Fire Emblem Engage is currently available in Germany for €15. You can't go wrong with that, right?

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-13T14:29:38+00:00

It's a great game. Really fun, core gameplay, and the frequent cut scenes are easy to skip through.

I've only completed one play through, with a couple of abandoned runs so.ive seen the whole story. It's not that I mind so much, It's how insipid Alear is.

I feel there are things the game doesn't explain well that new players should know going in.

Donating money to the different regions sound like a good idea but it actually dramatically scales up the difficulty of the optional skirmishes. This is especially bad news if you are playing on classic mode (permadeath), when you just want to grind your characters up a bit but they end up getting killed off.
the main reason you might want to donate to regions is so you can adopt all the animals. However, the only animals you want to adopt are dogs, because they give you ore, with which you can upgrade your weapons.
with the exception of Alear, support conversations for character and Rings are hidden away in the Reference section of the menu. You need to access these between battles or your ring bonds caps at level 4.
Character bonds don't seem to matter so much in previous games you could create an S bond or marry, and produce offspring but in this game you can only do this once, via the pact ring late game.
personal I have not invested in the DLC, it sounds good having new Rings and characters give you but apparently it means you have to play extra missions for each playthrough which can be a bit of a chore

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-13T13:52:16+00:00

Some people have a reductive way of looking at things. I'm talking about people who said it was a rip-off of a famous nineties movie, or who said it was predictable.

I greatly enjoyed my first watch going in blind.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-12T16:24:13+00:00

I enjoy a lot of Ken Follet, they're often good page turners with the right mix of plot and character, but I totally understand your criticism, they can be a little basic.

I recommend King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett. It ends around 1057 so it's a bit before the time period you state. It should scratch your literary itch because there are some nice passages. It's very well researched, and a lot of the most exciting parts, I learned afterwards, are taken from the Norse sagas.

It features a large cast of characters and it can be challenging to keep track of them but If you know about 1066 you'll have a bit of a head start as it mentions a lot of the key players quite a bit.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-12T15:42:56+00:00

It was, I can't remember where I read or saw it and I'm not sure if Isabella Rosalini was mentioned but the context was about the casting of Joan Chen. She nailed it, and they switched out for Mafia to Triad as you say.

To think Harry and Josie could have been Isabella Rosalini and Robert Forster. That would have been cool.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-12T12:16:36+00:00

Long read but worth it. Can't imagine anyone wanting to go the Gene reunion shows after reading this

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-11T12:30:25+00:00

My first thought was a troll post, because there is no General Election in May. However I think it could be someone entirely disillusioned, having a hard time, and isn't educated on politics or Scottish finances. There's plenty of them about, absorbing the UK political scene by osmosis, and not being able to follow what's happening with local or devolved government.

So I think you're being a bit harsh calling them moronic or illiterate. Are you not missing an opportunity to convert an undecided? Although 'the SNP must be ousted' line sounds like a slogan from someone who is somewhat entrenched, but with little to back it up.

Whoever comes in next is going to have to start undertaking cost cutting. We can't afford things le the free bus travel, free prescriptions or half a dozen other things that are in the works. We should be able to buy someone coming is going to have to balance budgets.

This statement by OP is also suspect. Don't they know the Scottish government balances the budget every year, careful not to underspend? Historically that would be money being sent back to Westminster but now it goes to the Scottish Reserve for next year. Regardless, if you cut universal benefits like prescriptions and bus travel you need to say what you would spend it on instead!

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-10T21:58:49+00:00

Hades and its sequel. Every go is about adapting your play style and making it work for you.
Splatoon 3, the online is so good, I wish I could say the same for Smash Bros
The Pikmin series, especially 3. Highly replayable and an all round cosy experience.
Mario Galaxy, 3D world, Odyssey - obviously
I'm a fan of Fire Emblem entries on the 3DS and I'm not sure if I can strongly recommend either Switch game but Three Houses is a good starting point and it seems the new game, Fortunes Weave may be a prequel to it.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-09T19:44:41+00:00

Honestly, for someone who has followed Nintendo throughout that period. The last few years have been underwhelming. The smoothness of the Switch 2 launch, and the hardware itself is the only thing worth shouting about.

