Smash

It's the weekend! This wonderful time of the week means that the hard-working members of team Nintendo Life are all heading off to play some of those video game things we all love (while keeping several eyes on the site to make sure it doesn't explode, of course). This week, some of the team are off to EGX, some are exploring the new Online functionalities, and others are reminiscing over old favourites.

But what about you? Make sure to read on through, leave a vote in our poll, and then a comment in the... well, comments. Enjoy!

Alex Olney, video producer

Well, I’ll be at EGX this Saturday, and in fact, that’s where I’m writing this from as you read it. With that in mind, I’ll be slamming some fools in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate no doubt and making my way through whatever games take my fancy, so chances are I’ll be making death traps in RollerCoaster Tycoon (the original) for six hours. As for Sunday, who knows? Maybe I’ll knock out a little bit more Skyrim, or perhaps have some fun in Splatoon 2; if I don’t know what game to play, Splatoon’s usually a safe bet.

Glen Fox, guides editor

A few weeks ago I couldn’t find a reason to turn my Switch on but Nintendo keeps finding a way to ensure I neglect my PS4! This time, with Torna - The Golden Country.

To call this a DLC is almost insulting because I’ve played so many fully-fledged games with far less content - some of which were JRPGs themselves! I struggled to get into Xenoblade Chronicles 2 but this one captured my attention from the get-go. The combat system might be my favourite ever, the characters have genuine warmth and charm, and the world is an absolute joy to explore. I’m nearing the end of it now, and I’m sad about it. That’s rare for me. I typically want to just burn through games at an insane pace. Ah well, I’ll be straight back into Xenoblade 2 when I’m done!

Liam Doolan, news reporter

This weekend won’t be much different from my last one in terms of the video games I’ll be playing. With the Nintendo Switch Online service now live, I intend to get maximum use out of the free 7-day trial while I still can. It means I’ll be spending my time in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2 and Rocket League. When I’m not busy with these modern releases, I’ll be hitting up the NES digital library and playing titles like Excitebike, Dr. Mario and Super Mario Bros.. Once my free ride finally comes to an end, I guess I’ll have to fork out some cash for a membership.

Gavin Lane, contributing writer

We quickly devoured Overcooked in our household when it came to Switch and we’re only a couple of levels away from polishing off Overcooked 2. We try to ration it out, but it’s just too good! Cannot wait for the upcoming 4-star update.

I also picked up Metal Slug on sale this week, a game I’ve never played before. Conversely, the arrival of the online service means I’ll burn through Super Mario Bros. 3 for the umpteenth time. I tried it out briefly on Wednesday and wasn’t too impressed with the single Joy-Con controls or precision of the analogue stick – I mean, I’m terrible at 2D Mario but not THAT bad. Fortunately, my trusty 8bitdo FC30 Pro works a treat.

Gonçalo Lopes, contributing writer

Well, there went my vacations. Despite my better efforts to complete Octopath Traveler, the fact that I picked up as many new games as there were days of vacation(!) quickly derailed that quaint, laid out plan. Despite some good progress made in Square Enix's opus, the release of The Messenger reassigned priorities and I am now on the game’s final stretch.

Another surprise came with the three-year-old Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders offering plenty of content-per-buck and I will work on getting that last plane variant. I reserved some time to defend all things retro in the latest (under new rules) Splatoon 2 Splatfest extravaganza, but will now also need to sneak into the surprise Dark Souls: Remastered stress test.

Last but certainly not least I will out-skate, out-defend and out-score any and all on my Switch friends list who are foolish enough take me on a game of NES Ice Hockey. No, I don’t play it with a team of four ‘Warios’, that would be inhumanly cruel.

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln, reviewer

This weekend I'll be sitting down with one of my favourite games of the current generation - and one most people haven't heard of - Armello. It's basically a digital board game full of anthropomorphic knights and rogues vying to control the crown. It's a brilliant little game and one that left a big impression on me on PS4 four years ago. Here's hoping it can live up to the same level of quality now it's coming to Nintendo Switch. I'll also be sitting down with my eldest to play more of Scribblenauts Mega Pack. Because who needs an excuse to share your love of Batman and all things DC?

Ryan Craddock, staff writer

This weekend is that one, glorius weekend of the year where EGX is in full swing in the UK. I'll be heading to the event on Sunday, no doubt having a good, proper go at Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Starlink: Battle for Atlas, and many, many more. Oh, how could I forget Untitled Goose Game?! This one's genuinely sitting at the top of my must-try list.

Elsewhere, just like Gavin above, my household has also been working our way through Overcooked 2 and having an absolute blast. If we have any time before heading off to the event, we'll no doubt be turning on the ovens, chopping those carrots, and accidentally pushing one another into oblivion for hours on end.

Which games are you playing this weekend? (257 votes)

  1. Attending EGX - Smash Bros. Ultimate, Pokémon Let's Go & More!  0%
  2. RollerCoaster Tycoon  0.4%
  3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim6%
  4. Splatoon 217%
  5. Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country8%
  6. Xenoblade Chronicles 29%
  7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe8%
  8. Rocket League2%
  9. Excitebike1%
  10. Dr. Mario5%
  11. Super Mario Bros.6%
  12. Overcooked  0%
  13. Overcooked 21%
  14. Metal Slug1%
  15. Super Mario Bros. 39%
  16. Octopath Traveler8%
  17. The Messenger4%
  18. Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders  0.8%
  19. Dark Souls: Remastered (network test)12%
  20. Ice Hockey2%
  21. Scribblenauts Mega Pack  0%

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As always, thanks for reading! Make sure to leave a vote in the poll above and a comment below with your gaming choices over the next few days...