The Impact of Platform on Gaming Experiance: A Personal Journey
When it comes to gaming,the platform can sometimes matter more than the game itself. Since the launch of the Nintendo Switch, many titles have been labeled as “ideal for Switch,” suggesting they feel right at home on a handheld device. While I appreciated this idea, I initially thought it was just about comfort and convenience.Little did I know that my Switch would completely change my view not only on a specific game but also on an entire genre.
This transformation began with deckbuilding games, and now I'm curious if the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will have a similar effect.
Discovering Deckbuilding Games
My journey into roguelikes started with The Binding of Isaac, particularly its Rebirth version available on PS4 through PlayStation Plus. I became engrossed in unlocking characters and items while marveling at the gameS endless possibilities. According to my PlayStation stats, I've logged over 300 hours in that title! However, as time passed and my obsession faded, I found myself searching for somthing new to fill that gap.
I explored several popular roguelikes like FTL, Into the Breach, and Nuclear throne. While each was enjoyable in its own right, none could quite capture me like Isaac had done for so long. When I heard about Slay the Spire—a game receiving rave reviews and topping many best-of lists—I felt compelled to try it out. Although its art style didn’t stand out much (similar to Isaac), people praised it for delivering that addictive “just one more run” feeling I'd been craving. On paper,it seemed perfect for me.
But when I finally played it? It was a disappointment.
A Frustrating First Encounter
I tried playing Slay the Spire weeks after its initial release when it was still exclusive to PC—a platform that wasn’t ideal for me at all.My computer wasn’t built for gaming back than; plus, PC gaming seemed daunting due to perceived costs and complexities involved. Still persistent to give this low-demand game a shot since even my underpowered setup could handle it, I dove in with an open mind.
Regrettably, what stood out most during those early sessions was how unfair everything felt. With plenty of experience in roguelikes under my belt, I knew better than expecting instant mastery from this new title—but every attempt ended abruptly after just a few encounters due to bad luck with card draws before getting into any real strategy or deck-building fun.
To be fair—Slay the Spire is tough! Difficulty alone wouldn’t deter me; however starting runs only to end them minutes later without any sense of progress made me think deckbuilding simply wasn't meant for me—it felt overly complex alongside random elements typical of roguelikes. So when news broke about its eventual porting onto Switch months later—and how well-suited people claimed it would be—I didn’t pay much attention until conversations reignited around its quality being “perfect” there.
embracing FOMO: A New Viewpoint
In hindsight? I'm grateful that fear-of-missing-out got hold of me here! Normally I'd accept high-praise games aren’t always suited for everyone—but deep down something told me there had been potential waiting within those cards all along!
One lazy weekend morning marked my first run on Switch; nestled comfortably into my couch changed everything instantly! Unlike clicking through options quickly via mouse control earlier—the controller forced slower navigation which allowed time spent thinking things through carefully rather rushing decisions impulsively before realizing their consequences afterward!
This shift helped reveal insights previously overlooked: treating basic enemies like mere fodder from other titles proved unwise as every encounter demands respect within this world!
As clarity emerged regarding actual deck-building mechanics—what onc appeared inconsequential transformed into meaningful strategies worth exploring further! Recognizing synergies between cards opened doors leading toward creative solutions against bosses or elites whenever inspiration struck unexpectedly became thrilling moments worth savoring too!
Switch’s portability liberated both physically & mentally compared against conventional setups where PC games frequently enough feel confined solely around office chairs—allowing exploration beyond boundaries previously set by preconceived notions surrounding genres altogether!
A Newfound Love For Deckbuilders
Thanks largely due switching platforms—I’ve discovered an entire genre filled with delightful surprises awaiting revelation which might’ve or else gone unnoticed without giving another chance thanks solely as Nintendo’s handheld changed perceptions entirely regarding experiences offered therein!
Now eagerly anticipating releases such as Monster Train 2 has become part daily routine filled excitement ahead too!
With rumors swirling around upcoming features expected from Switch 2—I’m ready again let go past judgments formed based off initial impressions surrounding genres altogether hoping they’ll surprise yet again just like before did so wonderfully well already thus far…
