I've been playing a bit more of these calming nonviolent platformers recently myself. Playing through What Remains of Edith Finch and just started Valley last night. Just stopping and looking around the world is enough to keep me moving forward.
Are you guys reviewing Lonely Mountains Downhill? Just picked it up and it's a blast. Just want the developers to get some support for making such a great game. With no music soundtrack and ambient nature sounds, it has some peaceful vibes (mixed with the falling and dying of course)
Got the game but am disappointed in the repetitiveness of the gameplay, landscapes, and soundtrack. I like non-combat games, but this got dull pretty quick.
A little extra insight, the developer is an old acquaintance of mine. This game was independently developed pretty much by my aquaintance, his friend, and an outsourced music composer. It was originally produced and released for PS4, but it is great to see that it has landed on other platforms. Given that no more than three people had a hand in this game, I'd say it came out quite well.
Me too. I don't have the time, energy or patience for these 100 hour games filled with grinding anymore. And a lot of them are so similar that if you've played one, you've played them all. I'm liking these shorter titles that are over before they have a chance to become stale.
@@cory7328 i was talking about that one company umm EA that try to make games to look like movies and then the game is nothing like a game at all then they charger you for content.
@@SwitchUpYt yeah as long as the person playing already knows what to do. I feel like this "game" should have been called "IM LOST!" It feels like an old school ps1 tombraider clone. Congrats to you for having the patience to bark at blue flowers, and wag your tail at rocks. Now that you mentioned the required staff bit I suppose I'll go back and try it one more time... (Sigh) ... Feels like homework :/
I think it actually it is a real perfect fit for the Switch. Something that is kind of inbetween a mobile game and a console game. Also using strong art direction and theming to hide the technical shortcomings. I think a perfect counter example of a game that just doesn't belong on the Switch is Doom Eternal. It's just way too fast and complicated to play in handheld mode.
Absolutely love this game. What I also like about this game is that it has no dialogues or subtitles. So you can recommend it to non-english speakers, regardless what's their native language. :)
Reviewer: _"The game has no dialogue because whole point of the story in this game is to convey it through the adventure you embark on."_ Some People: _"Okay, but where's the dialogue? How am i supposed to follow along with this game's story?"_ Reviewer: *_(gets super depressed and walks into the ocean.)_*
I pre-ordered it is absolutely amazing, handling sometimes off, and and sometimes directionally challenging, but absolutely stunning in visual and score with a very wonderful story.
This game is my top favourite game, the story is beautiful and the graphics are fantastic! There’s something about this game that really touches me . One thing about this, I was really sad it ended so quickly! I hope there could be a part 2?? That would be amazing.
This is screaming Okami to me. I love that game. I want to get a Switch, and this game. Also, this game reminds me of Ori The Games, Blind Forest and Will of the Wisps. Thanks for the great review!
Oh baby I've been waiting for this one!!! Guys this game look beautiful! I loved the review! The game seems like The First Tree on steroids (Visually that is) lol I did like TFT but the fox was waaaayyy to floaty, and everything was sooo far awaaayyy that it takes you like a million years to get anywhere. Spirit of the North, looks much more bearable. Like it seems chill, and it's not just a fox running simulator. hahaha. I might buy this later for sure. Speaking of buying games, we bought Kingdom Two Crowns lastnight. Very lovely game. I remembered your review video about it and Yeah, it's a nice one for sure. :D
Yep, that's first thing I thought..i.e. "this looks like The First Tree" ha...I was wondering which is the better game but it sounds like you like this one better..🤔
@@Gambit2483 oh yes. I've been playing TFT and while it's gorgeous and I love the narration, it's just just way too empty. Like I think they made the world to big. You know. There is to much open space and your Fox is to slow and the jumping it's very weightless and clumsy. But just based on switch ups review of this game... It's like they took TFT and they made it better. I would like to buy Spirit I think it would actually be worth playing for sure.
@@Megorium Yea I know what you mean, big open worlds are nice but only if theres plenty to see and do within them. Cool, I'll prob grab first tree on a super sale😅. Thanks beautiful!
Nice. Seeing how I have the game, I feel seeing this will help me a lot. And without spoiling the whole adventure for me as a walk through video would.
