Yup. I wish this was a Switch 2 exclusive. I know Nintendo wanted to deliver something for players on both consoles, but it’s been eight years since Switch came out. Let Retro cook on a new platform.

100%.

Super early, but it’s Metroid vibing HARD. Reviews have consistently ripped the late game apparently, so I’m sort of waiting for that. Meantime, though, I don't get the hate. It’s got a creepy feel, and Metroid purists who want that overwhelming sense of isolation will love this.

Quick shop work on what pulling the camera in could look like.

One minor gripe. I think the camera is pulled back too far. Would love an option to zoom in on the bike for a more personal behind-the-back view. I also think this would look more impressive. Hopefully Retro adds the option.

Mechanically, it’s fun. Bike feels heavy, has decent physics. You can speed up and power slide through crystal shards located all around and it feels pretty good. You can jump dunes and even leap chasms.

Some are pissed, too, about Sol Valley’s soundtrack being locked behind an Amiibo purchase. That ain’t great, agreed. But you do get this 2001-like operatic background music as you drive around, and it’s very atmospheric. Really makes you feel like you’re on an alien world.

I’ve only opened up about 5% of the total map, and you unlock the rest by driving around. So I’ve got lots more to see. (At least, I hope so.)

People keep pointing to barren desert landscapes as though these fully represent Sol Valley. And there are those. You do drive through plains and open expanses. But you also go into canyons. And tunnels. And little bases. And off cliffs. And I’m sure more.

Just opened up Sol Valley and have spent about 30 minutes or so driving around, snapping screens. My initial thought is… it’s kinda cool. Sorry. I know every troll is going to collapse into a drooling rage seizure now, but whatever. I’m digging it. Maybe it gets old later.

Yeah, the wide-open motorcycle stuff is less impressive, but we’ll see. Only shown a few snippets. The on-foot exploration looks gorgeous as ever.

Gotcha. Missed it.

No worries. Something fun to look forward to. You're usually so audiobook forward, though. Can you share what the hold up is, or should I just shut up and leave it be? Looking forward to digging into the physical version.

Got. Dayum. That’s a long wait for us Audible junkies. Guess I’m getting a physical copy, too.