Ys VIII is a captivating adventure discovering the prehistoric past of an island, but hopefully you can look past the lackluster localization to enjoy it.
Category: Nintendo
The Importance of Nintendo Labo
Nintendo releasing Labo this Friday, I discuss the potential of the product, the price of creativity, and the positive future without it.
Bargain Gamer: Black Friday Round-Up *UPDATED 11/23/2017*
*UPDATED 11/23/2017* Most store sales are live online as of midnight!
*UPDATED 11/21/2017* The PS Store Black Friday Sale is now included! Prices are for PS+ subscribers. Note that PS Store purchases do not charge sales tax, so some sales may be better than going to a regular store.
*UPDATED 11/17/2017* Gamestop’s Black Friday deals have been added!
To make up for not having anything last week, I’ve put together a compilation of video game sales happening on Black Friday! Many sales have been released or leaked, so check out all the available catalogs here.
Since most stores have similar pricing for their sales, I’ll be organizing the list by item, instead of by store. If a store has something different than the rest, I’ll make sure to note it. Stay tuned for updates as more sales are unveiled!
Consoles & Accessories
Nintendo Switch
Unfortunately, there aren’t any discounts on the Switch, not even any special bundles to sweeten the deal.
Nintendo 2DS Ocarina of Time Bundle $79.99 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Gamestop)
This bundle comes with a special Link styled 2DS (green with gold buttons), along with the 3DS version of Ocarina of Time. A cheap way to enter the 3DS family if you haven’t yet!
For those wanting the best 3DS Nintendo has to offer, Gamestop is selling the New Nintendo 3DS XL for $140.
XBOX One S 500GB $189.99 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Kohls, Gamestop, Newegg)
At Target you also get a $25 Target Gift Car, and at Kohl’s you’ll get $45 Kohl’s Cash. An even better deal if you regularly shop at these stores.
PS4 1TB $199.99 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Kohls, Gamestop, Newegg)
Again, Kohl’s has a special bundle of $60 Kohl’s Cash with purchase and Gamestop will give a $50 gift card.
Also, Gamestop is selling a PS4 Pro 1TB for $350.
PS4 & XBOX One Controllers $39.99 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Kohls, Gamestop, Newegg)
Controllers rarely get any cheaper than this, even on Amazon.
XBOX Live & PS+ Memberships $49.99 (Target, Gamestop)
The traditional $10 off on subscriptions make Black Friday the perfect time to renew.
Also, Amazon Prime and Gamestop currently (as of 11/20/17) has PS+ year long memberships for $40. Not sure if it’s a Black Friday deal, but definitely the cheapest it will be for a long time, so now is a great chance to stock up on a subscription for next year. Sorry XBOX users, I didn’t see a similar deal for XBOX Live subscriptions.
