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SOOKY – ISSUE #01 – JULY 2025
switch 2 impressions
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I'm back with a new less is more format, I'm also trying out a new handle. I don't mind cheeriersandals because it has sentimental value, however as an online handle it is a mouthful.
It's been a month since the Nintendo Switch 2 came out. In this time I've finished Mario Kart World, played some GameCube in the Nintendo Classics and tried out Street Fighter 6.
My pre-order story is boring, I chickened out of Nintendo's official pre-order and ended up placing one at EB Games, it arrived a day after launch. I did a system transfer and downloaded Mario Kart World playing it almost daily since. I also pre-ordered a GameCube controller to play Classics online authentically.
fwiw I use HDR enabled for supported titles, and found suitable settings for my TV at home.
I did a candid "thoughts about" review of Mario Kart World on Backloggd highlighting what I enjoy about Free Roam and what could be improved in how Grand Prix and Knockout Tour operates online.
In short, Grand Prix should have an option to play traditional 3-lap races and Knockout Tour could have a "build-your-own" route option.
I've started researching Time Trial speedrun routes, being mindful that some tech is crazy and not to be replicated reliably.
With Donkey Kong Bananza coming out tomorrow, I went back to the last Donkey Kong title Nintendo developed in house. Jungle Beat merged a combo based scoreattack arcade title within a traditional 2D platformer controlled with Bongos. But, maybe refined using Wiimote and Nunchuck tech.
You string together combos using parkour moves (backflips, wall jumps, butt stomp) to build a multiplier to collect bananas within a radius of Donkey Kong by hitting A (clapping in the original).
Collecting bananas aren’t just for building hi-scores, they’re Donkey Kong’s health reserves for each level’s boss which takes the form of a simplified Punch Out style game, fake and dodge before striking some evil Kongs down.
Collect enough bananas, avoid getting hit, and you’ll earn medals above a certain threshold with Platinum being the best. The staff who developed this went on to create Super Mario Galaxy, and some are still there today creating Donkey Kong Bananza.
Backloggd ReviewMy partner and I tried out the Switch 2 demo and rotated through each character (Luke, Jamie and Kimberly). The game includes a How To Play, Tutorials for each character and local multiplayer for with all available control options.
We like the style, very "You Got Served" street culture feel to it. The bars with special parries or attacks look like spray paint, and your specials do look like tagging. A far way away from the age old tournament stylings of 2.
I didn’t mind the Modern controller system, and this genuinely does seems like a great fighter and worthy launch title. The gyro shaking mode is a hilarious inclusion, Street Fighter can be a Mario Party mini-game if you truly wish.
I've gotten back into listening to community radio and would you believe it, this turns out to a great way to discover music! I've also taken a "patreon" approach to it, donating some of my hard earned cash encourages me to engage in it completely.
fbi radio 94.5 was at the brink of going under just a month ago and has returned. Features a tonne of modern music, but probably nothing you've heard.
Sydney Music (the gig guide - not a radio station) seems to have returned for the next month atleast - having reached 55.3% of their funding goal. Consider giving a donation to ensure their operations keep on operating.
Lastly, 2SER who have basically provided this newsletter's listening list through their programming - they also do a mixbag of international, deep dive record crate findings - timeless.
Next edition: Triple J's Hottest 100 Australia, Donkey Kong Bananza, Wild Hearts S Demo, Nintendo Classics, On Repeat
—Sook
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