKED UP THAT I HATE IT WITH EVERY SENSE OF MY FIBER AND WORD. I FUCKING HATE EVERY COMPANY THAT HAS EXISTED TO MANKIND. I JUST WANT TO BE FUCKING HAPPY. BUT BEING HAPPY HAS A FUCKING PRICE APPARENTLY. I AM LEGIT GETTING DONE WITH THIS GODFORSAKEN PLANET. I HATE MY FUCKING LIFE.

My history as a patient gamer

Sephiroth? Not Geno??? (Found on Smashboards)

I have no idea how the rest of you long-haul chads can justify continuing to hope for Geno because of how long we've been hoping and getting burned, it's the ----ing stress point for me. I'd be less disappointed if I'd just jumped on the Geno bandwagon, sure, but the new blood shouldn't be strung along like we've been. They can look back on the history of this fanbase and see all of the empty platitudes Sakurai has thrown our way and all of the coincidences that we've had to endure and they sure as hell can decide for themselves that they don't want to be cattle led to slaughter like we've been. I commend them for it. Pick a horse that'll win, new guys.
I know I said I was going to wait until 12/17 to do this but ---- it, there is absolutely zero chance that Geno's costume doesn't come back with Sephiroth and if it doesn't, I stand by what I said that they're just sweeping him under the rug. Believe it or not, I do read almost all of the comments in this thread even when we accumulate several tens of pages in one night. I see the high and mighty, the self righteous, the bootlickers who come here and say that we should appreciate every ----ing table scrap thrown our way, that somehow we should be just fine with a costume, or better still a ----ing "deluxe" one, and to you, I say unkindly ---- right off and find a new hobby instead of trying to hold the moral high ground on the ----ing internet - I hear they're accepting at clown college and that'll probably fill your time.
Spoiler: I don't want this page to be 8 miles longTo all the people who want me to examine what kind of "fan" I am, despite the fact that you don't deserve a response, I can't help myself from putting at least 100 hooks in my mouth at any given time, I am a ----ing bait addict. I'll tell you what kind of fan I am, I'm the kind of fan that at age 9 picked up Super Smash Bros knowing good and god damn well that it was a multiplayer party game that I would likely never be able to enjoy as intended because I am an only child who, at the time, had 1 friend who was a stereotypical early 90s baby whose parents would not allow near a video game. I just wanted to know what it was about, how a game could possibly let me play as Mario and Link and Pikachu all in the same world, and I fell in love with it. I was introduced to Metroid, F-Zero and Earthbound through this game and because of the latter, I can say that Smash Bros 64 effectively changed my life.
I'm the kind of fan who bought a Gamecube on launch day and played Luigi's Mansion until Melee came out and then Melee almost never left my console. I had acquired exactly 1 more friend in those two years and this one played video games, so he and I played the everloving ---- out of Melee and I began to learn about tournaments and the competitive scene of Smash at this point and I learned that I was absolute garbage at Melee and so stepped my game up tremendously over the following years. I never went to a single tournament because I was still so young, but it's safe to say that for the second time in its history, Smash as a franchise changed my life.
I'm the kind of fan who was up bright and early every morning, checking the Brawl Dojo before school or in my morning programming class if I didn't manage to wake up early enough to do it at home. Every day, I rooted for Geno or Isaac or Lloyd to show up, and after Lucas, I hoped for his adversary, Masked Man. I rode the ups and downs of that release cycle like everyone else, had my mind blown by Sonic and had my expectations slashed by the generic "check out this character's down tilt" posts or "look at this cool new item" ----. I was out here in the trenches when a true all star cast of characters was soiled by the oh so creative addition of R.O.B. and Toon Link. Beyond all of this, what kind of fan am I? I didn't take a hot steamy dump on everyone who wanted to play Brawl competitively. I gave it a fair shake and my first Smash tournaments were playing this beautiful trainwreck. I sat around and endured endless ---- from Melee players because I enjoyed the roster over the mechanics. Did I switch to Brawl+ when it became available? ---- yeah I did, to hell with tripping... But I looked forward to the future of the franchise.
I'm the kind of fan who hinged his decision to purchase a whole ass Wii U because they said of course Smash Bros was coming to it. Like Brawl before it, I was there every night on the Smash Dojo looking out, once again, for Geno. I was happy to see returning characters, thrilled by the addition of Mega Man, confused by the waifubait inclusions of Lucina and Palutena, angered at the concept of Mii Fighters, excited by Greninja, Shulk and Robin and ----ing heartbroken by the cut of Wolf, Snake and Lucas. The DLC cycle for Smash 4 was truly an exciting time for me because for the first time in Smash's history, after the game had come out we could hold onto hope. They brought Lucas back despite being a trophy and Ness having all of his moves, truly anything was possible... But Nintendo wanted to turn heads more than they wanted to please fans after Mewtwo and Lucas. I'm sure Cloud did both for some, but not for me, and the Geno costume... I don't think I was too upset. It was, at that time, hope. Hope, once again, to look forward to the future of the franchise.
Finally, I am the kind of fan who, despite being burnt on the fact that Bayonetta was added to Smash 4 with zero semblance of care for balance, despite being burnt on the quality of some of the Wii U's late-life releases (Star Fox Zero hurts me in ways I didn't think I could be hurt by video games), and despite being burnt by the fact that the Wii U sucked absolute ass... I picked up a Switch. Well after release, sure, but I still got a Switch because I trusted the quality of the games, what Nintendo would do for their fans. Despite thinking that Ultimate was going to be a Smash 4 port with some more DLC, I still held out a little hope for it, and when it was shown off at E3 with every character returning, I was hyped up. The massive roster that I had dreamed about since Melee was really becoming a reality... Almost everything from this point is so recent there's no need to describe it.
So if the fact that I don't sit down at the table and say with excitement "itadakimasu" when Nintendo serves me ---- doesn't make me a fan despite all of this, then I don't want to be a fan.
You might be saying "how is Nintendo putting the most vapid antagonist of the most entry level Final Fantasy game into Smash 'serving [you] ----'", and all I have to say in response to that is that you simply will never understand how I feel. Sephiroth isn't ----, of course not. This is a massive reveal that pleases a lot more people than it disappoints and answers the question of "how do they outdo Steve?". But I didn't sign up to see Steve outdone. I didn't sign up to see ----ing Steve. There's a small handful of holes in Smash Ultimate that keep it from truly being "Ultimate" or even "Special" as the Japanese name implies, and those holes aren't filled by massive picks like this, they're filled by little guys that the Smash community has been requesting for over a decade. But fan polls mean nothing in the face of big money deals.
All of this DLC, even pass 1, has been mostly just head turning characters, nothing to appeal to fan requests. Joker? "Look at us, we got weeb garbage to join the roster before the fans got anything they asked for!" Hero? "Look at us we got the biggest RPG franchise in Japan to join the roster" Banjo? Banjo...
I'm ----ing bitter and I want to put these words on paper, and know that I mean them from the bottom of my heart - if you like Banjo then ---- you. I hate you for the fact that you got your dumb cereal mascot from a trashy knockoff Mario 64 before we got virtually anyone else. This goes beyond Geno, ----ing Waluigi would have been a better pick than Banjo. I'm glad that he's just a ----ty Mario semi-clone that'll never amount to anything competitively because I ----ing hate looking at him and hearing his sound effects and his music. He was added as nothing more than yet another "look at us, we went to our direct competitor and shilled their console so we could pretend to appeal to fans but actually we just wanted to turn heads and be a media sensation", but blinded by nostalgia for an objectively awful pair of video games you guys think they finally listened to the fans for once. It's sad. And for the record? Geno could be the next three characters and I'd still feel this way about Banjo. ---- him and ---- his fans.
Terry is a genuine enigma and I'm glad they added him. Byleth needs no explanation.
I've said so many times that the DLC for Ultimate is about characters who have mechanics that are really unique. Joker has a semi-uncontrollable limit gauge that turns him from Sheik to Ganondorf, Hero has a whole ass spells menu, Banjo has... nothing really special, honestly. I guess the neutral B is unique but not really useful. Terry has fighting game inputs with a meter equivalent built in and Byleth is a Fire Emblem character with blue hair without a counter (who finally represents the variety of weapons available in the game). Min Min is like what if Mega Man's projectiles couldn't be reflected and Steve is so far out of the realm of plausible that he literally doesn't fit in with the rest of the cast. It really did feel like this was the development mindset, to make experiences unique to each character and put something special in the game, "and where did that bring you?"
Anime Swordsman: Back to me.
Seriously, they went out of their way to get the most iconic Final Fantasy villain right next to ----ing Kefka, put him and the full length of his massive tool in the game only to give him a ----ing counter. They're out of ideas and they clearly don't give a damn about unique characters or characters that are pushing the limit of the game's balance. ---- me for being wrong about the one thing that would have spelt something good for Smash's future. They just want to turn heads or shill their own ----.
In the end, Ovaltine is right - this isn't on Square, this is on Nintendo. Nintendo didn't go to Square and say "gimme Geno" only for Square to say "Cloud first", they went to Square and said "gimme Cloud" and Square said "he's kind of old". This situation didn't happen with a single Square character. Nintendo asked for who we got and we got them. Nintendo ----ing hates the fact that Mario can be more than vapid platforming save the princess haha funny plumber fireballs go plt plt. They hate that Mario and his universe can be the vehicle of heartwarming stories with quirky dialogue that can evoke actual emotion from real humans, and above all, their pride as a company hates the fact that one of the most popular Mario characters of all time wasn't made by them. They never want us to be able to play as Geno again. Call it dooming all you want, it's the ----ing God's honest truth. If Nintendo wanted Geno, we would have had him three times by now.
That's what makes this ---- sting even more. I've brought it up in the past but I'll bring it up again - there was an interview, long ago, where Sakurai said that he doesn't like to string people along or play with their expectations. Well, that was a ----ing lie because it is undeniable that our expectations have been played with and we've been strung along. If this was the plan all along then just put the ----ing Geno costume back in the game with Hero and end our ----ing misery. Let us ----ing rest from this endless speculation and harassment from internet randos and ----ing paid professionals moonlighting as insiders. Whoever's making these decisions up at Nintendo can rot in the deepest pit in hell for playing with the emotions of this fanbase and letting us be the whipping boys of an entire community. Thinking about it, hell's probably too nice of a place for them.
I hope Wynn is riding high right about now, he's a king and should be exalted like one.
And why do I want to throw Ultimate in the garbage and delete my account? Because Smash has changed. The future I imagined back in Melee was one in which Nintendo characters and maybe third party characters relevant to Nintendo's storied history would be added in droves to make this perfect dream fighting game... But we've gotten almost the exact opposite. Characters that mean nothing to Nintendo and in some cases have barely appeared on a Nintendo console get added in and the world goes ape---- for them, just a byproduct of the corruption of the wish that everyone liked video games.
As it stands right now, I look at the roster and it makes me ----ing angry. Who the hell is Bayonetta? Corrin? Piranha Plant? Incineroar? Joker? Byleth? Why the hell did someone photoshop Minecraft Steve onto this character select screen and make me accept it as real? I just can't with this ----. The pandemic has robbed me of the joys that Smash brought into my life and they can't be replaced with the shoddy online, and even when it inevitably ends and things can return to normal, the damage of the character picks is going to remain. The world is give and take, and I feel like all I've gotten is the "take" half of it. All I have to look forward to in the Smash section of my life is going back to a tournament in which a bunch of zoomers are playing ----ing Steve and Sans Undertale and I've gotten a big fat goose egg when it comes to characters I want that can balance out this nightmare. I don't want to suffer hearing Steve's victory screen when I can't move that cursor on the character select screen over to someone that I genuinely begged to have added to the game. I just don't want to put up with it. Again, if you can't understand my sentiments here, whatever, you just won't ever understand it.
I just want to put all of this behind me and pretend I never cared. I'm tired of losing and I'd rather pretend that I won.
Once again, this image that I saved all the way back in the grinch days haunts me. It was real all along, obviously provided by a time traveler.