I loved it. It's not overly complicated, has an open world but not too big, you generally always know what you gotta do, nobody is trying to kill you, it's easy to find points where you can quit and continue at a later time. No complicated controls or difficult fight/escape sequences, beautiful landscape and visuals you can truly enjoy. I also found it emotionally captivating, I felt attached to the fox and spirit fox, it was nice to not go adventuring alone and have a friend by your side that occasionally shows you the way. Of course, if you're looking for an epic adventure game this one's not for you. This one's a chill adventure game with some (mostly) easy puzzles and pretty visuals.
This and the first tree are beautiful fox adventure games. I have the first tree on ps4. Hoping to get it for switch someday. I have spirit of the north for switch
I hope there are more non human protagonist in games with a different campaign. For this game, i don't think I'll play it but rather watch someone stream it.
It's funny how there's another red fox journey/exploration game on the switch now- though to be fair I don't know when the other one was released. I can't remember the title either; I dropped it from my eshop wishlist soon after seeing a less than stellar review. I'd love to go for this game, but unless it's on a super sale, I probably won't. The backgrounds are lovely, but up close you can see that this not a big budget title. That's not a bad thing per se, but in games like these where the focus is immersion and beauty I feel that extra level of detail really matters. Even watching the fox move around seems a tad clunky, just not fluid with its environment in the way a real animal would be. Again, I'm not saying it's terrible, but for this sort of game to really hook me, I'd like to actually feel like the fox, not someone obviously playing a video game, if that makes sense.
It makes perfect sense, that was my issue with the fox's movement too. It is a very nice game but there are a few imperfections that break the immersion at times. Glen
These little gems will need to carry us through, think we are going to have a very limited run of AAA games for a while. Summer of the Indies it may be!
This highly reminds me of the game the first tree which I actually really enjoyed. Such a simple game yet it was so relaxing and peaceful. Think I'll play this.
Which game would you say is better? I'm also curious if it's been fixed for portable play. I play oled mostly but if it is poor looking in handheld mode I'm not interested
I played the first tree on Xbox Series x and it played perfectly so don't know about the likes of Nintendo. I haven't played spirit of the North but I'm tempted to get it
what i noticed is that playing with a controller, for me at least, was more difficult that with a mouse and keyboard, as the controls on a controller felt very slow for my liking compared to said mouse and keyboard
So many Fox & wolf based games. But where is the OG wolf game. I’m talking about Okami. We need a true sequel already, lol. Thanks for the review guys, you guys & switchwatch always help out on informing us on the niche of the niche indies/AAA switch games.
"Okami for the poor" is really funny to me because Spirit of the North is currently DOUBLE the price that I bought Okami for just a few weeks ago. Capcom had a massive Spring Sale, Okami was ten bucks (and MHGU was 20 bucks). Was awesome. ETA apparently they're now the same price, and after North's sale ends, Okami will be cheaper again.
I really want to buy this! Though I do have a little concern, I have a switch lite so I'm wondering if the game will be blurry for me. Would anyone know?
Yeah this game looks good but that price cut did seem odd to me. Maybe later on I'll get it but, I think right now either Lonely mountains or a star wars game are better for me... Or void bastards
The FIrst Tree is like . . . walk forward (as a fox) until you hear the next part of an unrelated story dialogue told in the background, about some young adult and his history with his father I think? Spirit of the North is much more open and interactive. That's the impression I've gotten by following both games. I couldn't even finish watching a gameplay video of First Tree because I got bored, but I'm definitely considering picking this one up.
As far as game design many time introducing a single instance of a collectable is how you communicate to a player "this is how this mechanic works", as a game reviewer you should be aware of this as form of tutorial and present it as such.
But it isn't that so why would I present it as such? The collectables are completely optional until 2 which are compulsory in the last 2 chapters. If you consider this the game introducing an implicit tutorial then it's an incredibly poorly implemented one wouldn't you say?
