Nintendo Switch Reviews Archives - GamersHeroes https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nintendo-switch-reviews/ Short and accurate game guides designed to save you time and effort. Honest Game Reviews, Breaking News, & More Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:39:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://www.gamersheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cropped-Gamers-Heroes-Site-Icon-32x32.jpg Nintendo Switch Reviews Archives - GamersHeroes https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nintendo-switch-reviews/ 32 32 Sonic X Shadow Generations Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/sonic-x-shadow-generations-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/sonic-x-shadow-generations-review/#respond Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:31:57 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=147946 Sonic X Shadow Generations is twice as nice, featuring the same stellar campaign from the original release along with a solid side-story featuring the Ultimate Life Form Shadow the Hedgehog.

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The blue blur is back for another anniversary bash – this time with Shadow the Hedgehog in tow – with the release of SEGA’s Sonic X Shadow Generations. Should players pack their bags for another retro revival, or is this generation played out?

Sonic X Shadow Generations Review


Sonic Generations garnered generally favorable reviews (just ask Metacritic) when it originally launched for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 more than a decade ago. 

It’s easy to see why – its selection of levels pulls from classic stages from the original SEGA Genesis release up to Sonic Colors in a multiverse adventure before it was cool. 

As players take on Dr. Eggman and the evil Time Eater as both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic, fan-favorite areas like the Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant Zone, and City Escape. Its selection of levels is all killer and no filler – just the way we like it.

Classic Sonic’s stages are side-scrolling affairs like the days of old. While the physics are a bit different compared to those found in Sonic Mania and the like, they get the job done. Meanwhile, Modern Sonic adds an extra dimension fans of later releases have come to know and love. 

While players can’t go wrong either way with both Sonics, we preferred Modern Sonic’s levels as opposed to those from Classic Sonic. We’re dyed in the (blue) wool 2D Sonic fans through and through, but Sonic Generations does 3D better with more dynamic elements, sheer speed, and just a better sense of flow.

Just note that the Sonic Generations part of Sonic X Shadow Generations is a bit on the short side, clocking in at a few hours. There’s side objectives that can be done, Red Rings to collect, and those oh-so-important high rankings to earn, but this adventure proves to be quicker than Sonic himself.

However, Sonic X Shadow Generations also features a segment with the Ultimate Life Form Shadow the Hedgehog. New to this release, Shadow Generations gives this malcontent time to shine with a completely different section that can be accessed from the main menu.

For longtime fans of Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow the Hedgehog, and other later releases, players will join Shadow for levels like Sonic Heroes’ Rail Canyon, Sonic Forces’ Sunset Heights, and other deeper cuts. The same 2D/3D structure is also in Shadow Generations, though Act 2 features the side-scrolling elements this go-around.

Shadow does keep things interesting with a number of Doom powers he steadily accumulates alongside his signature Chaos Spear and Chaos Control moves. It helps differentiate him from that faker Sonic with differences in each level.

Just note that Shadow Generations has been designed as a side story. Most stages are fairly straightforward affairs, with a number of cutscene and quick time elements causing players to wait around for seconds at a time. 

When there’s a high rank on the line, it oftentimes feels like players are twiddling their thumbs rather than engaging in the action – a big no-no when it comes to the Sonic series. Despite not hitting the highs of Sonic Generations proper, Shadow Generations is still worth a playthrough for anybody that picks up Sonic X Shadow Generations.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is twice as nice, featuring the same stellar campaign from the original release along with a solid side-story featuring the Ultimate Life Form Shadow the Hedgehog. While this new content doesn’t quite hit the same highs with a number of hands-off sequences, it’s still worth a go for those who just can’t get enough of this malcontent.

Sonic X Shadow Generations Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 25, 2024
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Developer: SEGA
Publisher: SEGA

Alternative Reviews: Movie Games and Tech, Checkpoint Gaming, Digital Chumps
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

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Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nintendo-world-championships-nes-edition-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nintendo-world-championships-nes-edition-review/#respond Wed, 31 Jul 2024 17:32:31 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=144226 Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

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Envious millennials, rejoice; the long-running Nintendo World Championships are now open to all with the release of Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition. Featuring more than 150 challenges across 13 titles, is this game rad or bad?