State of Nintendo in 2020 - 7 month retrospective

For those that don’t know, I like to take the time and analyze Nintendo’s studios and producers and look at their past to see where the company is headed in the future. I typically do an analyzation in January and go out on a limb with predictions. That thread can be seen here: https://www.reddit.com/nintendo/comments/ee2xav/state_of_nintendo_in_2020
Typically, around e3 Nintendo showcases its titles for the remainder of the year and this is when I see where my predictions were right and where they went wrong. However, e3 was cancelled and Nintendo has moved on the last two months without barely a word on its upcoming gaming schedule. There were system shortages throughout the pandemic as the system was in high demand. Nintendo has had bottle necks in both development and distribution of the system and its games throughout the pandemic. This is likely why despite being almost 2 months after when e3 is typically held, we have not heard a word about Nintendo’s later half of the year offerings, being cautious incase of development issues.
Regardless, I want to take the time to look at my January analysis and comment on rumors and speculation.
Nintendo’s current release list for 2020
Not many releases for Nintendo so for in 2020, and what has been released has been a focus in the RPG genre meaning there has not been much variety in terms of Nintendo releases. Regardless, many are quality titles with lasting appeal.
Tokyo Mirage Session #FE encore (Jan 17 – Atlus)
- An expanded release of the Wii U title which features Shin Megami Tensei gameplay and aesthetics and mixes them in with Fire Emblem trappings. Being able to summon ‘mirages’ in the form of your favorite Fire Emblem character and catchy dance tunes to battle against monsters.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Mar 20 – EAD Kyoto/Hisashi Nogami)
- First major Nintendo release of 2020. Instead of having all the events preplanned, monthly updates add in events and extra features such as being able to swim and collect special event items. Being able to terraform your island and design it your way was one of the most features to be added to the series. Look for updates to the game throughout the year.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (May 28 – Monolith Soft)
- Released with extra content featuring Shulk and Melia which is up to 12 hours long and can be played from the start. It connects to other games in the Xenoblade franchise and ends Melia’s character arc from the main game.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (Jun 5 – ND Cube)
- Surprise minigame collection and a sequel to the Nintendo DS game features local play for up to 4 players (depending on the game) and online play. Simplistic in its design, has 51 different minigames that use all the features of the Switch.
Paper Mario: The Origami King (Jul 17 – Intelligent Systems)
- Join Paper Mario in an all new adventure to rescue hidden toads and the Princess from the Origami King. Featuring an all new battle system where you have to line up enemies or traverse a board against bosses, this RPG is light on the RPG but very witty in the writing.
Nintendo DLC Releases
Nintendo has had a steady release of additional content for their older titles. Due to the ability to have quicker turnover and easier to program, the global pandemic has a less of an impact on Nintendo scheduled DLC releases as much of its DLC has released on time or early. Although we may feel the impact for the second season pass on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as it currently only showcased one of six characters.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate – Byleth (Jan 28)
- New character, stage and music featuring male and female Byleth from Nintendo Switch game Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Cindered Shadows DLC (Feb 12 – Intelligent Systems)
- The Final wave of DLC includes new added characters, jobs, and a brand-new story line dealing with an unknown house (ashen wolves) and underground catacombs. The most substantial and final update to the game adding approximately 12 hours of content which can be added to your main game.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order – The Shadow of Doom (Mar 26 – Koei Tecmo)
- The final DLC package featuring characters from the Fantastic Four universe. This update also included more Danger Room levels, new gauntlets and additional outfits and voice overs. Lastly, it includes a secret 5 character that you also need to unlock.
Super Mario Maker 2 – final DLC
- This free update added new enemies, the SMB 2 mushroom which changes how Mario acts in the game (rides enemies instead of jumping on them and can pick up and throw them), new hats for 3D World, and the addition of snowballs.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 DLC (Apr 29 – Next Level Games)
- The first DLC pack was released March 4th and the second pack was released by the end of April. Promised by the end of July and the last of it came early. The DLC content was for the multiplayer only modes and nothing added to the single player campaign.
Pokemon Sword/Shield – Isle of Armor (Jun 17 – Game Freak)
- The first of the two expansion dlc packages for the Sword and Shield games brings back some older pokemon, some new pokemon, a practice dojo and a new area to explore in the Galar region.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate – Min Min (Jun 29)
- New character, stage and music featuring Min Min from Nintendo Switch game ARMS
Other notable games released in 2020
Devil May Cry 1,2,3
Crysis Remastered
Streets of Rage 4
Ninjala
Deadly Premonition 2
Minecraft Dungeons
Borderlands Collection
X-Com Collection
Bioshock Collection
Mega Man Zero/ZX Collection
Notable upcoming games for 2020
*All upcoming games can be delayed and the 2020 release date is tentative
Doom Eternal
WWE Battlegrounds
The Survivalists
Axiom Verge 2
No More Heroes 3
Bravely Default 2
Skater XL
Pokemon Sword/Shield – The Crown Tundra
Currently, there is nothing big on the horizon from Nintendo and no major games officially announced outside the previously mentioned games. It is expected that Nintendo will have an official Nintendo Direct in August to showcase all their major releases for the remainder of the year, however; nothing has been officially announced yet. So we are going to look at the studios and EAD producers to see what they would likely be working on and whether my January predictions were accurate.
Nintendo Entertainment Planning and Development Tokyo
Yoshiaki Koizumi
- Prediction: Super Mario Odyssey 2
- Rumor: Super Mario 3D World/Super Mario 3D Collection
- Likelihood: all mentioned above
Coming off of a leak that included a Paper Mario game to be released in Summer, these two games were also a big part of the rumor. I have a feeling while they have also been working on Super Mario Odyssey 2, the fact that Peach’s Castle was highly praised for being in the first game means Nintendo is looking back on their heritage. For quicker turnover, I predict we will see the remakes if not a full remake collection (possibly sold separately) and SMO2 for 2021.
Koichi Hayashida
- Prediction: Super Mario Odyssey 2
- Rumor: Super Mario 3D World/Super Mario 3D Collection
- Likelihood: all mentioned above
Like with Koizumi’s team, they worked together with Super Mario Odyssey. It is likely they are working in tandem with the remakes/collection and the sequel to Super Mario Odyssey.
Takao Shimizu
- Prediction: Super Mario Odyssey 2
- Rumor: Super Mario 3D World/Super Mario 3D Collection
- Likelihood: Super Mario 3D World/Super Mario 3D Collection/SNES Online/NES Online
This producer helped create the NES Classic Edition and SNES Classic Edition. I am certain he and his team are responsible for the NES and SNES Online games. His team is smaller and they also assisted with Super Mario Odyssey to ensure they hit the holiday 2017. While I no longer think his team is on the Odyssey sequel at the moment due to it potentially being released after the 3D remakes, they are likely helping to finish off the 3D remakes
Nintendo Entertainment Planning and Development Kyoto
Eiji Aonuma
- Confirmed: Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 (under Fujibayashi)
- Prediction: 2D Zelda (under Shikata)
- Likelihood: only Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 (under both developers)