@@SwitchUpYt Good review. I can see what you are saying how the mechanic is used inconsistently. However the concept of moving forward by finding the collectable to move forward is introduced at the very beginning of the game as you cannot progress out of chapter 1 without delivering the staff to the shaman. For me this put emphasis on finding them. Though they did not always cause a change in the environment but the idea that they could was seeded early on. In the later levels you mention I personally did not find the mechanic confusing since you find yourself exploring to progress and the collectables were not so well hidden that they could not be found. In any event I can see where this inconsistency may create confusion but for me the real issue in this game were the level breaking bugs. There were several levels where back tracking or exploring the edges of the world would cause some puzzles to partially reset or assets like water to disappear making the level unsolvable. Restarting the level by chapter selection sorted things out in the end..This made things very frustrating. If I explore I could break the level. Am I not finding a solution because of a bug? This to me was the games biggest fault as it ruined the immersion of an otherwise good game.
Awesome game but of course, the fox dies. I was about to buy it but I'm wanted to make sure. And of course, it happens. I just don't feel like crying like a little girl for 10 minutes after playing a video game
this one looks wonderful but there are too many little issues for me to be paying that full price. i will definitely keep it on my wish list because i really wanted this one to work and i don't want to fully write it off. thanks guys for covering this one.
A lovely change of pace after some pretty hectic games for review recently. Will you be picking this one up? Happy gaming. Glen
I've been playing a bit more of these calming nonviolent platformers recently myself. Playing through What Remains of Edith Finch and just started Valley last night. Just stopping and looking around the world is enough to keep me moving forward.
Yeah, I get those periods with games sometimes. Where something like this feels like a nice palette cleanser. Glen
@@SwitchUpYt just let your mind readjust to the bassline so you come out swinging in the next explosive quest to become a pirate.
Are you guys reviewing Lonely Mountains Downhill? Just picked it up and it's a blast. Just want the developers to get some support for making such a great game. With no music soundtrack and ambient nature sounds, it has some peaceful vibes (mixed with the falling and dying of course)
Got the game but am disappointed in the repetitiveness of the gameplay, landscapes, and soundtrack. I like non-combat games, but this got dull pretty quick.
A little extra insight, the developer is an old acquaintance of mine. This game was independently developed pretty much by my aquaintance, his friend, and an outsourced music composer. It was originally produced and released for PS4, but it is great to see that it has landed on other platforms. Given that no more than three people had a hand in this game, I'd say it came out quite well.
YES
This game looks amazing! Congratulate him!
I am getting to a place in life where these little adventure games are Bette than big AAA titles
I can definitely relate to that mate. Glen
Me too. I don't have the time, energy or patience for these 100 hour games filled with grinding anymore. And a lot of them are so similar that if you've played one, you've played them all. I'm liking these shorter titles that are over before they have a chance to become stale.
oh you mean the wanna be movies that you can play. i though you were talking about real games.
Kel Raphiel have you played Valley? Not a movie and definitely not a AAA game. Well worth the purchase and play through.
@@cory7328 i was talking about that one company umm EA that try to make games to look like movies and then the game is nothing like a game at all then they charger you for content.
This is something I would want to watch rather than play. This game is just so gorgeous.
Yeah, it's a nice game to watch happening in front you. Glen
@@SwitchUpYt yeah as long as the person playing already knows what to do. I feel like this "game" should have been called "IM LOST!" It feels like an old school ps1 tombraider clone. Congrats to you for having the patience to bark at blue flowers, and wag your tail at rocks. Now that you mentioned the required staff bit I suppose I'll go back and try it one more time... (Sigh) ... Feels like homework :/
This games looks so beautiful and peaceful. Definitely In my wishlist.
Yeah, it has a lovely look to it. Glen
I think it actually it is a real perfect fit for the Switch. Something that is kind of inbetween a mobile game and a console game. Also using strong art direction and theming to hide the technical shortcomings.
I think a perfect counter example of a game that just doesn't belong on the Switch is Doom Eternal. It's just way too fast and complicated to play in handheld mode.
Loved this game! Unconventional, relaxing and really beautiful. Bonus because I adore foxes 🦊
Absolutely love this game.
What I also like about this game is that it has no dialogues or subtitles. So you can recommend it to non-english speakers, regardless what's their native language. :)
Reviewer: _"The game has no dialogue because whole point of the story in this game is to convey it through the adventure you embark on."_
Some People: _"Okay, but where's the dialogue? How am i supposed to follow along with this game's story?"_
Reviewer: *_(gets super depressed and walks into the ocean.)_*
I pre-ordered it is absolutely amazing, handling sometimes off, and and sometimes directionally challenging, but absolutely stunning in visual and score with a very wonderful story.
are you a fun person?
