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«Pentiment» review: a gripping medieval thriller with unique graphics
by Domagoj Belancic
Nintendo presents new games for the Switch in a "Direct" video - including former Xbox exclusives. Most of them will be released soon. There is also a big surprise.
According to new rumours, the Switch 2 is still a while away. In a "Direct" presentation, Nintendo reveals what else will be released for the current Switch in the coming months.
The focus is on games published by third-party manufacturers. This includes two formerly exclusive Xbox games from Microsoft. Nintendo will also be making an unexpected comeback with a Wii classic that was thought to have been forgotten.
I have summarised all the highlights and featured games below.
Last week, Microsoft announced that a total of four formerly exclusive Xbox games will be released on third-party consoles. In the Direct, Nintendo reveals which two of them will end up on the Switch.
"Grounded" is a survival game for up to four players. Your character is the size of an insect and has to survive in a garden. In terms of content, the port seems to have all the features of the original. Visually, the whole thing looks rather dull and blurred compared to the Xbox version. The game will also be released on the PS5 and PS4 - where it should run a lot smoother.
Date: 16 April
Released for Switch, PS5, PS4
Already available for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
"Pentiment" is a medieval detective game with a unique graphic style. It was developed by Obsidian Entertainment - known for "Fallout: New Vegas" and "The Outer Worlds". This game is also being released simultaneously for PS5 and PS4. However, apart from the higher resolution on Sony's consoles, the graphical difference should hardly be noticeable.
Date: 22 February
Released for Switch, PS5, PS4
Already available for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
After the "Another Code remake, Nintendo is bringing back another game series that was thought to be lost. The first "Endless Ocean" was released in 2007 for the Wii and is one of my favourite games on the console. However, "Endless Ocean: Luminous" is not a remake, but a completely new game. As in the original, you spend most of your time underwater. You dive through vast ocean areas and examine flora and fauna. The game environment changes with every dive. In total, there are over 500 animal species to discover - including prehistoric and mystical creatures.
New with "Luminous": You don't have to dive alone, but can explore the seas with up to 29 other explorers. It also looks great on the outdated Switch hardware and promises countless hours of relaxing underwater gaming.
Date: 02 May
Released for Switch
The two old "Battlefront" games are being given a new lease of life with a remaster. The new edition features new playable characters and new maps.
Date: 14 March
Released for Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC
"Banana Rumble" is the first new "Monkey Ball" game in over ten years. The new instalment offers optional motion control, a local co-op mode for four players and an online mode for 15 players. The trailer looks like an Apple keynote. Very funny.
Date: 25 June
Released for Switch
The game is a sequel to "Ender Lilies". You can expect the finest Metroidvania fare in a post-apocalyptic setting. Graphically, the trailer also shows off a lot with beautiful characters and a dark game environment.
Date: 2024
Released for Switch
What a brilliant idea for a game! In "Arranger", you control your character by moving entire sections of the world. The game is equal parts role-playing game and puzzler with puzzles that require you to think outside the box three times.
Date: Summer 2024
Released for Switch, PS5, PC
The "Monster Hunter" spin-off for the 3DS returns with a comprehensive remaster. In addition to completely reworked graphics, the game characters now all have voices. In contrast to the usual "Monster Hunter" games, the battles here are turn-based.
Date: Summer 2024
Released for Switch, PS4, PC
And another remake! Mickey's Wii adventure is being remade for the Switch. The mouse is trapped in a dark world full of magical ink. Numerous forgotten Disney characters are waiting for him there. The rodent must fight his way back to freedom with a magic paintbrush.
Date: 2024
Released for Switch
Five new games from legendary studio Rare are now available for Nintendo Switch Online plan subscribers: "Snake Rattle N Roll" (NES), "RC Pro-Am" (NES), "Battletoads in Battlemaniacs" (SNES), "Killer Instinct" (SNES) and "Blast Corps" (N64).
In addition to the major highlights, smaller titles and ports of previously released games were also shown.
Which game are you most looking forward to?
The competition has ended.
My love of video games was unleashed at the tender age of five by the original Gameboy. Over the years, it's grown in leaps and bounds.