Due to the amount of development Zelda takes and Nintendo has the character designers work in tandem with dungeon developers and overworld developers, they require a lot of time to be on the same page. With the global pandemic, I think it pushed Nintendo to take more time with the title, despite being in development 3 years already and having help from Monolith Soft with this title (and the first Breath of the Wild) so we will likely see it in 2021. I think any other Zelda titles from this group will be put on hold for the time being to solely work on the sequel to
Hideki Konno
- Prediction: Donkey Kong Racing
- Rumor: Mario Kart 9/Mario Kart Ultimate
- Likelihood: Donkey Kong Racing
This is one of the times where I don’t believe the current rumor going around. I think Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is selling too well for Nintendo to pull the plug on the title which is what they would do if they came out with Mario Kart 9 or Mario Kart Ultimate. The Crash and Sonic Racers show that there is room for more than one mascot racer on the system (whereas having the same mascot would deplete sales) and Nintendo is one to always comeback to old ideas (Look at the GameCube 3D screen attachment that they developed with Luigi’s Mansion). If not a Kart Racer, then I think they may have been developing another racer in a dormant Nintendo IP.
Hiroyuki Kimura
- Prediction: Pikmin 4
- Rumor: Pikmin 4
- Likelihood: Pikmin 4
This team is responsible for Pikmin and the 2D Mario games that are not Mario Maker. With Nintendo’s expectations of Super Mario Maker 2 to do better and its extended life DLC getting a final release earlier this year, I think this team moved on to the much requested Pikmin franchise. There have been rumblings of Pikmin 4 ever since they were developing Hey! Pikmin. Nintendo is not deaf to fan demand (except with Mother 3)
Kosuke Yubuki
This team previously worked on ARMS and was folded back into a team under Konno to develop a title. No predictions for this team except what is posted under Konno.
Hisashi Nogami
- Confirmed: Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This team just released the latest Animal Crossing game in March during the pandemic and it has sold more in its first month than the rest of the series has total to date (which was a large number to begin with). There is a monthly roll out of updates so the team is focusing on this title and may be starting something else in the planning stages. This team is also responsible for Splatoon so it is possible they may be starting Splatoon 3 in early pre-development.
Other Nintendo Studios/Collaborators
Camelot Software Planning
- Prediction: Mario Golf
- Likelihood: Mario Golf
This team works on the Mario Sports titles and Golden Sun. With the success of Mario Tennis Aces, I expect them to be in the midst of the next Mario Golf game. The only question is whether it will be out in 2020 or delayed due to the pandemic into 2021
Game Freak
- Confirmed: Pokemon Sword/Shield DLC
I got a lot of hate when I first posted my prediction that Game Freak will only release the DLC for Sword and Shield and give the series a year off. So far, what has been shown and said seems to be exactly that. Adding in old Pokemon and new story elements, focus on the title for DLC their only other release is a port of Little Town Hero to PlayStation 4.
Grezzo
- Prediction: 2D Zelda akin to the Link’s Awakening remake
- Rumor: none
- Likelihood: 2D Zelda akin to the Link’s Awakening remake/other 3D Zelda port/new title
Responsible for the 3D Zelda remakes on 3DS, Four Swords Anniversary edition, Link’s Awakening Switch and Ever Oasis on 3DS, this team is likely to use their current Zelda engine for a new title or different 2D Zelda port. Hope to see the Oracle series but they develop what Nintendo plans for them and the 3D games sell better. Also with Shikata’s team rolled in with Fujibayashi, it is possible that this team may be preparing a port of a 3D Zelda title.
Good Feel
- Prediction: Wario Land/World
- Rumor: none
- Likelihood: Wario Land/World
Team behind the last few Yoshi games and with Crafted World still selling well, I foresee Nintendo giving this team a shot at a different 2D intellectual property. I think the Wario platformer series may match this team with their collect everything experience in platformers
HAL Laboratory
- Prediction: Kirby
- Rumor: Kirby
- Likelihood: Kirby
While I predicted a Kirby title in early 2020, they may have been taking their time and with the global pandemic things may have been pushed even further away. I expect to hear about a Kirby title at the next direct or for sometime in 2021.
Intelligent Systems
- Confirmed: Paper Mario: The Origami King
- Likelihood: Fire Emblem
I predicted this team was working on a Paper Mario game for 2021, it was correct except it was ready for release this year. This team works on Fire Emblem, Advance Wars and Paper Mario. I think their next game will be another Fire Emblem but will be a some time before it is released as they had two major releases back-to-back and major DLC for one of the titles that just finished. I say their next title will be a 2022 at the earliest.
Next Level Games
- Confirmed: Luigi’s Mansion 3 DLC
- Prediction: 2D Metroid or Punchout
- Rumored: 2D Metroid
- Likelihood: another Luigi’s Mansion game
They just finished the multiplayer DLC for Luigi’s Mansion 3 and have started their next title. They have worked on the cancelled Mario Spikers (volleyball with wrestling), Federation Force and Luigi games. With the success of Luigi’s Mansion 3, Nintendo is probably going to keep them on that franchise but they have expressed interest to return to Metroid or Punchout so they may be given a chance to develop titles in either of those IPs. Regardless do not expect to hear anything from this team until 2021 at the earliest.
NDCube
- Confirmed: Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- Prediction: Super Mario Party 2
- Likelihood: Super Mario Party 2
I went out on a limb and stated that we should hear about Super Mario Party 2 this year. With that title still selling incredibly well, even after a year after release, Nintendo had them develop a new game from an old DS game. Clubhouse games has been received quite well despite being very basic in the options department. I think with the quick turnover to develop Clubhouse games that the team is also working on Super Mario Party 2, but will see it next year rather than 2020.
Monolith Soft
- Confirmed: Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition/Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
- Prediction: Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Likelihood: Xenoblade Chronicles 3
One of Nintendo’s bigger 2nd party studios, they have just released Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and are confirmed to be helping with the sequel to Breath of the Wild. While I originally thought BotW2 would release this year, the global pandemic and the amount of interaction a large Zelda game requires, looks like it will be a 2021 title. Additionally, they were working on a fantasy game like Zelda that they were hiring for in 2018 and that development has likely wrapped into the Zelda title they are assisting with. Regardless, some of the team will also be working on their next RPG in the Xenoblade franchise as well. Do not expect to hear about their developments until 2021 at the earliest.
Retro Studios
- Confirmed: Metroid Prime 4
- Prediction: Metroid Prime Trilogy
- Likelihood: both
It has been known that development of Metroid Prime 4 was handed back to Retro Studios in early 2018. I still believe they also developed the oft rumored Metroid Prime Trilogy and Nintendo is sitting on that title to use it to promote Metroid Prime 4. Either way, do not expect to see a title from them until 2021.

---- I will talk about 3rd party studios in a future update

Jungle Awakens DLC has been officialy released!

Jungle Awakens
It's finally here the first DLC, Jungle Awakens has been officially released in patch 1.3.2.0. There has been alot of additions and bug fixes along with it.
It is available for purchase digitally on Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation™ 4.
This DLC is also available for players who have already purchased Minecraft Dungeons: Hero Edition or the Hero Pass Upgrade. More details on Jungle Awakens can be found at: aka.ms/JungleAwakensFAQ
If you are looking to discuss anything regarding Jungle Awakens join the live discussion: redd.it/hjbwih
If you have found any bugs report to the bug tracker: bugs.mojang.com
New Features:

Lower Temple
- All players will be able to unlock this new secret mission and discover new loot!
News
- The latest news for Minecraft Dungeons is now shown in the main menu

Changes:

