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Nintendo has gone full circle with the Labo

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The Nintendo hype train knows no bounds. A single whiff of a Nintendo announcement has the Internet melting down, as each and every Ninty fan on the planet begins reeling off an extensive wishlist. Virtual console. Streaming of some sort. Enhanced Amiibo features. A Smash port. No-one imagined Nintendo Labo.

Described as a “new interactive experience for Nintendo Switch… specially crafted for kids and those who are kids at heart”, Nintendo Labo is simultaneously the most unexpected yet most obvious Nintendo creation ever. It’s a selection of ‘build-and-play’ kits that utilise the Switch and connected Joy-Cons in brilliantly unique ways. It’s properly unique. It’s pre-NES vintage Nintendo.

Each Nintendo Labo kit turns modular sheets of cardboard into a range of creations known as ‘Toy-Cons’ when combined with the Switch peripherals. All you need is a right Joy-Con, the cardboard template, correct software and working hands to create everything from a functioning piano to a robot exoskeleton.

In a concerted effort to bring the Switch to a wider audience, Nintendo has gone back to the start. Toymaker. Inventor. Full-circle.

Nintendo Labo Kits

The Nintendo Labo harkens back to the days before the NES, Game & Watch and Mario, when the company was still dreaming up toys such as the Ultra Hand and Love Tester thanks to the genius of Gunpei Yokei.

Yokei started as an engineer at Nintendo and with the help of many other designers and engineers, produced a range of successful toys before the company made the switch to video games. Who’d have thought that nearly 52 years after the creation of the ‘Ultra Hand’, Nintendo would eschew gaming’s natural progression into VR and the like, instead pivoting to cardboard, back to the kind of toys that first brought them success.

The Nintendo Labo is, as a concept, unashamedly Nintendo. Flatpack gaming that anyone can get involved with. It’s a flash of imagination that everyone else would be scared to bring to market.

There’s no doubt that it’ll piss off the ‘hardcore’ gaming community. There will be people that bemoan “$70 for cardboard”. It happened with the Wii, a Nintendo creation that fully embodied the philosophy of ‘games for everyone’, forged its own path and found incredible success despite technological limitations compared to its peers. It’s hard not to draw parallels between the two products.

And the Labo really does represent games for everyone. These base kits are ideal for kids and adults alike but Nintendo has already expressed interest in bringing third-party support and more advanced kits for hobbyists. The scope of application is huge and as a platform, it’s got the ultra-solid foundation that is the Switch, which is experiencing incredible success while still finding its feet. Add to the fact that Nintendo is willing to provide replacement kits and templates for those who want to go it alone and we’re seeing the forward-thinking Nintendo that everybody knows and loves.

For me, the Labo represents the very core of Nintendo. An accessible and truly innovative experience that offers a nod to those who know their humble beginnings creating playing cards and toys. It’s been 129 years since the big N was established and they’re still finding ways to surprise us.

 

 

UK based gaming writer, raised on a diet of Street Fighter and Isometric RPG's. I enjoy playing every game I can get my grubby little hands on.

Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games

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Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.

In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.

According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.

In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!

Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5

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It appears that many

are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.

We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.

It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.

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