A lot of really interesting games coming to the Switch, time to bulk up my backlog a bit more!
This is certainly interesting. Glen
Oh man I was hoping you’d review this game; it looks so beautiful! Thank you
It's definitely worth considering. Glen
SwitchUp I’m always up for a journey;)
I found myself thoroughly enjoying this game for how simple it is as far as story and overall gameplay. It is a genuinely beautiful game
This looks very lovely as a nice calming experience. Great review ✌️
Thanks mate, much appreciated. Glen
Lovely review Glen, I really enjoyed Rime, so this game does look very appealing to myself 😊👍
Added to the wishlist! But based on the review I’ll be waiting for a sale, especially since there is a physical version
it’s on sale right now 1/4/23 for $8.49 !! lol
This game is my top favourite game, the story is beautiful and the graphics are fantastic! There’s something about this game that really touches me . One thing about this, I was really sad it ended so quickly! I hope there could be a part 2?? That would be amazing.
Nice work! You are my go-to Switch reviews channel
Great stuff, thank you! Glen
Thanks for the hustle, guys. Helping me get through this furlough.
No worries mate. Glen
Even with a little hiccup it's still amazing how the game looks.
Looks beautiful, but I don’t know if it will give me that sweet dopamine rush I’m hooked on 😂
Lol facts, I was thinking the same thing 😆
I got the physical and the game is amazing. So beautiful and relaxing
Good video Glen. Just noticed outer worlds is due for release 05/06/20! Thought that one was going to be ages away!?!?
This is screaming Okami to me. I love that game. I want to get a Switch, and this game. Also, this game reminds me of Ori The Games, Blind Forest and Will of the Wisps. Thanks for the great review!
It’s not like Okami at all. Okami is a Zelda clone. This is more of a Rime clone/walking simulator with some platforming.
Oh baby I've been waiting for this one!!! Guys this game look beautiful! I loved the review! The game seems like The First Tree on steroids (Visually that is) lol I did like TFT but the fox was waaaayyy to floaty, and everything was sooo far awaaayyy that it takes you like a million years to get anywhere. Spirit of the North, looks much more bearable. Like it seems chill, and it's not just a fox running simulator. hahaha. I might buy this later for sure. Speaking of buying games, we bought Kingdom Two Crowns lastnight. Very lovely game. I remembered your review video about it and Yeah, it's a nice one for sure. :D
Yep, that's first thing I thought..i.e. "this looks like The First Tree" ha...I was wondering which is the better game but it sounds like you like this one better..🤔
@@Gambit2483 oh yes. I've been playing TFT and while it's gorgeous and I love the narration, it's just just way too empty. Like I think they made the world to big. You know. There is to much open space and your Fox is to slow and the jumping it's very weightless and clumsy. But just based on switch ups review of this game... It's like they took TFT and they made it better. I would like to buy Spirit I think it would actually be worth playing for sure.
@@Megorium Yea I know what you mean, big open worlds are nice but only if theres plenty to see and do within them. Cool, I'll prob grab first tree on a super sale😅. Thanks beautiful!
Spirit of the north is a Beautiful game and has good music. The foxes are so cute! 9/10 :D
Nice. Seeing how I have the game, I feel seeing this will help me a lot. And without spoiling the whole adventure for me as a walk through video would.
Nice one Glen. What difference does it have to the Capcom game Okami?
There's no combat in this one, it's similar to games like Journey or Rime. It's also more puzzle based. Glen
I haven’t even watched the first 3 minutes of this and I am already staggered.
I should probably carry on watching. 🙂
I loved it. It's not overly complicated, has an open world but not too big, you generally always know what you gotta do, nobody is trying to kill you, it's easy to find points where you can quit and continue at a later time. No complicated controls or difficult fight/escape sequences, beautiful landscape and visuals you can truly enjoy.
I also found it emotionally captivating, I felt attached to the fox and spirit fox, it was nice to not go adventuring alone and have a friend by your side that occasionally shows you the way.
Of course, if you're looking for an epic adventure game this one's not for you. This one's a chill adventure game with some (mostly) easy puzzles and pretty visuals.
This and the first tree are beautiful fox adventure games. I have the first tree on ps4. Hoping to get it for switch someday. I have spirit of the north for switch
Interesting game. I may check it out when it hits a good sale. Glen, where is your community again?? I cant remember if it was a discord or what.