Obsidian Pinnacle
- Reduced minimum threat level from V to IV to make the boss less difficult to beat (letting more players unlock Adventure mode)
Soul Siphon
- Made each soul collected respect your soul gather bonus
- Reduced amount of souls per pop a little
- Reduced chance a little
Exploding
- Increased explosion radius by 50%
Fire Aspect
- +100% damage
Poison Cloud
- +50% damage
Thundering
- +25% damage
Pets
- Half HP
- 50% damage reduction
- Increased attack damage 10%
Llama
- Increased attack speed 15%
Iron Golem
- 25% more health
Wolf
- Increased movement speed 15%
Life Steal Aura
- Increased life steal 3% -> 6%
- Capped the damage on which life-steal is based to the actual health of the target
Radiance
- Reduced radiance melee range to 750 (same as ranged)
- Fixed issue causing radiance heal amount to scale twice as much as it should (effective reduction at Apocalypse -50%)
- Increased radiance ranged trigger chance to 20% -> 50%
Leeching
- Increased healing 4/6/8% -> 5/7/9%
Shockwave
- Increased damage 20 -> 35
- Increased projectile base speed by 13%
- Fixed missing notify
Snowing
- Reduced stun duration of snowball 3s -> 2s
Health/Speed Synergy
- Synergy now triggers on Lightning Rod and Corrupted Beacon when it is activated
Soul Speed
- Max stack reduced from 100 to 5
- Increased speed bonus from 1% to 5%
- Increased duration from 2,3,4, to 3,5,7 seconds
- Removed soul-amount multiplier for the speed bonus on collected soul (each visual soul == one stack)
Anima Conduit
- Removed soul amount multiplier on soul collection
- Increased effect from 1/2/3% to 2/4/6% per visual soul collected
- Now triggers on any kill source
Soul Gathering
- Reduced Soul Gathering on all gear 2->1
- Soul Gathering is now collected from all gear no matter what kind of kill it is
- All soul themed enchantments now give +1 Soul Gathering (added bullet point to UI)
- All soul themed permanent enchantments now increase the item's natural soul gathering
- Increased soul bar max souls 50 -> 300
- Added error feedback to soul bar when you have too little souls
Soul Knife
- Increased damage 40%
Soul Scythe
- Increased range by about 20%
- Increased damage by 35%
- Increased splash multiplier 0.4 -> 0.75
Soul Bow
- Increased ammo stack from 40 -> 50
Harvester
- Increased cost 25 -> 40
- increased cooldown 1s -> 4s
- Max damage also effectively increased by 60% due to damage being DAMAGE PER SOUL
- Removed variable soul cost
Corrupted Beacon
- Increased Cost 1 -> 2
- Added cooldown 2.5s
- Increased beam radius 150 -> 200 unreal units
- Increased damage by 100%
- Fixed bug causing the armor property bonus damage to be applied twice. (E.g. reduced damage bonus from Soul Robe compared to before)
- Fixed bug in soul cost which was making it not drain correctly
Lightning Rod
- Increased cost 10 -> 15
- Added cooldown 2s
- Increased radius 300 -> 350
- Increased damage 30 damage per soul -> 60 damage per soul
- Max damage also effectively increased by 50% due to damage being DAMAGE PER SOUL
- Removed variable soul cost
Soul Healer
- Increased cost 20 -> 50
- Increased cooldown 1s -> 5s
- Increased healing allies spark start speed 100% and acceleration 150%
- Healing per soul 10 -> 4
- Removed variable soul cost
Torment Quiver
- Increased cooldown 1s -> 6s
- Increased soul cost 10 -> 30
General Soul Gathering Changes
- Your non-soul item kills still give souls
- All your pet kills give souls
- All ally player kills where either the player or the kill is within 1200 range, you get souls too
- Number now shown in the HUD next to soul bar for changes to souls
- Soul Gathering bonus from armors reduced 100% -> 50%

Bug Fixes:

Crashes / Performance
- Fixed several crashes that could occur during gameplay and improved stability across all platforms
- Fixed a crash that could occur when joining an online game
- Controls are no longer unresponsive while interacting with a merchant or Camp chest and getting kicked or disconnected from an online session
- Fixed a crash that occurred while host was fighting the Heart of Ender and other players were below the arena, waiting by the jump pads
- Potential fix for crash that occurs when there's no proper audio device connected
- Fixed a crash that occurred when docking and undocking during a loading screen on Nintendo Switch
- Fixed a crash that could occur on PC when pressing Enter on the Add Friend screen
- Fixed an infinite loading screen that could occur after joining another player's session after reconnecting to Xbox Live while in a suspended state during single player gameplay
- Fixed an infinite loading screen that could occur when attempting to proceed past the title screen after being forcibly signed out during a loading screen
General
- Fixed some issues with Windows Store players receiving the "Unable to verify game ownership" error (MCD-1230)
- Added a notification when a player leaves the game during online multiplayer
- Fixed the game getting stuck in offline game when removing a second player from the main menu
- Starting an offline game after the host of an online game forcibly disconnects no longer launches into a mission-camp hybrid (MCD-165)
- Kicked players can no longer rejoin the session without an invitation if they were kicked during the reward screen
- Players are no longer able to send invitations or join themselves through the Xbox app
Gameplay
- Fixed camera issues that could occur when players simultaneously jumped off a cliff
- Fixed Evokers spawning too many Vex
- Fixed dying on some ledges in Obsidian Pinnacle without falling off
- Fixed some sections of Camp that caused players to get out of bounds (MCD-457)
- Fixed players getting stuck in a pit on Squid Coast
- Players can no longer fall off the edge at the start of the secret Rune Room
- Players can no longer roll onto platforms in Cacti Canyon before they’re raised
- Arrows no longer auto-target dead mobs until their bodies disintegrate
- Fixed Redstone Golems not attacking players if attacked from a far distance
- Fixed an item duplication glitch
- Fixed the Cores not animating during the Redstone Monstrosity fight during online multiplayer
- Shooting a Key Golem with Trickbow or Heavy Crossbow no longer causes arrows to loop back and forth around them
Audio
- Fixed Witch potion bottle breaking sounds
- Fixed Redstone Monstrosity and Arch-Illager sound effects not affected by master volume setting
- Fixed sound effects for some artifacts not playing when encountering large groups of mobs
User Interface
- The "Start Game" button on the main menu now defaults to the last selected mode
- Fixed missing characters in Korean localization the enchantment and brightness screens (MCD-1394)
- 'Lobby Chest' is now just called 'Chest'
- Burning enchantment now has the proper description, stating that it "damages nearby enemies"
- Artifacts can no longer hover over weapon and armor slots on the Inventory screen
- Flaming QuiveTorment QuiveFireworks no longer overlap with arrows on the HUD
- Fixed overlapping buttons on the main menu in non-widescreen resolutions
- Fixed corrupted Fireworks Arrow animation
- Power and level of consumable items no longer on the HUD in online multiplayer
- Fixed mob health bars get wider as the game progresses
- The friend list now updates properly after kicking a player
- Fixed the friend list automatically scrolling when clicking buttons or hovering the "Join" button
- The host of an online multiplayer game now always appears at the top of the player list

Parents don't want me to play video games, but I think it's more than that.

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post something like this, but this subreddit is where most people directed me. I'd really appreciate any help with this.

So, as a young child, I never really had any friends (homeschooled), and the ones I did have, I didn't see enough to take after them and what normal kids do. I was still watching children's shows at 7 years old (Thomas the tank engine, Sprout, etc.) because I didn't know any better. Having no friends and my brothers being significantly younger than me, I didn't have anyone to take after except my parents. Naturally, being a boy, I took after my dad. I played all of his favorite sports, listened to everything he said as if it were God's word itself, and if he and my mother disagreed with something, I would naturally take his side for the correct one (to myself, not out loud). This caused a lot of tension between me and my mom. Another thing you should know about them is that they always have to be right, even if they are wrong. For example, just this morning, my dad tried to convince me that sugar is the leading cause of cancer (as I am eating a pop tart). Believe it or not, it isn't. It's not even directly linked to cancer. But, nevertheless, he kept going about how it is the leading cause of cancer, without even entertaining the thought that he is not a skilled biologist and nor does he know everything about cancer. At first, I tried to oppose, but like every other time, he always has to be right. Nowadays I am intelligent enough to know that not only does sugar not directly cause cancer but also that he does not know everything. I was not always like this, however, because as a kid, I took his word as the outright truth, as if God himself had spoken to me and these were his unfiltered words. I didn't question it, because if I questioned it, I was always wrong. So all I could do was agree.

Another thing that added to this problem.

Having no friends that I was able to see regularly, I was spending 90% of my waking hours with my parents. Being around me so much, they got used to me being with them every hour of the day. From the day I was born all the way up to the age of fourteen. I'm 16 now, and they still want most of my time to be spent with them. This is where gaming comes into the mix.

So, back in 2018, I decided to finally buy a digital copy of Minecraft. The small number of friends I had had already moved on to Fortnite or something else by then but nevertheless I started playing Minecraft. Once I started playing it, my brothers tagged along too. This meant that instead of spending all of my free time with my parents, I was only spending about a 3rd of it with them. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike spending time with them. Even when I was spending lots of time on video games, I still spent a lot of time with them. If there was a football game on, I watched it with my dad (despite the fact that I am not a football fan), if there was a show that they liked, I would watch it with them, even though it's just basically a show about parents making risque jokes and making fun of their stereotypical teens (a.k.a Man with a plan), and if they went shopping or really anywhere, I went with. If my dad goes golfing, I go with (despite not liking golf that much). If my mom goes shopping, I go as well (unless I am told to stay behind). So as you can see, I spend much more time with them than (I'm guessing) most teens out there, but it's not enough for them.

So now, two years later, I haven't been allowed to play video games for nearly a week. I'll try to explain the situation as best I can.

Ever since I started getting into gaming in 2018, they have been slowly restricting me until the point that I could only play an hour on a rainy Saturday. So at that point, I was getting anywhere between 1 hour of time and none at all on a regular day, so I began to grab my Nintendo switch and play secretly. My brothers had always been fine with it and even played secretly themselves as well until last Sunday, they decided that they were going to tell on me. They told me that if I didn't get off then they would tell on me. So I got off and went downstairs. Despite this, the youngest brother decided to tattle on me anyway. In doing so, he got us banned from video games for an indefinite amount of time.