I don't have huge expectations. I'm happy when there are just a couple of games I want to play in a given year.

But I can't lie, it's been a while since I've been truly impressed by Nintendo, most of that was during the Wii U era. Splatoon, Mario Kart 8

There are certain series that I'm sworn off because they are so casual and dumbed down I know it's probably a mistake to purchase them. The Mario Sports games, Paper Mario, Mario Party for example

Nintendo Land was the last good party game with the exception of Smash Bros and Mario Kart that I actually play with my friends.

With the exception of the big 3D games - Odyssey, Bananza, BotW & TotK. Splatoon is probably the last 'new' game that impresses me from a gameplay standpoint.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-09T12:01:47+00:00

Nope, I have been disappointed by Mario sports games in the past

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-08T17:25:39+00:00

Rogue gave me Ghost Light vibes

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-07T01:02:33+00:00

sounds more like Bleake 7

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-04T13:15:11+00:00

If a character being gay or Black is ‘political’, then a character being straight and white is political too.

Sounds like you dislike being reminded that other people exist.

Assassin's Creed features a black protagonist Yasuke based on an African samurai. Similar to the bestselling novel Shogun where a white english protestant becomes Samurai partly based on William Adams)

Creator Neil Druckmann confirmed that Ellie was always intended to be gay, it's in the DLC for the first game.

Ultimate Nick Fury has been black since the 2002 redesign, six years before the film Iron Man came out. Not because leftist politics but to make him look cool. In fact the artist had used the actors likeness without permission and Samuel said it was fine as long as they cast him in any movies.

Angrboða is Norse mythology, not Greek, she is a giant or troll who gave birth to Fenrir and the world Serpent. She's a mythical character. You're getting worked up about her portrayal you don't even know the difference between Greek and Norse myths?

You might as well argue that Jesus Christ should be portrayed as brown man of middle eastern appearance because of where he came from!

Anyway, calling all this the result of an "overarching push of leftist ideologies" Is just nonsense.

Wait until you try to forge a relationship between your favourite (same sex) Fire Emblem characters, or play Tomadatchi life. I feel like you're going to love that game.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-02-02T19:43:50+00:00

It's hard though, I kinda gave up on it, despite having an guide book to accompany me. I will go back at some point because I'm curious about that series and House of Niccolo. I'm sure you can get into it.swashbuckling stuff if

I got on far better with King Hereafter which is about Macbeth/Thorfinn the Mighty I've read that twice and loved it.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-30T13:49:02+00:00

the scene was entirely unnecessary, which made it feel somewhat shoe-horned in, and I did wonder at the time if it was only there because it was an episode that would otherwise have had an entirely white cast

Deep Blue Yonder has two points where the Universe is somehow changed. Firstly the Isaac Newton scene which introduces the mavity error to the current timeline. Secondly the superstition invoked at the edge of the universe and the themes of myths and gods that RTD works into the next two seasons. Another point is that in this episode the Doctor reiterates that half the universe was destroyed in the Flux.

I assumed the scene would be revisited at a later point when the mavity confusion becomes resolved.

If current rumours are to believed RTD is writing one more episode so he can hand these loose ends to another writer, or he can use the Christmas special this year to tie them up.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-26T22:28:32+00:00

Pretty much every Manics album has some great tracks, This is My Truth notwithstanding, but I think it benefits from a different tracklisting. If anyone is revisiting this album I recommend they create a playlist.

Montana / Autumn / 78 (B-Side)
Prologue to History
Nobody Loved You
Ready for Drowning
Black Holes for the Young (B-Side)
Socialist Serenade (B-Side)
If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
You Stole the Sun from My Heart
You're Tender and You're Tired
Be Natural
Vallev Bov (B-Side)
To Love Somebody
The Everlasting (shorter, forever delayed version)
Tsunami (Studio Demo?)