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review


Inspired by the international competitions held by Nintnedo between the late ’80s and early ’90s (what a glorious time!), Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition lets players experience the championships of this bygone era in a convenient package on more modern hardware.

Nintendo fans might have played through the likes of such Nintendo Entertainment Classics like Super Mario Bros. and the Legend of Zelda countless times before, but Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition turns these time-honored classics on their head.

For instance, in its Speedrun Mode, players will be tasked with becoming a speed run master by taking on challenges AQAP (as quick as possible), netting clear times, coins that unlock additional challenges, and those oh-so-important bragging rights.

How does this play out? Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition reaching Goal Posts, defeating Bosses, and even taking on an Octorok Onslaught. For those who have been there and gotten the Triforce, there’s also Master Challenges to be cleared.

These are all rudimentary tasks, but the chance to get a high letter grade (including the coveted – and shiny! – S Rank) and hit a Personal Best is a thrilling feeling that had us attempting even the most rudimentary of challenges multiple times. 

It’s just a shame that Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition doesn’t take this concept far enough. Titles like Kid Icarus and Ice Climber weren’t designed to be multi-hour epics, but at the same time the challenges feel a lot smaller in scope.

As a result, it can be far too easy to see everything that Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition has to offer sooner rather than later – especially when considering the small cut of titles it has chosen to pull from compared to the massive Nintendo Entertainment System library.

To be fair, there’s some other content in Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition to keep players going. The titular World Championships lets players test their skills against others from around the world, with certain competitions popping up in a set period of time.

The heat is also on with Nintendo World Championships: NES Editions’ Survival Mode, which has players taking on an elimination match against ghost data worldwide. This is nothing that will have players clocking in hundreds of hours, but it is still welcome nonetheless.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content. Those who live and breathe the Big N will enjoy this new take on the classics, but there’s not enough for more casual fans to enter the competition.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: July 18, 2024
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Alternative Reviews: Hardcore Gamer, Pocket-Lint, Trusted Reviews
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

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Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/rocket-knight-adventures-re-sparked-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/rocket-knight-adventures-re-sparked-review/#respond Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:59:18 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143892 Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked features platforming greats that are absolute must-plays, but the overall package is bare bones. It’s great to see Sparkster and his jetpack make a return, but this awesome opossum deserves so much more.

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16-bit platforming, jetpacks, and awesome opossums are back once more with the release of Limited Run Games and Konami’s Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked. Featuring three titles from days gone by, does this collection light a spark?

Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Review


Platforming giants Sonic and Mario dominated the 16-bit landscape when Sparkster and his Rocket Knight Adventures first hit the scene, but just because he never took center stage doesn’t mean he should exit stage left.

Kicking things off with Rocket Knight Adventure, players wield a chargeable energy sword and jetpack (cool tools of the trade, to be sure) to take on the evil Devotindos Empire. Boss fights, shoot-em-up sections, and even robotic mech duels make sure this title leaves a lasting impression – the impressive spritework and soulful musical source are no slouch either.

Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2 follows similar beats, pitting Sparkster (and his sword and jetpack combo) against King Gedol in an attempt to save Princess Cherry. 

Gameplay mechanics are as sound as ever, though the slot machine after collecting gems is a mixed blessing. Nevertheless, Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2 is well worth a playthrough for platforming fans.

Finally, a second Sparkster title is included, though it was a completely different title that was released for the SNES. Players will know the drill, with more high-flying and sword-faring action platforming fans will love. Just be warned that players will need to bring their A-game to see the true ending on higher difficulty settings.

While Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked packs three absolutely killer platforming adventures, the rest of the package is a bit light on content. Features like filters, eight different borders, screen size adjustments, and a rewind feature are par for the course, but emulators like RetroArch have been doing that for years.