Games
Tried my best to put this in alphabetical order:
- Assassin’s Creed Origins – $29 (Walmart), $34.99 (Best Buy & Target), $39.99 (Gamestop), $41.99 (PS),
- Bioshock: The Collection – $15 (Gamestop), $19.79 (PS)
- Borderlands: The Handsome Collection- $15 (Best Buy, Gamestop), $19.79 (PS)
- Breath of the Wild – Special Edition – $49 (Walmart)
- Call of Duty WWII – $39.99 (Best Buy), $43 (Walmart), $45 (Target), $50 (Gamestop)
- Crash Bandicoot Insane Trilogy – $24.99 (Best Buy& Target), $29 (Walmart), $29.99 (PS), $35 (Gamestop)
- Cuphead w/ free soundtrack sampler vinyl 45 – $20 (Gamestop)
- Danganronpa 1-2 Reload – $19.99 (PS)
- Danganronpa 3: Killing Harmony – $44.99 (PS)
- Dark Souls III – $23.99 (PS)
- Destiny 2 – $27 plus free Cayde-6 figure (Gamestop), $29.99 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target), $38.99 (PS)
- Dishonored 2 – $14.99 (Best Buy), $20 (Gamestop, PS)
- Dishonored: Death of the Outsider – $15 (Best Buy, Gamestop, PS)
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 – $25 (Gamestop)
- Dragon Quest Heroes II – $25 (Best Buy, Gamestop)
- The Evil Within 2 – $25 (Gamestop), $29.99 (PS)
- Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition – $30 (Gamestop, PS)
- Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age – $30 (Best Buy, Gamestop)
- Final Fantasy XV – $15 (Target), $20 (Gamestop), $29.99 w/ DLC season pass (PS)
- Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia – $29.99 (Best Buy)
- For Honor – $14.99 (Target & Best Buy), $20 (Gamestop), $25.19 (PS)
- Horizon Zero Dawn – $19.99 (Best Buy, Walmart, Gamestop, PS)
- Injustice 2 – $14 (Gamestop), $19.99 (PS)
- Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 Remix – $20 (Gamestop)
- Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue – $19.99 (Best Buy, Gamestop)
- The Last of Us Remastered – $10 (Gamestop)
- Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle – $29 (Walmart)
- Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite – $40 (Gamestop)
- Mass Effect: Andromeda – $14.99 (Best Buy), $19.99 (PS)
- Middle Earth: Shadow of War – $25 (Gamestop), $29.99 (Target & Walmart), $35.99 (PS)
- Nioh – $19.99 (Best Buy)
- Mirrors Edge: Catalyst – $4.99 (PS)
- NBA 2K18, Madden 18, FIFA 18, etc. – $29.99 (Best Buy & Walmart)
- Nier: Automata – $24.99 (Best Buy, Gamestop), $35.99 (PS)
- Overwatch GOTY Edition – $29.99 (Best Buy, Walmart, Gamestop, PS), Target has Origins Edition
- Persona 5 – $30 (Best Buy, Gamestop, PS)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – $15 (Target), $19.99 (Best Buy, Gamestop)
- Rocket League – $15 (Gamestop)
- Sonic Forces – $30 (Best Buy, Gamestop)
- South Park: The Fractured But Whole – $29.99 (Walmart, Target), $34.99 (Best Buy), $40 (Gamestop), $41.99 w/ Stick of Truth (PS)
- Tekken 7 – $19 (Walmart), $24.99 (Best Buy, Gamestop), $35.99 (PS)
- The Last Guardian – $19.99 (Best Buy)
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – $20 (Gamestop) $27.99 (PS)
- Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – $20 (Gamestop, PS)
- Valkyria Chronicles Remastered – $13.49 (PS)
- The Witcher 3: Complete Edition – $19.99 (PS), $25 (Gamestop)
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus – $24.99 (Best Buy, Gamestop), $29.99 (Target, PS)
- World of Final Fantasy – $20 (Gamestop)
- XCOM 2 – $19.79 (PS)
- Yakuza 0 – $30 (Best Buy, Gamestop, PS)
- Yakima Kiwami – $19.99 (Best Buy), $20.09 (PS)
- Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – $27.99 (PS)
Bargain Gamer: Double Discount Sale & GameStop Power Pass *UPDATED*
9*UPDATED 11/15/17* Gamestop has temporarily suspended the PowerPass program. The speculation is that Gamestop’s Point-of-Sale system was unable to handle tracking the rentals. Those who bought a pass can return their checked-out game for a refund. In addition, they can receive any pre-owned game for free.
This week I’m writing about the Double Discount Sale on the PS Store and also a brief commentary on GameStop’s upcoming rental program.
Double Discount Sale
This week’s PS Store sale spans many different titles, and the idea is that PS+ subscribers get twice the discount as everyone else. Which basically means that this is a normal sale for PS+ subscribers, but a mediocre sale for everyone else…
So if you are a PS+ subscriber, here are some games to point out. This week I’m not putting the non-subscriber price because it probably isn’t worth it.
