Most of the time, downtown Toronto is a bustling metropolis. But right now is not most of the time. During a past Saturday afternoon post-pandemic, Steff and I had to make a trip into the city to get a few things she needed from her work. What we saw was certainly…different.
How do you revitalize Animal Crossing? Many may argue that this question is built on a false premise and that’s fine. For me, every gimmick they’ve bolted onto each subsequent release couldn’t mask the fact that I’m still catching fish, talking to villagers, and paying down a mountain of debt in the same ways that I did on the GameCube decades ago.
Much of what’s defined the franchise still persists in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, right down to how annoying it can be to cast your lure at the exact angle. Even so, I find myself completely enamoured with this Switch iteration thanks to a host of quality-of-life improvements.
In hindsight, it seems so obvious to push the pot. But in the moment, I oddly struggled trying to figure out how to take down this potted plant boss in Yoshi’s Island! Throughout the stream, I share an update regarding my dying Nintendo Switch, and things get really nostalgic in this edition of show and tell! Apologies for the abrupt ending due to technical difficulties!
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During these trying times, the true villain of our time reveals herself in the middle of our Jackbox Party Pack 3 live stream! We also can’t forget about Sad Boi, who really could use a friend right about now.
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A blast from the past stumbles in for a random late night stream! Had a wonderful time playing through the first few worlds of Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island while hanging out with everyone that came by. Topics of discussion throughout the stream included the unfortunate fate of my Nintendo Switch, managing my growing hair in the middle of a growing pandemic, a racing-heavy PlayStation 1 show and tell, and stonks!
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In light of recent events, I’ve been thinking a lot about the value of life. From those who lick toilet seats in front of a camera in order to chase social media stardom. To greedy corporations running non-essential businesses that force their minimum-wage workers to put their lives on the line. To certain government officials that would rather watch thousands of people die in order to revitalize the economy. To certain world leaders who defiantly stand opposed to safety measures in a foolish attempt to look strong. It’s clear to me that the value of life varies from one person to the next.
The way I see it now, the health and well-being of ourselves and others is everything. We should be doing everything we can to protect that. Everything else is inconsequential by comparison.
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At long last, a representative from ARMS will finally get the opportunity to throw hands in the world of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. But which character will get to nod? Here are my picks for odds on favourites, as well as few one dark horse options that aren’t out of the realm of possibility!
With my 3-year-old “nephew” tuning in, we decided to play a little bit of Super Mario World for him! I embarrass myself by being completely unable to get a cape, and I struggle to explain where Yoshi disappeared to after I jumped off his back to reach the final platform. Apologies for the conflicting music. Will remember to shut off the lo-fi beats for games where I want to play the music!
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For a few months now, I’ve started to notice my Switch getting louder than usual. It started out as an infrequent occurrence. As the situation developed, the sound of the fan whirring at warp speed became the norm. These days, it will inevitably overheat and auto shut off when played in docked mode. Haven’t managed to overheat the console in portable mode just yet, but the console does get very hot to the touch with extended play. My gut says that the Switch will survive a bit longer in open air vs. within the confines of the dock.
Based on my research and the grumbling sound emanating from my Switch these days, it seems like the internal fan has kicked the bucket. The system isn’t completely unplayable right now, but it feels like an inevitability at this point. Not the news I want in the midst of a global pandemic.
Having sold north of 2 million units and still standing as one of the best-selling titles on the Nintendo Switch, ARMS doesn’t necessarily need a new lease on life. Nevertheless, it’s getting one. With a yet-to-be named ARMS character being included as part of the season 2 Fighter Pass for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, an open online tournament, and free trial available now on the eShop, ARMS is relevant again and I’m so happy for it.