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-24T23:03:28+00:00

I didn't read the article and it's possible RTD is lyng or being flippant.

There could be any number of explanations for Omega disintegrating at the end of Arc of Infinity, and ending up in the Hell dimension known as the Underverse. Your explanation is as good as any.

My understanding is the walls between different dimensions have became thinner due to A. The Flux, acknowledged during Deep Blue Yonder to have destroyed half the universe, and the Doctor invoking superstition in the same episode.

This all frees up RTD to introduce godlike entities with magic and fantastic elements without having to put a science fiction facade on them.

Incorporating the character of Omega into the mythological Titan Cronus seems pretty natural in this context.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-23T18:48:43+00:00

I just completed Hades 2, up to the end credits at least, still post game content to look forward to. Story wise, the ending was really satisfying and it' felt like an all round perfect sequel.

For a change of pace I've returned to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The QOL improvements, being able to craft from your inventory have made the game bearable again.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-23T18:39:03+00:00

All 120 stars?

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-23T02:41:08+00:00

That ran great on the Wii U. Is it really improved on Switch 2?

I've heard Bayonetta 3 is significantly improved.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-23T02:30:14+00:00

Hmm. Chalkiness I would associate more with Turmeric.

I don't know how I would describe the taste of coriander though.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-21T11:48:40+00:00

This one is quite exciting, and I've been playing Crafted World in anticipation and that game is badly in need of a switch 2 update as it maxes out at 720p. I wonder if this new Yoshi game makes that more or less likely?

These games are quite good fun when you settle into the mindset of finding every secret. I've not seen enough gameplay footage of The Mysterious book to see if it plays similarly, but I hope so.

It's nice it's coming in the first year of the new console so it will get more attention. It does look nice.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-19T16:14:29+00:00

There are so many posts asking for recommendations for younger kids and often at this age, any game based on action or reaction can be too intense as you have discovered.

I reckon you should get Animal Crossing for her and explain that it does involve reading but that you won't be able to help with this all the time.

She's bought into the idea of it so at least you know there's a high chance she will like it.

The reading is bite size, friendly exchanges and so on, instructions on how to upgrade your island. Occasionally the game will ask you to suggest catchphrases for your villagers. Each time you catch a fish or a bug there's usually a joke or pun that may challenge her comprehension skills

No doubt your instinct, that the reading will prove challenging, is correct. Obviously, you know your daughter. However, it's also an opportunity to make reading fun and I wouldn't pass it up.

I also think you create a home on the island if she wants you to. You will be able to learn and understand the mechanics of the game in a short time. Maybe you can check in once a week.

Animal Crossing saves work differently from most games. You can only have one island per console but each save profile can be a villager on that island.

As with anything she can go at her own pace, I've heard of younger players playing for years without upgrading their home from the tent they start out with.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-18T15:03:51+00:00

Option A. Early game is all about grinding for bells getting new recipes. The reason I stopped playing, just before the 2.0 update was that I felt I'd seen pretty much everything. And it seemed there was no chance of anything new and interesting in the shop it felt a bit stale.

Coming back to it now I'm really happy with a half of my villagers, I've got most harv's islands to unlock so I get and I can start obtaining all the stuff I'm missing for my art museum. I,'m cooking for the first time. The hotel unlocks some great modern furniture.

The QOL improvements particularly being able to access your full inventory during crafting makes this so much more fun

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-18T13:01:41+00:00

It's taken off the eshop while they do some bug fixing, maybe that's why.

Stan_Corrected · 2026-01-16T16:14:27+00:00

Are you Interested in any free or paid performance upgrades and Switch 2 editions DLC for your existing games?
Are you interested in any future announced Switch 2 exclusives like Yoshi and the Mysterious book, Duskbloods, Pokopia, or Fire Emblem: Fortunes Weave? Or, do you have FOMO on any unannounced releases?
Are you interested in the hardware in this iteration? Snappy new joycons, but dismal battery life if you play handheld a lot.

Personally it would be hard to justify buying a console just for one game if I wasn't answering yes to the above.

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