To sweeten the pot, Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked features a Boss Rush mode for each title, a Music Player, and a Museum.

The first two don’t have too much flair to them; Boss Rush says what it is on the tin, while the Music Player doesn’t have too much functionality outside playing the tracks themselves. 

Even the Museum Mode of Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked is more of a gift shop. While it’s great to see magazine ads, box art, internal design documents, manuals from different regions, it’s not taken far enough.

Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked features platforming greats that are absolute must-plays, but the overall package is bare bones. It’s great to see Sparkster and his jetpack make a return, but this awesome opossum deserves so much more.

Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: June 11, 2024
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Limited Run Games
Publisher: Konami
Alternative Reviews: Nintendo World Report, Destructoid, TouchArcade
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

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Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/luigis-mansion-2-hd-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/luigis-mansion-2-hd-review/#respond Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:47:51 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143813 Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

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The Dark Moon takes the limelight once again with the release of Tantalus Media and Nintendo’s Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, a release with roots that can be traced back to the Nintendo 3DS. Should players grab their Poltergust 5000, or does this title simply suck?

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review


Things go sideways right from the offset, with the ghosts of Professor E. Gadd’s world changing from pacifist to terrorist after the Dark Moon was shattered. Making a swift retreat to his bunker, Professor E. Gadd enlists the help of his good pal Luigi to get the pieces of the Dark Moon back together – and collect some goodies like gems along the way.

Thankfully, Luigi has the right tools for the job. For those who have yet to bust ghosts in the Luigi’s Mansion series, this tall hero differs from his brother’s outings by having players utilize the Poltergust 5000 to suck up ghosts – and anything else of interest.

As a result, Luigi’s Mansion 2 prides itself on exploration. As Luigi utilizes the Dual Scream (heh) device, Dark-Light Device, and Strobulb, they’ll scour each area in the hunt for items, ghosts, and more. Each item keeps things fresh without overwhelming players with too many options.

On that note, think of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD as puzzle-based gameplay rather than the more traditional pixel-perfect platforming of Mario’s outings. No need to be scared, though; wrangling ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is easily a highlight. 

Originally made for the Nintendo 3DS, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD’s world of Evershade Valley gradually unlocks new areas over time. Haunted Towers, Old Clockworks, Manors, and more all await, each culminating in a bout with a possessor that contains a bit of the Dark Moon you so rightly seek. 

While it is nice that the title breaks each area down into bite-sized chunks (complete with a ranking system!), don’t expect each area to be too overly in-depth.

The same goes with the overall presentation of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. While it certainly lives up to its HD moniker with a higher resolution, the graphics noticeably show their age compared to his brother Mario’s adventures. 

One thing worth noting though is that the multiplayer ScareScraper mode manages to make the formula work well with others. Broken down into Hunter, Polterpup, and Rush, these different modes serve as a nice break from the game proper. They’re not overly in-depth, but they are still welcome nonetheless – and with online support to boot.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: June 27, 2024
MSRP: $59.99
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Tantalus Media
Publisher: Nintendo
Alternative Reviews: Shacknews, Pocket Tactics, Irish Independent
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

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Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/super-monkey-ball-banana-rumble-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/super-monkey-ball-banana-rumble-review/#respond Sun, 07 Jul 2024 17:21:50 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143703 Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction.

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After monkeying around in different remakes, AiAi and co. are rolling around at the speed of sound with SEGA’s Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble. A new move, friend, and mission await – should players go for the goal?

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review


The world of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble (not to be confused with Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania) will transport players to Juicy Island. Scuttlebutt says there’s a hidden Legendary Banana treasure just waiting to be discovered after collecting seven OOPArts.

Enter newcomer Palette, who also is hunting for said Legendary Banana to find her long-lost pops. Not one for lounging around, she teaches the old guard how to Spin Dash, hitting a wealth of different stages with the bunch in the hunt for points, golden bananas, and absolute glory.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is more or less the same as previous entries, albeit with a hefty amount more polish. Players will still be navigating stages across Golden Temples, Rose Gardens, Neon Arenas, and other fantastical worlds set above periless bottomless pits. 

