The Nintendo Switch 2 has seen two significant RPG releases this week: the MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV and the Soulslike Lies of P. Both titles offer substantial experiences for players seeking new adventures on the portable platform.
Final Fantasy XIV, a critically acclaimed MMORPG, is now available on the Switch 2. The game features a free trial that extends through the Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers expansions, offering a vast amount of content for newcomers. While some minor loading issues have been reported, the Switch 2 version is said to be handling the computational demands well. For existing Final Fantasy XIV players, accessing the game on Switch 2 will require a separate subscription. The game is positioned as a lengthy option for Switch 2 owners with a wealth of activities to engage in.
Lies of P, a gothic retelling of The Adventures of Pinocchio inspired by the Dark Souls series, has also launched on the Switch 2. Initial impressions suggest that the port is solid, with good visual presentation and performance. This version is recommended for players who may wish to revisit the game on Nintendo's handheld console.
In other news, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has received a significant update, adding new suits and enhancing its compatibility with the PS5 Pro. The "Brand New Day" suit, inspired by recent Spider-Man media, and a suit from Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls have been added to the game. Additionally, the game now supports Enhanced PSSR on PS5 Pro and a Power Saver mode, providing further reasons for players to return to Insomniac's acclaimed title.
Pokémon Pokopia's first paid DLC, Bubbly Basin, has been released. This expansion introduces a new underwater biome to explore, accessible with the new Dive ability. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements and new Pokémon to befriend. The DLC continues the game's strong performance, building on its success since its earlier launch.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a new 4v4 fighter from Arc System Works, is also enjoying its launch weekend. Despite some early negative Steam reviews concerning Linux compatibility and anti-cheat measures, the game is described as an entertaining fighting experience. Its tag mechanics and roster have been highlighted as strong points for players looking for a competitive yet accessible fighter.
The cozy life simulation Fields of Mistria has officially exited early access. The game, which draws inspiration from titles like Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon, has achieved significant success, with over 20,000 positive Steam reviews during early access and one million copies sold shortly after launch. It offers a variety of activities including farming, fishing, combat, and social interaction within its village.
In business news, Electronic Arts has been acquired by a trio of investor groups and is now a private company. This significant industry shift marks a new chapter for the major game publisher.
The weekend's gaming recommendations also include a look at Big Walk, a cooperative puzzle game praised for its inventive mechanics and sound design. For board game enthusiasts, the new standalone expansion for the Everdell series, Emerland, offers a worker placement and tableau-building experience set in a jungle environment with unique anthropomorphic animal characters and striking visual design.