I am not 300% that they don't want me playing video games because they want to spend time with me, as they have never explicitly said so, but I do all of my chores, make all A's in school, and I have never denied them anything, not even attempted to deny them anything. I feel not only like I trust them with my life but they don't trust me with my free time, but that I and what I do for them are not appreciated enough for them to do something so little and so harmless as to allow me to play video games for 1-2 hours a day.

And also, don't think that they are some health gurus or something that are always outside, jogging or something. They spend more time looking at a screen than I do (minus my online schoolwork). In the afternoons they are always either watching tv, doing something on social media, or playing cards on their cellphone for god's sake! And they are perfectly fine with me watching tv with them rather than playing video games. I could literally sit there and watch tv with them the whole day (after school and chores) and they would be perfectly fine!

So since it's not a health issue, what if it is because he wants me to start working towards my future? The short answer is no because tv is just as, if not less beneficial than video games.

Maybe it's because they hate video games in general? Nope, they like to play on the Wii with us on occasions.

Maybe it's because I experience negative effects on my behavior from them? Once again, while I used to get frustrated sometimes if I lost. I never lost sleep, got a bad grade, missed out on doing my chores, or acted negatively towards anyone as a result of playing video games.

This only leaves two options.

They don't like the video games I play because they can't understand it, which will automatically make them tend to dislike it.

They want me to always be around them, no matter what I am doing.

What I feel is happening is a mix of both. They want to spend time with me, but rather than making efforts to do so, they want me to cut off from my hobbies and do what they are doing. They have never attempted to pick up a controller and play with me and my brothers unless it was a sports video game because that's what my dad understands. My mom has never made any attempt whatsoever and just expects me to be making all the efforts to bond with her.

I want to know what I should do about this. I feel like I should either ask them what they honestly expect me to be or try to let them know that I'm not 4 years old anymore and I'm not going to be able to spend all of my time with them like I used to and maintain a healthy relationship with them at the same time.

Please let me know what you think about the situation and any advice you can give is appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

EDIT: I attempted to talk with them but none of my points mattered to them. BUT, my dad is entertaining the idea of me working to compete against him in golf for mine and my brother's rights to play video games. This is going to be an interesting system and I feel like it will resolve all of our issues.

**TL;DR; : Parents are wanting all of my time but I'm 16 and want some time to enjoy the things I love.**

The Best Mobile Games in 2020

Believe it or not, if you own a smartphone and have even touched Candy Crush, you’re a video game player. Contrary to what Reddit threads say about “dirty casuals” who dabble in mobile games for fun, you stand with us, a perfect and fully formed Gamer™. Welcome to the club.
Sure, there are few gaming markets that are as controversial when it comes to microtransactions and over-saturation than the mobile gaming market. But that issue aside, you can find quite a lot of stellar downloads for your handy palm pilot in the App Store and on Google Play. These titles range from free, to flat rate, to, yes, a few with microtransactional systems that ask you to pay for stuff in-game, which is not always a terrible model. And now more than ever, you probably need a reason to take your mind off the world.
If you’re stuck in place, looking to do something other than read horror stories online, or itching for a distraction during a commute, here are the best mobile games that you can play in 2020, from retro titles to new releases.

Fortnite

It’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere. You can quite literally play Fortnite on anything. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if they ported it to a Speak & Spell. The best part about Fortnite mobile is that it is cross-platform and enables cross-play, meaning you can play alongside your console and PC friends on your tablet or phone, and all your progress, skins, and other in-game assets will unite so you’re always making headway. This game is a little tougher to play without a controller extension, and the mobile version is nowhere near as polished as the console and PC versions, but it’s still Fortnite at its core. Plus, it’s pretty damn cool that such a sophisticated, 100-player game can run in our hands.

Mario Kart Tour

Nintendo has made some missteps with mobile gaming, and while Mario Kart Tour got some flak for microtransactions, it’s honestly not as bad as all that. Mario Kart Tour is an absolute blast to play, and it now even features online multiplayer so you can race your friends — especially those friends who love casual gaming but don’t invest in consoles. While it may not come close to the quality of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch, it’s still a lot of that relationship-ruining Mario Kart fun that we love to see. The game is free to play, and can remain free to play unless you opt to buy gems to purchase characters from random pipes. While this loot box system is inherently flawed, the game does a solid job of reigning in the odds. It’s nowhere near the most offensive microtransaction system we’ve seen.

Exit the Gungeon

The sequel to the stellar Enter the Gungeon, Exit the Gungeon hails from the unparalleled indie publisher Devolver Digital. It is a self-proclaimed “Bullet Hell Dungeon Climber,” meaning it features an array of shooting and slashing, with tons of loot and fast-paced progression. I’ve played the hell out of this series on consoles, and now to have it anytime on my phone is a dream come true. Exit the Gungeon is currently only on Steam, Switch, and Apple Arcade, but chances are it’ll grace Android and Google Play in the near future.

Pokémon GO

This game, the one that lit the world on fire for a summer, still has a surprisingly large number of hardcore fans. While Pokémon GO may not be great for extended periods stuck indoors, it’s definitely a title that makes walking and getting out more fun. Plus, Pokémon Home has further integrated with Pokémon as a whole, and Pokémon GO soon will be supported on the Pokémon Home app, so you can collect Pokémon from all titles in one super Pokébank. This game really sparked a whole new wave of Pokémania.

Minecraft

The sandbox, pixelated builder that took gaming, and even more so YouTube, by storm is available on your phone. And much like Fortnite, it allows for cross-play, meaning if you want to play with your friends who are on PS4, Xbox, or PC, you can absolutely do so, which is ridiculously cool. Now, Minecraft comes at a price tag of $6.99, and while that’s often more than people want to spend on mobile games, it’s a steal for this title. Minecraft is one of the most chill, relaxing games out there, especially if you play in creative mode. Escape reality for a bit and lose yourself in your block-based world.

Hearthstone

Hearthstone is one of the biggest card-based strategy games out there, and it’s the perfect large-scale game to bring to phones. Utilizing characters from the World of Warcraft series, it requires intense, in-depth strategizing, with easy-to-handle controls and some extremely intricate deck builders. If you’re into strategy titles, this is a must play.

My Brother Won’t Shut Up When He Plays Video Games

Ever since quarantine started, my siblings and I have been desperately looking for ways to entertain ourselves throughout the day. I’ve resorted to drawing, my younger sister watches TV and plays with her dolls, and my brother plays video games with his friends online. This should be fine. We should be content in our own little spaces and not disturb each other until dinner time. However, it can’t be that simple.
My brother has a tendency to be very... aggressive while he plays his games. If you are around people that call themselves “hardcore gamers”, you know how they are. Constantly yelling out orders into their headsets and getting upset when they lose or get killed in their game. My brother is no different. In fact the rest of my family and I have made several comments about how he talks when he’s playing. Poking fun at the fact that he has a habit of repeating the same order three times in a row. Of course most of it was all in good fun.
Now, my brother can’t just play all day, he has to play through the late hours of the night too. Staying up till two, maybe three am playing on his Nintendo Switch with his friends. It’s been fine for the most part, but in the last couple weeks, the calls seem to be just as loud as they are in the day.
At first it just started as mumbled talking. I’d be lying in bed, scrolling through my social medias when my brother gets on a call at around midnight. Since his room is next to mine, it wasn’t hard to make out the faint sound of him talking. At that point I just chalked it up to him wearing headphones and not realizing how loud he was. I told myself that if it got worse, I’d go over and tell him to stop. After that I just tuned out his mumbles and tried to get some sleep.
Each night it would get worse. He’d get louder and louder, as if he didn’t care who heard him. One night, I had to sleep with earbuds in so I could get a decent night’s rest. I figured that this was ridiculous. I couldn’t sacrifice my sleep anymore. So the next morning I went downstairs to the basement where my brother was playing Call of Duty. I stood next to the TV so he could see me.
“What do you want?” My brother asked, irritated that I had interrupted his gaming session.
“You need to seriously chill out when you’re playing Minecraft or whatever at night. I can hear you from my room,” I said.
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re on a call at like, one am screaming about Minecraft to your friends and I can’t sleep.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, I’m in the middle of a round,” he brushed me off. I looked at him, starting to get equally as irritated at him as I walked back upstairs. I thought that he had just been lying so I wouldn’t get him in trouble if he told the truth. I’d have to catch him in the act later that night if he was loud again.
Luckily for me, I didn’t hear anything for another few nights. I thought that maybe I would be able to sleep in peace. That was until tonight. I woke up abruptly a couple hours ago to my brother screaming during his call. As I sat up, I asked myself how he was able to be this loud without waking up the entire house. I wasn’t going to be able to sleep through this, so I got out of my bed and went over to my door. In the hallway, it sounded like my brother’s voice was twice as loud as it was in my room. I went to his closed door and knocked on it. When he didn’t answer I pushed his door open. Once I stepped inside, I immediately noticed two things. The first was the fact my brother was laying sound asleep in his bed, and there wasn’t any sign that he had been on a call or playing a game. The second was that my brother’s closet was wide open, and there was a dark silhouette standing in the doorway.
I could feel my blood run cold and my heart skip a beat once my eyes fully adjusted to the darkness and I could make out the creature’s silhouette better. It wasn’t human… At least, it didn’t look like it. It had a long skinny neck, arms and legs that had such tight skin, I could make out the outlines of bones. But the worst of it all, was the long, sharp fingernails the size of pencils. When it made eye contact with me, I saw that it’s eyes were the size of pinheads, and they shone in the faint light that made its way through my brother’s blinds. It screamed at me in my brother’s voice, and suddenly my legs were moving on their own. I was running to my room. I could hear the creature stalking after me, but I slammed my door shut before I could see how close behind me it was. After locking the door, the thing began pounding it’s fist or body against the door. I looked around my room for something I could use to barricade the door. I took my desk chair and positioned it under the doorknob. Now… I’m laying in my bed as I type this out, the pounding and yelling is so loud. I tried putting in earbuds to block it out, to try and calm down, but it’s so loud that it drowns out the music. I don’t know what to do or why I’m the only one that can hear this thing. I don’t know what it wants or what it’s intentions are, but I’m terrified.
I just want to make it to morning.

