Here Comes Niko! / A Hat In Time

Kriken wrote:

I'm a big fan of the 3D Mario games, but I liked this a fair bit more than Mario Odyssey.

Care to comment, Cappa?

Anyway, of course I'm getting this! I love seals apart from anything else. They're just the cutest best blobs of fun.

Yes, I'm all for this! It's been aaaages since I've played a properly gripping platformer. That's a good launch date too as it's avoiding the absolute clusterfuck that is September.

Balladeer wrote:

Kriken wrote:

I'm a big fan of the 3D Mario games, but I liked this a fair bit more than Mario Odyssey.

Care to comment, Cappa?

That's not my personal opinion. Occasionally, I think there's parts of A Hat In Time feel a bit like an amateurish tribute to Super Mario Sunshine. That's especially the case in some of the early levels and in one of two of the Time Rift platforming challenges (which mimic the FLUDD-less Shine Sprite bits). And that's Super Mario Sunshine, to be clear: a game which I don't think is as close to being as good as Super Mario Odyssey.

Banjo-Kazooie aside, I don't think there's any 3D platformers that stand up alongside the 3D Mario games. A Hat In Time though, that's right underneath, with the likes of Jak & Daxter 1 on the PS2, Rocket Robot on Wheels on the N64, and Ratchet & Clank on the PS4. It's still a superb game.

Ooh a physical version. That's me sold then (I was already sold ages ago).

The Cappuccino Kid wrote:

Occasionally, I think there's parts of A Hat In Time feel a bit like an amateurish tribute to Super Mario Sunshine. That's especially the case in some of the early levels and in one of two of the Time Rift platforming challenges (which mimic the FLUDD-less Shine Sprite bits).

Yeah - that's true - they've even got the same shaped spinny bits! But it's also a bit like Galaxy. I can't agree that it's better than a 3D Mario game myself either, but it is excellent, and if you like "the Marios" you'll like a Hat in Time.

The Cappuccino Kid wrote:

That's not my personal opinion. Occasionally, I think there's parts of A Hat In Time feel a bit like an amateurish tribute to Super Mario Sunshine. That's especially the case in some of the early levels and in one of two of the Time Rift platforming challenges (which mimic the FLUDD-less Shine Sprite bits). And that's Super Mario Sunshine, to be clear: a game which I don't think is as close to being as good as Super Mario Odyssey.

Meaning no disrespect to Krikers, this is more along the lines of what I was expecting. I think AHoT has always worn its h(e)a(r)t on its sleeve regarding its status as a Sunshine homage, right?

I'm still really looking forward though, massively so! And I too shall be getting a physical copy for my gaming shelf.

I accept that I'm in the minority in preferring A Hat in Time, and even though I had more fun with it, Oddysey of course has way more polish. With their respective developmental backgrounds it's to be expected.

I really liked Oddysey at times and I was excited for it since it didn't seem like we had a proper 3D Mario game since the Galaxies. Had a blast with most of everything up to and including (especially) Metro Kingdom, but some fatigue started to set in with seaside kingdom and by luncheon kingdom I started making more of a beeline towards the end. It's a different sort of game going for something different, but I couldn't help but miss the more focused gameplay of Galaxy 1 and 2.

Meanwhile, Hat in Time really scratched an itch for me. The combination of being something quite fresh in many ways but also its clear inspiration of Sunshine and other games of that era, for which I'm deeply nostalgic for.

I own this on Xbox One but mainly forgotten about it.

I won't be double-dipping but I may join in with the chat and finally give it a play on Xbox One in October.

Kriken wrote:

I really liked Oddysey at times and I was excited for it since it didn't seem like we had a proper 3D Mario game since the Galaxies. Had a blast with most of everything up to and including (especially) Metro Kingdom, but some fatigue started to set in with seaside kingdom and by luncheon kingdom I started making more of a beeline towards the end. It's a different sort of game going for something different, but I couldn't help but miss the more focused gameplay of Galaxy 1 and 2.

...ah.  I was disappointed with the Galaxies because of that railroading, and loved Odyssey precisely for its exploratory qualities.  I thought AHoT would be a bit more like the latter.  Guess I should realign my expectations huh.

The Cappuccino Kid wrote:

Moving past Yooka-Laylee is a lot more understandable, though be warned: the start of Yooka-Laylee is a lot better than the start of A Hat In Time. I could see why a lot of folk would dingy A Hat In Time in the amount of time you spent playing Yooka-Laylee.

And then there's this. Eep.

A Hat in Time lies in between those two styles. Been a long time since I played through the Galaxy games, but I don't think it's anywhere near as linear as them. A Hat in Time does have the more traditional Act structure like in the earlier 3D Mario games but the levels are more open and free-roaming. There are also a fair few Time Pieces (the main collectable) within some of the acts which are off the beaten path and require you to look around a bit - you'll get a clue in the form of a picture, but that's about it. Can be tricky locating some of them.

Eh, that sounds good enough. Just got to get past the first bit I guess! I think the hype might help propel me through that in a way that Y-L didn't.

I'll definitely be getting this on Switch

The Cappuccino Kid wrote:

A Hat In Time though, that's right underneath, with the likes of Jak & Daxter 1 on the PS2,

That's good enough for me! Jak and Daxter is one of my favourite games so if AHIT is of similar quality in your eyes then that'll do nicely!

JayMoyles wrote:

Jak and Daxter is one of my favourite games

<3

I could wax lyrical about that game - it's a nicely sized, cosy adventure that I've played so many times through over the years. The sequels didn't scratch that same itch, sadly.

This is out in digital format tomorrow.  Anyone biting?  I'm thinking I might wait for the physical offering in early November myself, but I'm definitely interested in the DLC.

Speaking of, the latest DLC, Nyakuza Metro, is coming to Switch before the consoles it's been out for ages on and people are annoyed.  At least they were until the Twitter account and said it's due to issues with tech. The account seem like it's run by nice communicative people: I'm guessing they must have just got really really fed up with people asking for it on Switch way back when.

I think I'd prefer the physical version myself so no rushing in to it yet either.

Also want physical myself. I wish the eshop told you what was a digital only game

They have the digital only charts I guess but that's limited to only a few games of course.

Treesmurf wrote:

They have the digital only charts I guess but that's limited to only a few games of course.

Yep, it's also a bit of a con because A Hat in Time is currently in those charts (yes it's digital only at the moment, but a physical release is coming)

I've read that apparently the performance isn't quite as tip-top (hat) as on other machines either, but that the devs are collecting feedback on this with the intention of releasing a patch later down the line.

I'm reading that too. I can live with low resolution textures and longer load times, but it's sounding like the technical issues take away from the enjoyment a bit. I'll still get the physical version as A Hat In Time remains one of my favourite 3D platformers, but I'm getting the impression that it's a port that's not as good as it should be. 

I've been given this (as an anniversary gift ), and yes I can see some issues with the textures, frame rate, and loading times in particular.  None have been game-ruining thus far.  The daft premise of Mafia Town has drawn me in, Hat Kid is wonderfully expressive, I definitely see the Mario Sunshine comparisons and that's no bad thing, and although Moustache Kid's voice actress pissed me off no end at first, she's slightly redeemed herself with her mafia infiltration plan.  Looking forward to playing more!

Also the soundtrack on the spaceship sounds like Grant Kirkhope.

Balladeer wrote:

Also the soundtrack on the spaceship sounds like Grant Kirkhope.

You won't believe who it is (*giggles*)

AW, SON OF A...