I like to listen to podcasts sometimes while playing so this seems perfect.
Love this game... but you said there are 6 chapters?? I don't know how many there are but I started chapter 7 earlier 🤷🏼♀️
I hope there are more non human protagonist in games with a different campaign. For this game, i don't think I'll play it but rather watch someone stream it.
Would you recommend this, or Eastward?
It's funny how there's another red fox journey/exploration game on the switch now- though to be fair I don't know when the other one was released. I can't remember the title either; I dropped it from my eshop wishlist soon after seeing a less than stellar review.
I'd love to go for this game, but unless it's on a super sale, I probably won't. The backgrounds are lovely, but up close you can see that this not a big budget title. That's not a bad thing per se, but in games like these where the focus is immersion and beauty I feel that extra level of detail really matters. Even watching the fox move around seems a tad clunky, just not fluid with its environment in the way a real animal would be. Again, I'm not saying it's terrible, but for this sort of game to really hook me, I'd like to actually feel like the fox, not someone obviously playing a video game, if that makes sense.
It makes perfect sense, that was my issue with the fox's movement too. It is a very nice game but there are a few imperfections that break the immersion at times. Glen
That’s how I feel with these games . Great Looks great and deep meaning , but I get bored faster Than usual .
were you talking about okami?
Endling is a fox game too 😂
Thanks Glen, Brillant stuff mate.
Super Lucky's Tail Netflix adaptation looks to be coming along nicely
Haha, exactly that. Glen
Looks like a different and interesting game to play. Any word/update on when Ghost of a Tale is releasing on Switch?
Awesome 👏 and great 😊 too enjoy it keeping up excellent job on your TH-cam channel
I think there are 8 chapters in the game. I just beat it and definitely saw chapters 7 and 8.
Anything out of 20 can be reduced to 10s. 14 out of 20 is 70%. 7 out of ten, or even better 3.5 out of 5.
Has this been patched at all and does it look better in handheld mode? I want to play it on my oled. But if it looks blurry I won't bother getting it
Definitely, thanks for the review
There are actually 8 chapters in the game.
Yes, you're right. I made a mistake in my script. Apologies.
Your reviews are dope! Can you do relic hunters?
These little gems will need to carry us through, think we are going to have a very limited run of AAA games for a while. Summer of the Indies it may be!
are the handheld modes graphics the same as the switch lites graphics?
This highly reminds me of the game the first tree which I actually really enjoyed. Such a simple game yet it was so relaxing and peaceful. Think I'll play this.
Which game would you say is better? I'm also curious if it's been fixed for portable play. I play oled mostly but if it is poor looking in handheld mode I'm not interested
I played the first tree on Xbox Series x and it played perfectly so don't know about the likes of Nintendo. I haven't played spirit of the North but I'm tempted to get it
Last time I was this early
*i was watching videos with safari instead of the TH-cam app*
what i noticed is that playing with a controller, for me at least, was more difficult that with a mouse and keyboard, as the controls on a controller felt very slow for my liking compared to said mouse and keyboard
So many Fox & wolf based games. But where is the OG wolf game. I’m talking about Okami. We need a true sequel already, lol.
Thanks for the review guys, you guys & switchwatch always help out on informing us on the niche of the niche indies/AAA switch games.
Yeah, an Okami sequel would be great. At least the original is on the Switch. Glen
Personally I think this game looks brilliant. Will definitely purchase.
+Sam Harris Yeah, it's decent for sure. Glen
Okami for the poor?
All jokes aside, looks really good and fun! 🤩💕
"Okami for the poor" is really funny to me because Spirit of the North is currently DOUBLE the price that I bought Okami for just a few weeks ago.
Capcom had a massive Spring Sale, Okami was ten bucks (and MHGU was 20 bucks). Was awesome.
ETA apparently they're now the same price, and after North's sale ends, Okami will be cheaper again.
he only thing I can't get used to is the camera control being backwards
Is it worth it? it looks nice too watch but not too fun to play.
How the Nine-Tailed Fox the Origins
Anyone ever play San Andreas just to fly the plane aimlessly while on K-DST
Lmao I drive around with K-Rose // Radio X
I really want to buy this! Though I do have a little concern, I have a switch lite so I'm wondering if the game will be blurry for me. Would anyone know?