Stadia and the future of mobile/cloud gaming

I wrote an article about where I think mobile gaming is headed. Specifically, creating longer lasting experiences, with a heavier reliance on cloud gaming. I have a lot of faith in Stadia and in other cloud gaming options. I have a background in mobile app and game development so hopefully my opinion carries a tiny bit of weight.
Link is below, if you hate Medium for some reason I can just post all the text in here. Medium has pretty pictures though.
https://link.medium.com/fWAF1yPWXab
Text version ---
Mobile games are often thought to be small-scale, inexpensive, short-term experiences. Mobile games could never replace AAA quality blockbusters on consoles or the intense multiplayer or infinitely customizable gaming experiences available on a PC — could they? The future of mobile games is decidedly this: mobile technology will not replace ‘traditional’ PC or console gaming — mobile will extend gaming. There are three big trends that point to this.

You can play AAA games on your phone, right now Paying a full price tag of $60 or more for a game on a phone seems implausible to many. Mobile games have paved their way thanks to cheap apps — free or less than the cost of a cup of coffee — plus a multitude of micro-transactions often designed to feed on vulnerable gambling tendencies. What if, though, that game purchase, whether it’s $1 or $60, could be used on your computer, your phone, your console, and your TV? Progress could transfer instantly. Perhaps the same controller could be used across all devices. Wherever you have a screen — you have access to your game. This is already a reality, and the trend is going to quickly continue. Sony has supported “PS4 Remote Play” for a few years now, starting with their own Sony phones, then moving on to other Android and Apple devices. It works well enough, allowing you to use a PS4 controller or an awkward but functional touch screen overlay. Microsoft Xbox has been testing a similar “Game Streaming” app. Valve’s Steam has supported “Remote Play” from your computer to just about any other screen for awhile now. These services are great options, but have some disadvantages. They require your computer or console to be on, and your network(s) to be perfect. The streaming machine needs to send a bunch of data through your network, through the magic Sony/Microsoft/Steam portal, and then through your network again (which could be a different network if you are away from home), and then finally to your screen. It’s difficult to go through all of that without ending up with some lag or delayed inputs. Still — getting through a chapter of Last of Us 2 on your lunch break in the office is fantastic, even if it is on a smaller screen.

God of War played via PS4 Remote Play on an iPhone with a Razer Kishi attachment Increasing access to faster internet will make all of this more seamless — but there is a better solution. Cloud gaming services — like Google’s Stadia, the recently launched xCloud (Xbox Game Pass), Nvidia GeForce NOW, and presumably Amazon’s early access Luna service — let the player launch games from seemingly magical supercomputers that live someplace else, but the player gets to see the game on their screen of any size and play instantly without any installation or disk space required. Facebook is also planning to get in on the action. Without trying any of these services, you might be worried about input lag — or any kind of lag. But all previously mentioned services are very good about removing as much lag as possible. If a weaker connection is detected, the visual quality of the game is reduced so that the player can maintain playability. A faster internet connection definitely helps here, so it may be impossible for some, but for many users the requirements are surprisingly low: 10 mb/s for Stadia, Luna, or xCloud; 15 mb/s for GeForce NOW. Input lag will likely never match what’s possible when playing locally, but it is very close. Even though the technology is there, it is still very new. Google’s Stadia does not even have a search bar yet — yes, Google, most famous for their search engine, does not have a search bar to allow users to search for titles in their app. Even though it’s amazing to have an existing library of games ready for streaming, GeForce NOW only works with about 10 to 20% of my Steam library — and one such title (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice) was supported, but then pulled by Activision. Microsoft’s xCloud works nicely on just about any Android device — even a refrigerator — but is not supported on your PC yet.
Reliable controller support varies between the apps as well. Stadia and GeForce NOW does well with just about everything, including an okay touch screen option, while xCloud only seems to work nicely with a Bluetooth connected Xbox One controller. Touch controls in xCloud are limited to a handful of games that support it — although Gears of War 5 has done an impressive job of adding dynamically changing touch controls.
For some users, the most frustrating thing about these emerging technologies has been Apple’s refusal to support them on iPhones or iPads. In addition to Apple sparring with Epic Games over Fortnite support, Apple devices are starting to lag far behind what’s possible on Android devices for gaming. If the cloud gaming trend continues, perhaps Apple could be coerced into reconsidering their position that all sales must go through them.
Fortnite played on a dual screen phone with a customizable gamepad. Maybe one day it’ll be easy to download Fortnite on a mobile phone again. Since these services are free (Stadia, GFN) or inexpensive to try out and use, it’s worthwhile to give them a shot in case you find yourself with a full hard drive or far away from your console. Cloud gaming is here to stay. Google has a penchant for haplessly tossing away products they create, but Stadia has something going for it that other products don’t: it’s pretty simple money. It’s not really clear how Google+ was supposed to make money, but a digital storefront like Stadia makes a percentage from each digital sale. If Google can keep updating Stadia’s feature set (supporting 4K resolution, making developing for the system easier, etc.) and marketing it appropriately (which they have failed to do so previously, but they are getting better), Stadia can continue to be worthwhile for Google and for Stadia users. Developing for Stadia has its own hurdles — its Linux based, which is hard when most games are created with Windows in mind, but game tools like Unity and Unreal are making it a bit easier to port to Stadia. Amazon and Facebook scrambling to set up their cloud gaming services as they drool over the potential earnings should also be an indication that cloud gaming just makes sense — because of its convenience. The same reason iTunes became more successful than pirating software back in 2003 — making things easier for people — is the reason cloud gaming is not going away. It will likely never be the preferred system for competitive gaming or receiving the best possible visual quality — but it’s close, and getting rid of the burden of system requirements, space requirements, and install/update times is going to continue to be more and more alluring to consumers.
The Nintendo Switch is also heading towards supporting cloud gaming. The award-winning game Control and Hitman 3 would normally require more graphical prowess than the Switch can handle, but they will soon be playable via the cloud.

Cross-play and cross-save is becoming more common Bungie’s Destiny 2 is one the best products showcasing this new reality where your progress can be transferred wherever you want to play. The game can be played on PlayStation, Xbox, PC (Steam), or Stadia. Your save file on one platform transfers instantly on another. Cross-play between other players is not supported yet, but it’s planned for next year. Rocket League and Dauntless allows you to play with anyone on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Nintendo Switch (both titles are also available on GeForce NOW). Minecraft allows you to play on all of these systems as well as mobile. Riot’s TeamFight Tactics allows you to switch from playing on mobile to playing on PC — helpful if your phone runs out of battery.

Google showcasing Destiny 2 being playable across multiple devices via Stadia Cross-save is decidedly positive for the consumer, allowing players to play when and how they want. Cross-play is beneficial for everyone as well, increasing the player base and keeping online games alive for much longer. System exclusive games won’t be going away anytime soon, but the cross-play and cross-save trends will continue to serve players. For mobile users, this will make it much easier to be able to extend their gaming sessions. Playing an online match on your phone on the bus home and then jumping into the same session on your computer is becoming more common — extending gaming for players.

Loot boxes are dying Loot boxes and gambling via micro-transactions are becoming less popular and sometimes even illegal! If developers cannot be focused on creating opportunities to spend money trying to win that perfect gun, rare card, or exemplary hat, what’s left? CONTENT! Developers can go “back to basics,” offering more actual gameplay in downloadable packs. Any randomized elements or micro-transactions have been trending towards purely cosmetic changes to the game — as seen in game passes or individual purchases for Fortnite, League of Legends, and other big online games. More and more developers are promising that future titles will not contain any micro-transactions. The mobile gaming ecosystem is slowly trending towards supporting the players instead of supporting developer and publisher pockets.

Final thoughts The featured image (seen below) for this article showcases Cyberpunk 2077 being played on a mobile device. Cyberpunk 2077 is a single-player game that is being released for PC (Steam/Epic/GOG), PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia. The Steam version will support GeForce NOW. The PS4 and Xbox One versions can be played via their respective streaming apps. The Stadia version is being released alongside other version (which has not always been the case). Cyberpunk 2077 will eventually become a multi-player title in the future — hopefully they’ll integrate cross-play and cross-save as well. Almost any way you choose to play, you’ll have an option to play from your phone screen. It’s not just for texting, selfies, and cheap game experiences anymore. It can extend your gaming sessions, even for of the biggest interactive blockbusters of 2020. Take care of your little mobile device — it could just be your window into a breathtaking new world. Image for postImage for post
Notes for Developers Support the growing trend of players demanding more from their mobile devices. Integrate cross-play and cross-save into your multi-platform games; avoid micro-transactions or focus on purely cosmetic options; integrate or consider developing for cloud-based gaming services (links below). Add GeForce NOW support for your game: https://developer.nvidia.com/join-geforce-now-dev-program Apply to become a Stadia developer: https://stadia.dev/apply/ Learn more about Amazon Luna: https://developer.amazon.com/luna

Will I enjoy Minecraft in switch without online ?