However, the camera can be adjusted, the presentation has been kicked up a few notches, and the aforementioned Spin Dash adds a bit of pep to the monkey’s step by acting as a glorified slingshot (think Sonic the Hedgehog). There’s even some couch co-op action for players to dive into!

This is all welcome, but Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble’s single player mode sticks to its roots a little too closely. Gimmicks featuring switches and launch pads, along with shops, certainly add a bit of flair, but this title doesn’t reinvent the (monkey) ball.

The single player mode of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is a bit on the short side, clocking in at approximately two hours. Rather, the biggest change to Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is the banana rumble itself, with 16 player multiplayer across five different modes.

These follow the same tried-and-true gameplay of the series. Goal Rush has players earning points by rolling through goals, while the aptly named Ba-Boom! channels the best Mario Kart battles with explosive bombs.

While these Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble modes are nice, they play second fiddle to its single player top banana. We felt like they’re the equivalent of the minigames from previous entries; a pleasant surprise, but nothing worth going bananas over.

If anything, that’s Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble’s greatest weakness; its lack of content. This is a partial release priced at something far more. Those who don’t mind going through the same trials multiple times will enjoy its arcade-based challenges, but it is a bit light overall.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction. Those that don’t mind the same old song and monkey dance will have fun, but don’t expect anything revolutionary.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: June 25, 2024
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Developer: SEGA
Publisher: SEGA
Alternative Reviews: COGconnected, Checkpoint Gaming, Hey Poor Player
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 6 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-6-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-6-review/#respond Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:05:04 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=134783 After five trips around the globe and the Mushroom Kingdom, the sixth and final wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass is here. Featuring new and returning tracks and characters, should players get on their karts and ride once more?

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After five trips around the globe and the Mushroom Kingdom, the sixth and final wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass is here. Featuring new and returning tracks and characters, should players get on their karts and ride once more?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 6 Review

The past five waves have nearly doubled the amount of courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Wave 6 closes the gap with eight different tracks across both the Acorn Cup and the Spiny Cup.

As part of this selection, tracks from Mario Kart Tour will allow racers to do some globe-trotting as they fly over the Trevi Fountain in Rome Avanti and hit the pitch in Madrid Drive. Meanwhile, Super Mario Kart classics like Bowser Castle 3 have received a retro revival with new elements and paths to explore. Paired with tracks from other entries (including another Rainbow Road!), and you’ve got a varied collection to choose from.

However, your mileage may vary with Wave 6. Some courses feature multiple shortcuts and changing routes each lap, but there were others with questionable design choices that were more annoying than innovative. It can be tough to enjoy the sights when a certain area cannot be driven on or there’s a clear lack of indicators as to where to go.

If anything, Rosalina’s Ice World from Mario Kart 7 was the most offensive of the lot. This track has the unfortunate curse of featuring slippery paths that violently clash with sharp corners and icy depths. Some may call this barrage of threats a difficulty curve, but we truly believe this track should have stayed on the Nintendo 3DS version of the game.

Unfortunately, there are no new tracks in Wave 6 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass. While certain tracks now feature anti-gravity segments and other flourishes, we would have loved to see another attempt at a Squeaky Clean Sprint that let the team’s creativity truly shine.

Players will also be able to take control of Funky Kong, Diddy Kong, Pauline, and Peachette as part of this DLC. Each character is full of life, pulling out everything from microphones to surfboards when landing the perfect trick. Variety is the spice of life, and pairing these racers up with the suite of parts means that there is an extremely high amount of customization.

When it comes to design elements, it can be a bit of a mixed bag. Seeing custom character advertisements and storefronts certainly adds a dash of personality, but the title still struggles with perspective. It can be jarring to see a traffic cone or potted plant bigger than the player; these could have easily been fixed to be less jarring.

Wave 6 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass continues to bring more great tracks and characters to the game, but some odd choices prevent it from taking first place. Mario Kart fans will have an absolute blast, but more casual players will rue the day they ever came across Rosalina’s Ice World.