Overcooked $6.79 (Retail $16.99)
Good local co-op games are hard to come by these days, so seeing this 60% off is exciting. Have fun frantically cooking with friends!
The Jackbox Party Pack 3 $12.49 (Retail $24.99)
Even though you’re probably just getting it for Quiplash and Trivia Murder Party, the Jackbox Party Packs are a great way to get an entire room of strangers having fun and busting out laughing. Although I prefer using Steam for these games (so I don’t have to lug around my PS4), even Steam prices haven’t gotten this low!
Horizon Zero Dawn $27.99 (Retail $49.99)
This is the lowest I’ve seen this massive open-world game so for. However, you may also get a good deal by waiting for the Complete Edition to come out in December, especially if you have Amazon Prime or the Best Buy Gamer’s Club discounts.
All sales last until 11/7.
GameStop Power Pass
So last week, GameStop confirmed that it will be launching a rental program for pre-owned games. Basically, for $60, you can rent out any pre-owned game from any GameStop store for 6 months. You can only have one game at a time, and you must be registered in their free rewards program so they can track which game you have checked out. There’s no restrictions either, other than the game has to be pre-owned, so if you manage to find a pre-owned copy of a game that released last week, it’s fair game. But here’s the kicker:
At the end of the 6 months, you get to keep one game which you’ve checked out.
There’s a lot of potential to “game” the system by grabbing a recently released pre-owned game as your keeper, while being able to play almost any game for half a year. This is really good for those that like to try different games without feeling buyer’s remorse. No more getting burned by Day 1 glitches and disappointments. Since the gaming industry has been pushing more and more towards pre-ordering, this program has potential to be a game-changer.
But before we get too excited, there’s some things to keep in mind. On copies at brick-and-mortar stores are eligible, so no renting through their online stock. While right now it may be easy to go to your local GameStop and find the used game you want, this program could flip the supply-and-demand, resulting in it being very difficult to find what you’re looking for, especially just after release or for not as popular titles. GameStop could also change the terms of the program later on, adding some restrictions on eligible rentals. And obviously, if you take pride in your personal game collection, then this may not be the program for you, since you only keep one game every six months.
If you’re down for the GameStop Power Pass, sign ups start November 19th, and the program itself launches early next year.
Bargain Gamer: NISA Publisher & Sale of the Dead Week 2
This week, I’m taking a look at the PS Store’s NISA Publisher Sale, as well as the new additions to the Sale of the Dead.
NISA Publisher Sale
If you’re not familiar with NIS, it’s the Japanese game developer/publisher most known for Disgaea. Their North American branch, NISA, was responsible for localizing many other Japanese games such as Persona 4 Golden, Trails of Cold Steel, Danganronpa, and Etrian Odyssey.
Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance $15.99/$19.99 (Retail $39.99)
For fans of SRPGs, this installment, along with most of the other entries in the series, are on sale. This series is known for the countless hours spent grinding and min/maxing your units. The sky is limitless for upgrading your character, whether it be exploiting stats, gear, or abilities. Eventually you’ll wind up with an OP squad of your own.
Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony $44.99/$50.99 (Retail $59.99)
If you’re not familiar with this visual novel series, it’s basically a cross between Battle Royale and the Ace Attorney series. A group of high school students are placed in a murder game, and you’re tasked with investigating and solving these murders in class trials. I’m surprised that this game is already on sale since it came out last month, so it’s a great deal if you’re can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. If it’s not on your priority list, I bet it’ll go on sale again later at the same price or lower.
For those curious about the first two games, the Reload 1-2 bundle is 40% off (though I’ve seen it as low as 50% off). And for all 10 people still using their PS VITA, the portable versions are also on sale.
Sale of the Dead Week 2
For the second week of this sale, Sony simply added some games to the discounted list.