I bought this game for my Switch Lite, and it looks just fine.
@@ericamcqueen5607 Thank you :)
Yeah this game looks good but that price cut did seem odd to me. Maybe later on I'll get it but, I think right now either Lonely mountains or a star wars game are better for me... Or void bastards
Is there any link to the main theme?
"Spirit of the Norf" lol
Accent quirk aside, nice review. :)
i love the video so im going to buy the swtichup merry christmas
Merry Christmas!
Any updates on this game?
I bought it through the eshop (I live in a rural area so I can’t really get a physical version) and it’s taking forever to download 😂😂😂
Thanks!
This reminds me of "The First Tree"...hmm I wonder which is the better of the two games
This one.
Gambit2483 First Tree only takes an hour to 45 minutes. Spirit of the North has about 8 hours.
The FIrst Tree is like . . . walk forward (as a fox) until you hear the next part of an unrelated story dialogue told in the background, about some young adult and his history with his father I think? Spirit of the North is much more open and interactive. That's the impression I've gotten by following both games.
I couldn't even finish watching a gameplay video of First Tree because I got bored, but I'm definitely considering picking this one up.
As far as game design many time introducing a single instance of a collectable is how you communicate to a player "this is how this mechanic works", as a game reviewer you should be aware of this as form of tutorial and present it as such.
But it isn't that so why would I present it as such? The collectables are completely optional until 2 which are compulsory in the last 2 chapters. If you consider this the game introducing an implicit tutorial then it's an incredibly poorly implemented one wouldn't you say?
@@SwitchUpYt Good review. I can see what you are saying how the mechanic is used inconsistently. However the concept of moving forward by finding the collectable to move forward is introduced at the very beginning of the game as you cannot progress out of chapter 1 without delivering the staff to the shaman. For me this put emphasis on finding them. Though they did not always cause a change in the environment but the idea that they could was seeded early on. In the later levels you mention I personally did not find the mechanic confusing since you find yourself exploring to progress and the collectables were not so well hidden that they could not be found. In any event I can see where this inconsistency may create confusion but for me the real issue in this game were the level breaking bugs. There were several levels where back tracking or exploring the edges of the world would cause some puzzles to partially reset or assets like water to disappear making the level unsolvable. Restarting the level by chapter selection sorted things out in the end..This made things very frustrating. If I explore I could break the level. Am I not finding a solution because of a bug? This to me was the games biggest fault as it ruined the immersion of an otherwise good game.
I play this before going to bed or early in the morning in the train
Anymore similar chill games like this?
Sarah Holding Abzu is a great choice
When I first seen the trailer to this I thought it was a sequel to the game The First Tree but it's not
Unknown Gamer me too
I always play the Switch in handheld, so that visual drop is a deal breaker. Shame
Same! I’m glad I watched this video because I prefer playing handheld too
physical release??
Yes, there is one. I mentioned it during the value section. Glen
Since I only have the Lite, I guess I'll be skipping this. Honestly doesn't look that great in handheld mode.
I played with my baby brother sitting next to me and cried on the sad scenes (hes 2)
Awesome game but of course, the fox dies. I was about to buy it but I'm wanted to make sure. And of course, it happens. I just don't feel like crying like a little girl for 10 minutes after playing a video game
I just got the game
William and sly?
it's inspired by greenland, not iceland...iceland isn't actually icy...
The game reminds me of Shelter by super rare games a little bit
It does have a similar sort of premise. Glen
SwitchUp and also same sort of gameplay. Both look amazing
Wow... that handheld footage, that’s pretty bad
are the handheld mode graphics the same as the switch lite
I’m not too sure but I think I’ve heard that because the screen is smaller the pixels are better condensed, so it looks a bit cleaner
Amazing history but looks horrible on switch
This is kinda like william and sly
I gave up on this game, not worth it in my opinion
E a r l y
Here at 6 views
That's what we like! Glen
Meh. Might as well play Okami. 🤷♂️
They *are* currently the same price afterall.
this one looks wonderful but there are too many little issues for me to be paying that full price. i will definitely keep it on my wish list because i really wanted this one to work and i don't want to fully write it off. thanks guys for covering this one.
No worries mate. Glen