This review of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 6 was done on the Nintendo Switch. The pass was purchased digitally.

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Super Mario Bros. Wonder Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/super-mario-bros-wonder-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/super-mario-bros-wonder-review/#respond Sat, 28 Oct 2023 23:43:11 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=134313 10 years after the Year of Luigi (sorry bro), it’s Mario’s time to shine again with the release of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder. A new world with power-ups and adventure awaits - does this side-scroller have what it takes to be a superstar?

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10 years after the Year of Luigi (sorry bro), it’s Mario’s time to shine again with the release of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder. A new world with power-ups and adventure awaits – does this side-scroller have what it takes to be a superstar?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Review

The Mushroom Kingdom is in the rear view mirror in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, with Mario’s party paying a trip to the Flower Kingdom this time around. However, Bowser has also come along for the ride, using the power of the Wonder Flower to become one with Prince Florian’s castle. Not one to take things sitting down (naturally), Mario’s wrecking crew sets out to right this wrong and save the poplins by collecting Royal Seeds strewn across the land.

Naturally, a bunch of danger awaits between here and there. Goombas and koopas still dot the landscape, sure, but now players must also contend with hopping hoppycats, voracious maw-maws, and other new threats that’ll summon the “Too Bad!” screen. This title is certified fresh, and learning how to overcome enemy patterns ensures players are never stationary or going through the motions.

And using the word “fresh” to describe Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the understatement of the year. Everything in this title features an incredible amount of polish, from the way the music changes with the Elephant Flower to the drum roll that comes from a ground pound. A serious amount of attention and love has helped create a truly whimsical experience, really hammering home that one is on an adventure. Even the little quips from the flowers, which would be obnoxious in other titles, had us actively seeking them out to see what they’d say next.

Naturally, a game with the word “wonder” would have to back that up, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder does that with its Wonder Flowers. Hidden in each level, these flowers turn things on their head and change the way the game is played. One level might have players navigating an avalanche or lightning storm, while another will transform one of Mario’s friends into an enemy creature. The energy in these segments is infectious, and no two segments are ever the same. We tracked down as many Wonder Flowers as we could in our playthrough, and the impact they had on each level was astounding.

To aid in one’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder experience, players can collect power-ups along the way. The Elephant Fruit adds a bit of heft to each character by transforming them into an elephant, while the signature fireball-spewing Fire Flower is joined by the Drill Mushroom and Bubble Flower. These each subtly adjust the game, adjusting how one approaches each level.

There’s also the inclusion of Badges in this title to adjust each playstyle. Equipped on Prince Florian’s noggin, these badges can allow characters to do dolphin kicks, floating jumps, or even wall jumps straight up into the air. Need an easier experience? Other badges allow for players to equip a Super Mushroom at the start, activate exclamation blocks for easier traversal, and other perks.

If anything, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is as easy or as hard as one wants it to be. Select areas – and even worlds – can be played in the order one chooses based on the Wonder Seeds collected in each level. Finding the game a bit too challenging? Levels are ranked by difficulty, and the harder ones can be skipped entirely. Still too much? There’s even characters like the Yoshi crew and Nabbit that can’t take damage at the expense of not using power-ups. If all else fails, players can grind Flower Coins and stock up on 1-up mushrooms at one of the game’s many stores.

Of course, those looking for a challenge most certainly will find it tracking down every last secret exit and taking on the Special World challenges. These can be downright brutal; we won’t spoil some of the twists, but the way they utilize the game’s set of base mechanics shows how tailor-made – yet still fair – these trials truly are.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder once again proves that Mario is the king of the platforming genre. Much like his previous adventures did before, the amount of creativity and polish on display sets a new industry standard.