[DEBUNKED] Did Phil Spencer really shoot down xCloud on Switch? | The Definitive Analysis

This started out as a simple reply to a comment but turned into a 10+ hour long writing session of a huge wall of text! Hope you can still read it, though, as it will answer all your questions and doubts :) ------------------------------------------------ CONTEXT I made a video on why Master Chief in Smash makes perfect sense as a marketing buzz for xCloud on Switch (as well as Halo: Infinite, especially since it's F2P), but then Phil Spencer (head of Xbox) seemingly said Game Pass/xCloud isn't coming to Switch/PS4 in an interview. Let's analyze that!
Video on why Master Chief in Smash makes sense Phil Spencer's interview (6:11) ------------------------------------------------
TL;DR: read headings "In Conclusion" and "Final Conclusion"

== Analysis ==

People seem to be jumping to conclusions from Phil Spencer's statement, so let me clear this up after carefully analyzing his words:

The thing about other gaming console platforms is we're not able to bring a full Xbox experience on those platforms

According to him, they've brought the "full Xbox experience" on PC and mobile devices:

In places where we have [been able to bring a full Xbox experience], like mobile phones, like we're doing now with xCloud coming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate [and] what we've done with PC and bringing our full Xbox experience there.

so, What does "full Xbox experience" exactly mean?

(continued directly from last quote) Because we know when somebody is playing one of our Xbox games there is an expectation that I've got my Xbox Live community, I have my Achievements, Game Pass is an option for me, my first-party library is there, is completely there...
And the other, you know, competitive platforms, aren't really that interested in having a full Xbox experience on their hardware. But for us, we want to be where the gamers want to be.

"Full Xbox experience" consists of:

Xbox Live (community, achievements, etc.)
Game Pass option
1st party titles

He mentions this list twice in the full interview! But is he sure about Nintendo not wanting such an experience on Switch? Let's tackle these one by one for Switch.

Xbox Live

Xbox Live is already implemented in Minecraft for Switch (Bedrock edition). You can sign in with your Microsoft account (required for cross-play and servers), earn achievements, join Microsoft friends' worlds, and online doesn't require Xbox Live Gold (only Nintendo Switch Online)! The achievements you earn and skins you buy will be saved to your Microsoft account (aka cloud saves).
- Xbox also officially stated that Cuphead for Switch would receive Xbox Live support (March 2019), but as of writing, that still hasn't happened
Voice chat and text messaging shouldn't be an issue either, because some games like Fortnite have native messaging and voice chat, which is NOT a part of Nintendo's app

Game Pass

He doesn't specify Game Pass through xCloud or directly, but I'm assuming that on Switch it's Game Pass through xCloud, since that's the most feasible technically
Game Pass would seem to be the biggest barrier as people say that it would cannibalize the sales of Switch games in three ways:
- Switch and Game Pass have a shared library of indie games that people think will see less sales of on Switch, which means Nintendo lose out on sales (because they get like a 30% cut of every sale).
- Having a great library of 100+ games available for $10/month would seemingly render buying games useless on Switch, which again means Nintendo losing sales because Game Pass is plenty enough.
- 3rd party ports and AAA titles would seemingly decline as they can just release their games on Game Pass and tell Switch users to "play it on xCloud".
But does Game Pass on Switch really need to have the same library as on console/PC to be considered as a "full Xbox experience"? Can't they just release xCloud on Switch with a limited library to mitigate competition with Switch sales? Turns out Phil Spencer considers Xbox console as a "full Xbox experience" AND also PC as a "full Xbox experience" ™.
- The problem is that Xbox Game Pass for PC and for console are two different services. They offer different games, even if many are shared, but you can't say they're the same. The fact that Phil Spencer still refers to both of them as the "full Xbox experience" means that the number of titles in Game Pass isn't part of the "full Xbox experience".
- PC-only games include: Halo 3, Halo MCC, Saints Row IV, and Age of Empires II
- Xbox console-only games include: Halo 5, Soulcalibur IV, Kingdom Hearts III, Red Dead Redemption 2, Nier:Automata, The Witcher 3, Devil May Cry 5, Mortal Kombat X, Tekken 7, Fable, DiRT 4, PUBG, Quantum Break, and Banjo-Kazooie
- Clearly you CANNOT call them the same!
Yet, he is calling both the Xbox console and PC as a "full Xbox experience" each, meaning the Game Pass libraries don't have to be identical to be considered as part of a "full Xbox experience"!
So, what's really stopping Xbox from having a separate Game Pass library of games for xCloud on Switch?
- If Nintendo aren't "that interested in having a full Xbox experience on their hardware" because of competing sales of shared titles, then simply remove those titles from Game Pass on xCloud for Switch!

1st Party Titles

First-party Xbox titles should definitely not be a problem for Nintendo. More AAA titles on Switch are always welcome, and being 1st party Xbox titles would mean nothing to compete with on Nintendo eShop.
Halo, Gears and Forza on Switch would only help drive Switch sales!
These games wouldn't otherwise be ported, so cloud streaming is the only way.

In Conclusion

Xbox Live is already mostly implemented in Minecraft for Switch, and planned for other titles like Cuphead
Game Pass doesn't need to have an identical library across platforms to be considered as part of a "full Xbox experience"
1st party Xbox games shouldn't be a problem for Nintendo to have on their platform
Which means:
- There's already a "half Xbox experience" in place on Switch (Xbox Live)
- If Nintendo is having an issue with the other half of the experience -- Game Pass through streaming -- then Xbox should simply remove the games Nintendo don't wish to have on Switch as competition. According to Phil Spencer, that should still be considered a "full Xbox experience" ™.
  - Xbox likes to offer choices to players (a large part of the interview), which is why Xbox games are published on Steam, as well as on their own Microsoft store and Xbox Game Pass for PC (separate app), because gamers want that choice.
  - However, people who buy Xbox games on Steam won't get the benefit of cross-buy, though. That means they'll have to re-buy the game on consoles and other platforms. With Microsoft store/Game Pass, it's buy once, play anywhere. This benefit is not carried over to Steam.
  - Xbox is willing to accept sacrifices on their services if it means giving players choices.
- There should really be no problem for Xbox to give into this criteria of limiting their Game Pass library for Switch.

Conclusion: release Game Pass on Switch through xCloud with a limited Game Pass library, and it should still be considered a "full Xbox experience", meaning Phil isn't being 100% honest about Nintendo not wanting a "full Xbox experience" on the Switch.

B-but, Nintendo gains NOTHING!!

Then there are those who claim that Xbox Game Pass coming on Switch is a loss for Nintendo, as they wouldn't get a cut from the monthly fee of subscriptions, and it would only take over Nintendo's sales.

Technically, they could reach an agreement where Nintendo gets an x% cut of each subscription made through Switch, OR they could get an x% cut of every microtransaction made on Switch through xCloud
- In Minecraft on Switch, buying coins leads you to the Nintendo eShop where you perform the transaction, meaning Nintendo already get like a 30% cut of every microtransaction made on Minecraft for Switch!
- If Xbox is serious about putting xCloud on every device imaginable, then they must've prepared for platform fees and royalties. This shouldn't be a problem for them.
Hulu on Switch (USA only) has been there since 2017, but AFAIK it's not possible to login or buy memberships through the Switch app. You have to login through a web browser on your PC/smartphone, just like how logging into/registering a Microsoft account in Minecraft for Switch works. Nintendo seemingly don't profit off of this (unless there's a separate deal in place).
- These services just serve as hooks to get new users onto the Switch platform, where they hopefully will buy 1st part Nintendo titles and other games.

But still, wouldn't Game Pass cannibalize Switch sales?

Actually, it's been proven time and again that putting a game on Xbox Game Pass increases its exposure, playtime, and most importantly, its sales across platforms!
- Death Squared put their game on Xbox Game Pass and witnessed the sales of their Switch version increase exponentially (-90% off also helped, though)! [sales graph]
- Descenders experienced their weekly sales rise to 5 times as much after putting their game on Xbox Game Pass. Their total Xbox sales have TRIPLED after joining Game Pass! This is a game that's only available on PC and Xbox atm, but slated for PS4 and Switch soon.
- Oxenfree, which is available on every platform, were worried about Xbox Game Pass cannibalizing their sales, but they discovered it didn't; and what's more, it increased their sales everywhere else on every platform!
- Clearly Game Pass is amazing for indie titles and exposure!
The same argument can be made for the Xbox console: wouldn't putting a game on Xbox Game Pass cannibalize sales of that game on the Xbox console?
- But that's not the case. Descenders, as mentioned above, is a great example of an Xbox game being added to Xbox Game Pass and actually increasing its sales greatly!
  - Phil Spencer said in 2018 that putting a game on Game Pass raises its awareness, which generates word-of-mouth, which then starts trending on Mixer, Twitch, people talk about it on Discord, etc., and that helps bring in more sales, because people "play based on what everybody else is playing". Here are hard numbers for Game Pass (2019) -- most notably being 25% increase in preorders, and 10% increase in franchise sales.
If anything, Xbox Game Pass through xCloud on Switch might just increase sales of games, thereby giving Nintendo more revenue!
- Analogy: eBooks were thought to replace physical books completely, but in 2019, it was reported that only 20% of total book sales come from eBooks. The rest, 80%, are still from physical books! Cloud gaming isn't replacing local gaming anytime soon..