XCOM 2 $23.99/$29.99 (Retail $59.99)
The sequel to 2012’s tactical strategy game will have you developing your strike team, watching them get slaughtered, then training a new batch of recruits to take their place. The digital deluxe edition, which contains a few add-on packs (but not the expansion) is also on sale. Not a bad price for a game just over a year old.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection $35.99/$41.99 (Retail $59.99)
This bundle includes all expansions, including the Necromancer pack. A good chance to start grinding for rare drops if you haven’t gotten to yet. But if you’re able to play it on PC, there’s probably a cheaper deal if you wait for a Steam sale.
Honorable Mentions
Psychonauts $2.49/$3.49 (Retail $9.99)
Detention $9.09/$10.39 (Retail $12.99)
Grand Theft Auto V $29.99/$35.99 (Retail $59.99)
Both sales go until the morning of Halloween, so be sure to check it out!
Bargain Gamer: Sale of the Dead Week 1
As a gamer, there are so many games on my watch list that I wait months or even years after release. When I finally get around to getting these games, it’s easier to find them for a fraction of the price through either Amazon or other sales. My goal is to help share deals I see. I may or may not have played these games, so there won’t be much in terms of a review. But, I’ll try to explain why I think these deals are worth it.
For my first Bargain Gamer article, I’m highlighting a few sales from the first week of PS Store’s Sale of the Dead! Personally, I’m not really into scary games, but if you’re into the thrill, then check out these games below!
Telltale Undead Survival Bundle $21.99/$27.49* (Retail $54.99)
If you haven’t picked up any of Telltale’s Walking Dead series, this may be a good time to do so. This bundle includes 4 full games (both seasons and the Michonne mini-series, along with the open-world 7 Days to Die). If you already have some of these titles, each game is also on sale separately, including the most recent Season 3 (not included in this bundle).
Resident Evil 7 biohazard $29.99/$35.99* (Retail $59.99)
This survival horror series goes back to its roots and is now half off, which is pretty good for a game less than a year old. If you’re interested in the DLC or deluxe edition, those are also marked down. If you’re interested in the other installments and spin-offs, plenty of those are on sale as well.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition $19.99/$24.99* (Retail $49.99)
This is probably the best deal of all. All DLC and expansion packs of an already massive open-world RPG. I’m currently playing this after getting during the E3 sale, and I’ve put in over 100 hours and counting. We sometimes talk about getting a good deal if you get an hour for each dollar, but with this game you can get over 5 times as much. If you’re into games like Skyrim, I think CD Projekt Red has done an even better job at the formula. Doing sidequests are varied enough while adding loads of depth to the wide cast of characters, so there’s no feeling of getting burnt out.
For Xbox owners, it’s also currently on sale for XBOX Live Gold subscribers for $20 as well!
Honorable Mention
Guacamelee Super Turbo Championship Edition $4.49/$5.99* (Retail $14.99)
There are a ton of other games on sale that I couldn’t mention, so check out the full sale here. These sales last until the end of the month!
*The cheaper price is if you have a PS+ subscription.
Switching Over Isn’t Easy
The Nintendo Switch is the newest and hottest console right now. So hot that getting your hands on one might prove more than a challenge. Continue reading Switching Over Isn’t Easy
Kingdom Hearts 3 = Due in 2018
It would be an understatement to say Kingdom Hearts (KH) fans are getting antsy for Kingdom Hearts 3. After a measly trailer presented at E3 2017, Disney and Square Enix make their big move at D23 Expo to provide more details and a potential release: 2018. Whether or not you believe it’s the actual date, this reveals the game heading in a great direction of new content and continuing creativity for the series. Continue reading Kingdom Hearts 3 = Due in 2018
Breath of the Wild’s Heavily Debated Survival Mechanics
As I watch my friend play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I’m thoroughly enjoying watching him hunt for animals and cook. Little did I know, it’s tedious things like this turning fans away. Continue reading Breath of the Wild’s Heavily Debated Survival Mechanics
Downtime 