This review of Super Mario Bros. Wonder review was done on the Nintendo Switch. The game was purchased digitally.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle goes to show that MachineGames has an eye for fortune and glory.
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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an absolute must for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION’s three-tiered table provides a triple threat of action.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-5-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-5-review/#respond Wed, 12 Jul 2023 22:59:28 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=131817 New characters and courses have made their way to Nintendo’s long-running Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with Booster Course Pack Wave 5. With eight new tracks now on tap, should players kick the tires and light the fires once more?

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New characters and courses have made their way to Nintendo’s long-running Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with Booster Course Pack Wave 5. With eight new tracks now on tap, should players kick the tires and light the fires once more?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5 Review

As part of the new Feather Cup and Cherry Cup, eight new courses make their appearance as part of this DLC. However, these are more than just mere 1:1 ports; tracks from the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, and Nintendo Wii era have gotten a nice glow-up that really make them stand out from the days of post-punk and Razor scooters.

The shiny high-res coat of paint is just the start; the inclusion of different music in different sections, use of underwater, antigravity, and aerial sections, and additional tweaks to track layout have made sure classics like Moonview Highway and Daisy Cruiser are back and better than ever. Even the most “flat” Mode 7 style worlds have been given a new lease on life.

Wave 5 of the Booster Course Pass also includes a number of tracks from Mario Kart Tour that will whisk players away to Athens, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. Tributes to famous landmarks are present and accounted for, each a delight to traverse. Each lap features a different part of the track as well, making sure that things are fresh and dynamic as players check out hockey games and the Santa Monica Pier.

There’s also a newcomer track in this Booster Course Pass in the form of Squeaky Clean Sprint. Shrinking racers down into pint-sized versions, players will traverse a bathroom, going down the drain, flying over a toilet, and making sure they are so fresh and so clean (clean). There’s plenty of hazards to avoid, paraglider and anti-gravity segments, and other factors that make it a nice addition to the roster – even if there’s more water segments than one is used to.

This level of detail in Wave 5 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass also extends to its new characters. Made up of Kamek, Petey Piranha, and Wiggler and their own designated weight classes, each of these three has gotten the attention-to-detail that they so rightly deserve. From Kamek’s unique horn to Wiggler’s (rightly just) temper tantrums after being hit with a blue shell, it’s great to see the amount of polish on display.

However, not all is rosy in this release. Balance is still as skewed as ever, with an ungodly amount of items thrown by AI at players leading the pack. Much like previous waves, the perspective could use some work – some of the characters in the background and other areas aren’t quite up to scale.

Wave 5 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass provides a compelling case to come back nearly a decade after its vanilla release. Whether one wants to hit the town or the tub, there’s a little something for everybody here.

This review of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5 was done on the Nintendo Switch. The pass was purchased digitally.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle goes to show that MachineGames has an eye for fortune and glory.
Infinity Nikki radiates a charm that warms your heart, engages your mind, and sweeps you off your feet.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an absolute must for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION’s three-tiered table provides a triple threat of action.

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 4 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4-review/#respond Sat, 11 Mar 2023 20:44:46 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=129272 Tracks from Mario Kart Tour, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and even Yoshi's Island make their appearance with Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Is this fourth go-around a victory lap, or is this pass losing steam?

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Tracks from Mario Kart Tour, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and even Yoshi’s Island make their appearance with Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Is this fourth go-around a victory lap, or is this pass losing steam?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 4

With dozens of tracks already released, Wave 4 has some mighty big shoes to fill. While most tracks are repeats of those in other entries, this release has some of the strongest tracks to date – suited for those from all walks of Mario Kart.

Want to tour the world? The stalls of Bangkok, the tulips of Amsterdam, and the sights of Singapore await. Got a thing for the rollicking antics of Waluigi? Mario Kart: Double Dash’s Waluigi Stadium makes its return from the GameCube days. Even tracks like Mario Kart: Super Circuit’s Riverside Park have received a noticeable glow-up to the point that they are barely even recognizable.

Much like previous packs, these tracks now feature flourishes like underwater segments, gliding portions, and even zero-g segments. It really changes things up, and helps tracks that are decades old feel fresh and new. Even graphical flourishes like forest canopies and snowstorms add a bit of HD flair to their SD origins.