The most convincing argument, that many seem to fail to grasp, is that cloud gaming is the future, it's coming in hard and it's here to stay. How is Nintendo, with its portable Switch, prepared for this wave?

Switch will lose even more if xCloud comes to mobile phones and NOT the Switch, because that would be in competition with Switch's and casuals wouldn't have a reason to get a Switch. Gaming AAA games portably on their smartphones for only $10/month will be a viable and cheaper alternative to Switch, especially to parents and casuals/non-gamers. Nintendo will face competition regardless of what they do, so by not putting xCloud on Switch they would be losing out on the growing curious non-gamer market.
- xCloud with its amazing games line-up and value for money would definitely pose a threat to console gaming because of the extremely low entry barrier, both economically and accessibly -- especially to Switch, because of portability. More and more companies are most likely coming with their own cloud gaming services, so preparing for this wave is inevitable for Nintendo.
- I realize that Stadia isn't a success AFAIK, but xCloud has a much better pricing and value for money, and thus a much better chance at capturing the market!
and Let's face it, who's going to pay $300 for a Switch and then only use xCloud?? That'd be like paying $1000 for a MacBook/iPhone just to use Facebook, or get a Switch just to play Fortnite and watch YouTube... oh, wait...
- Jokes aside, those who've bought a Switch must've been allured by its unique aspects, like portability, offline play, its hybrid nature, different playstyles, 1st party games and their creative playstyles (like Super Mario Party), etc. The rest is icing on the cake. Cloud gaming won't just come and replace that! Maybe it will replace some 3rd party games purchases for some, but the gameplay will be heavily dependent on internet and a good stable connection, which will limit portability!
The best case scenario for Nintendo is to embrace cloud gaming early on and let people experience it through Switch with xCloud. They can't compete with it.
- Microsoft has the perfect cloud infrastructure to pull this off, while Nintendo still struggle with their horrible netcodes (read: Smash Bros Ultimate). They'd be wise to jump on the superior cloud gaming service than to try and cook up a half-baked version of their own later down the line.
  - Besides, if they do try cloud gaming, it's highly unlikely they'll make their own cloud infrastructure. They'll anyways have to go with something like Microsoft's Azure cloud infrastructure, just like how Sony have partnered with Microsoft for their own cloud streaming service, because that's Microsoft's main business.
  - And let's face it, Nintendo's 1st party games rarely go on sale, except for on the eShop, because they know their games keep selling for $60. I don't think they would want to make an Xbox Game Pass replica and sell their 1st party games for $10/month. Heck, they recently stated that they're focusing less on mobile games because it's not quite working out for them and the recent success of Animal Crossing has them realize where the true money lies -- on their hardware.
  - But, Nintendo have in fact acknowledged that cloud gaming will be widespread in the future, and that they "must keep up with such changes in the environment". But they emphasize on their unique aspects as selling points, even if cloud gaming is to take over the industry. Also cloud gaming will only increase the number of gamers, so Nintendo will have even more people to sell their hardware to, or so they believe. But just like how they lagged behind in the mobile market, it'd be bad if they embraced cloud gaming too late.
- Game Pass has already 10 million subscribers, reportedly, and it's only going to grow since Xbox is pushing it as their true next-gen "console". Nintendo had better jump on that before it really takes off with xCloud on every device without them getting any exposure from it.
If Nintendo don't accept xCloud now, which will anyways come to every device out there, they risk losing out on potential Switch buyers from the user base of xCloud subscribers on mobile! It's only in their best interest to embrace xCloud on Switch now, as they might get a share of xCloud users on to the Switch, because once casuals have tried xCloud on mobile, they might look for Switch with its dedicated gaming controllers as one of their many devices to play xCloud on. This also holds true for Xbox owners, who might be inclined towards getting Switch as a portable extension to their Xbox consoles. And once they're on Switch, Nintendo can push their 1st party titles and unique aspects.
- Nintendo's 1st party games are still the biggest revenue makers on Switch. Almost 50% of Switch owners have bought Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! Besides, the unique aspect of Switch's many forms and playstyles isn't something cloud gaming can replace. So once people are onboard on Switch, they may buy other games, and thus increase Nintendo's revenue.

The last argument remaining for why this is bad, is that 3rd party developers can just put their games on Game Pass and tell Switch owners to play it there through xCloud

One question: do developers get paid for every time someone plays their game on Xbox Game Pass? -- NO! They most likely get paid once upfront, and have to rely on microtransactions to keep revenue coming in. Yes, xCloud on Switch might increase player base and thus revenue from microtransactions, but indie games with no microtransactions will suffer from this.
The whole point of Game Pass is to raise awareness and thus increase sales! Meaning they want the exposure to translate into hard sales. Otherwise they probably won't earn anything from it.
Putting 3rd party games on to xCloud and just telling Switch users to play them on Game Pass is a horrible business model! They need to make ports/Switch versions available as well so people can actually buy them from all the exposure. This way the developers actually earn cash, AND Nintendo get a 30% cut from the revenue -- win/win!
- unless we're talking about EA here -- this would only incentivize them to halt all future Switch ports, save money on that, and milk microtransactions...
However, that's not to say that some developers may still tell Switch owners to play their games on xCloud. That way they can test the waters and get a better insight on engagement from Switch users, to assess if making a Switch port is worth it. This means more 3rd party games having a higher chance of getting a Switch port, which is only great for Nintendo!

Final Conclusion

The cloud gaming revolution and games subscription model is coming and it's here to stay. It will compete with the Switch as a viable and affordable alternative. Nintendo have no choice but to embrace it, either now or later on.
- They can't compete with it, however.
Nintendo ought to put xCloud on Switch to act as a hook and a gateway to their own Nintendo ecosystem.
- As Game Pass is growing with its currently 10 million subscribers, it's going to be everywhere with xCloud on mobile devices, and Nintendo need to tap into that user base to not lose out
- By putting xCloud on Switch, Nintendo give xCloud/Game Pass subscribers an option to use xCloud on a Switch -- which has dedicated gaming controllers and a portabie form factor better suited for gaming than smartphones -- thereby pulling them in Nintendo's ecosystem.
xCloud on Switch won't cannibalize sales either, but may rather increase sales!
Xbox should put xCloud on Switch with a limited Game Pass library (or not limited), and Nintendo should embrace the coming age of cloud gaming and take advantage of it while they can!

---------------------------- There you have it! Can't believe I sacrificed my sleep for this, haha, but would love honest criticism if there is any :)

can you play minecraft online without nintendo switch online video

Access Nintendo Switch Online right from your system and sign up for your free 7-day trial You can get the latest info on Nintendo Switch Online from the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu. It says to play "split screen without a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription toggle the Multiplayer box to the off position in Game Settings." However, when we go to the game settings, everything is greyed out. It won't let her toggle or change anything. I have a Switch, but have never played Minecraft, and her parents are at a loss. Where once you could play Mario Kart 8 or Splatoon 2 without it, you now need a subscription to duke it out online in these – and most other – Nintendo Switch games. But there are a few, a small handful of Nintendo Switch games you can play online without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Some games, such as Fortnite, can be played online without a Nintendo Switch membership." Loading Though many first- and third-party games will require the fee, not all will. No. Only a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online multiplayer features. A free Microsoft Account is recommended to access additional features in Minecraft (Bedrock) for Nintendo Switch. yes, even though you are both on the same lan the Microsoft version of minecraft doesn't support lan play so when you play you'll be connected via internet play even if both consoles sit right next... Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online play. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. About Minecraft Online. Minecraft Online is a free online game provided by Lagged. Play online in your browser on PC, Mobile and Tablet devices. Join millions of players from around the world by playing our addicting games. Lagged is the best online games platform. Challenge your friends to thousands of different games that you can play on your A: Yes, Realms is available on the Bedrock edition of Minecraft for Nintendo Switch. To play online on a Nintendo Switch, you need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, so this is a requirement for playing on Realms. More information about Nintendo Switch Online can be found here. Members can enjoy a growing library of NES games and Super NES games with added online play as part of the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. With the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, you can also voice chat during your play sessions. The service includes 20 games at launch, with new NES and Super NES games added in the future.

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How to play Minecraft online on Nintendo Switch - Setup ...

BedrockConnect DNS Server: 104.238.130.180If you like what you see, feel free to throw a few bucks. I won't ever charge for this service, so currently everyt... In today's video I show y'all how to join Minecraft bedrock servers on the Nintendo Switch! I hope this works for you, but if you are having trouble leave a ... Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch console is a multiplayer game by default. Learn how to link up with friends via the "online" option. When you start or jo... Let's take a look at some split screen Nintendo Switch Minecraft Multiplayer gameplay. If you're not sure how to do it yourself, here are some tips and tricks! This video will show you how to join online Minecraft servers while playing on your Nintendo switch. Nintendo online - https://youtu.be/t42XlkWMk-EMicrosoft ...

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