Perhaps the biggest new addition to Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is the inclusion of a new track – Yoshi’s Island. Based off of the Super Nintendo game of the same name, this track transports players into a pastel world full of Shy Guys, Chain Chomps, and charm.

It’s not just for show either; this track has a number of twists and turns that will no doubt make it a fan favorite. Question cloud bubbles open up new paths, coins make sound effects similar to the platformer, and there are even different opening and closing jingles. It’s easy to tell that a fair amount of work went into this track to make it true to the original, and while it does not have the scribble design of the 16-bit platformer, it does more than enough to make a lasting impression.

Outside of these eight new tracks, Super Mario Bros. 2’s Birdo also makes an appearance. While this character is somewhat of an odd choice, this also promises a number of new characters in the form of question marks on the character select screen. What is present is most certainly welcome, but the promise of something more is the real showstopper.

Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is arguably the best to date, featuring serious glow-ups to fan favorites. The inclusion of the new Yoshi’s Island track would have been more than enough to steal the show, but the rest of its roster this go-around most certainly strives for greatness.

This review of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 4 was done on the Nintendo Switch. The pass was purchased digitally.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle goes to show that MachineGames has an eye for fortune and glory.
Infinity Nikki radiates a charm that warms your heart, engages your mind, and sweeps you off your feet.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an absolute must for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION’s three-tiered table provides a triple threat of action.

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 4 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3 Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-review/#respond Sun, 11 Dec 2022 00:27:12 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=127657 International sights and throwback tracks await players with Wave 3 of Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Do these eight new tracks manage to impress, or should players stick with previous hits?

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International sights and throwback tracks await players with Wave 3 of Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Do these eight new tracks manage to impress, or should players stick with previous hits?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3

Much like Wave 1 and Wave 2 of the Booster Course Pass, tracks from Mario Kart Tour and previous entries make up the bulk of Wave 3’s selection. Most notably, London Loop and Berlin Byways make their console debut as part of the Rock Cup and Moon Cup.

In the case of the former, players will hit the UK as they race across the Tower Bridge and across the bustling British streets. The layout of each track changes every turn, with a ravenous Chain Chomp breaking free from his shackles as things progress. While we would have loved to climb the London Eye, we appreciate the variety on tap here.

The same can be said for Berlin Byways. Track layouts change every lap, and there are some unique twists on famous landmarks – expect to see some Thwomps and Whomps in the mix. The constant changes and sharp turns of this track take some getting used to, but those with the need for speed (especially at 200cc!) will enjoy this trip to Germany.

Perhaps the biggest addition to Wave 3 is the new track Merry Mountain. As we enter the holiday season, this timely track features snow, branching railways, zero-g segments, and plenty of places to get a much-needed boost. The craft and charm Nintendo are known for are on full display, bound to make a number of new fans in the process.

That’s not to say the other tracks in Wave 3 are slacking; just the opposite. Despite tracks from more than a decade ago making an appearance in these two cups, the team has spruced them up with a number of new elements. The glider and zero-g segments are alive and well here, not to mention the shiny coat of polish that brings tracks from as far back as the Game Boy Advance entry to the modern age. The choices here are somewhat odd, but still welcome nonetheless.

Despite all of their strengths, not everything is perfect as part of Wave 3. The perspective issue from previous tracks rears its ugly head once more, with toad and Yoshi characters magnitudes larger than the kart riders themselves. Graphical flourishes also fall a bit flat compared to the core pack of titles, with a softer palette compared to the detail of the core title.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be the definitive karting experience with Wave 3 of the Booster Course Pass. While there are some cut corners at spots, the twists, turns, and tweaks made to tracks old and new will be a hit at one’s next shindig.

This review of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3 was done on the Nintendo Switch. The pass was purchased digitally.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle goes to show that MachineGames has an eye for fortune and glory.
Infinity Nikki radiates a charm that warms your heart, engages your mind, and sweeps you off your feet.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an absolute must for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION’s three-tiered table provides a triple threat of action.

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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