Phoenotopia Awakening Nintendo Switch Review!

[@SwitchUpYt]

Incoming patch: There's a patch that adds some difficulty tweaks to balance out that area for those who need it. Update: A few have mentioned another unnamed review complaining that backtracking is a pain. All I will say, is that you unlock a fast travel system about 10-15 hours in so I’m guessing they simply didn’t play enough. Which is a shame on whoever that was. Update 2: As mentioned, money is tough to get later so buy the fishing rod early. You’ll thank me later Update 3: difficulty isn’t a negative - unfairness is and the game is totally fair and if you’re willing to learn each enemy has an easy way to dispatch. The only real difficulty are the boss fights (to be expected) and those BLOODY fish! Haha Boy oh boy have I had a busy day! Apologies if the background music is a touch loud at the start it relaxing off after a minute or two. Apologies for the delay - this was meant to come out earlier. Let me know if you enjoy the look of this pease leave a like if only to convince me it was worth staying up until 3am haha! Much love! Cyaaaaa! Mark. SwitchUp Our Phoenotopia Preview had a bit of extra info about the developers - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3XWapx3f9mti8U

[@beastmode3266]

BLAST EM.. WHY SWITCHUP IS THE BEST ALWAYS THOROUGH AND ALWAYS UPDATING

[@ScribeTheMad]

This game looks so good, think I know what I'm playing on my upcoming time off! (thanks for the tip about the fishing rod lol)

[@WaterMusic34]

As if I woupdn't buy a fishing rod as soon as I see it

[@bskilla4892]

Go buy the game and support the devs!!! I haven't had this much fun with a game since Graveyard Keeper and Hollow Knight.

[@mikehunt3420]

Lol what are the odds I bought both of those this last month and have been enjoying them both immensely. Tho graveyard keeper got a bit stale

[@mauriciootis9746]

Instablaster.

[@thren914]

HK and GK are great games. If this is as fun as those games, I might have to give it a shot.

[@bro7496]

@Scum Bagge 🧢

[@WaterMusic34]

@Scum Bagge sucks you in because of how fun it is

[@LC1220]

You guys are ALWAYS saving the day with these reviews 😭

[@SweetGeek04]

THANK YOU so much for the recommendation of this game. As a busy mother of 3 I only have limited time for gaming, and I don’t want to waste it on garbage. I turn to you guys for answers, and I just want to say you guys knocked it out of the park with this one. I CANNOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. Music, incredible, story, incredible. I haven’t been this hooked on a game since Animal Crossing, and for that I thank you.

[@streetlightnsuch]

It really bugs me that this game isn’t as talked about as it should be. Incredible puzzles, unbelievable charm, and five-star soundtrack. One of my favorites of the last 20 years.

[@naber_84]

Yes me, too. Very good game for my switch oled

[@jackschnabel856]

I bought this game based on your review! And holy shit, 50 hours later, 100% completion, and this game has easily slid into my top 5 favorite games of all time! I couldn't be happier... Unless there was a second game that is.

[@dejecteddave5380]

The best Switch reviews channel! This game looks amazing; one of those games where I'll be buying it digitally and physically, as well as buying the soundtrack.

[@JTWarnerJT]

Premium Edition Games has a physical of this.

[@Rdmsguy]

I purchased this game based on this review and I absolutely love it. I’m almost 55 hours into it. I really hope it does well on the switch.

[@SwitchUpYt]

Ah that's very cool! Great game! Mark

[@vhalrougelarfouxe]

This is very cute and quite a game that would be a gem that people would gloss over. This is pixel art done right.

[@Swid-Eh]

I just started the game and I’m having a blast! As a lot of people mentioned their trailer really sold me. Well worth the price and I’m glad you fine folks enjoy it as well. Great review and I most certainly agree with the score you gave.

[@kidwhimsical]

I have about 35 hrs into the game before watching your review and its pretty spot in. The update did add some accessibility options to make some things a tad easier. This is my surprise hit of the year for sure! Tip: Have a notepad nearby as you play. I use my ipad to take notes because there are a lot of hints that might get jumbled up or forgot in.

[@Kraken54321]

Thanks for the advice. 👍

[@narf1070]

Finally decided to play this game after seeing this review about a year ago. It’s so wonderful! Criminally underrated too.

[@privatemumbles]

I loved the Original Phoentopia flash game more then I can describe, and it's been a joy to see the developer talk on his blog about the long process of remastering the game in literally every area possible. It's a million miles away from what it was before, and Im so excited to play it again but bigger and brighter

[@SwitchUpYt]

You’ll love it! Mark

[@carloalison]

It’s amazing to find out that this started as a “Flash game!” With enough effort, love, and ambition put into it has finally manifested into “the game” the developers really wanted to achieve.

[@traceletz6786]

I remember I used to play there flash game on Armor games many years ago, got me and my sister both into Zelda. I bought it back when it first released on steam and I encourage anyone on the edge about buying this to try it out.

[@hunglo9917]

Had no idea about this game until this review. I bought it and I’ve been playing it for the past several hours. What an excellent little gem. You aren’t lying about the difficulty either. Man is this game brutal at times. Great review!

[@edgarramos7167]

Always happy to support indie developers that are passionate with their projects! Purchased and can't wait to play it!! Thanks, Mark for your outstanding review. Keep up your hardwork. I too, watch all of your videos! Cheers!

[@SwitchUpYt]

Really appreciate that Edgar! Mark

[@Miros_Blumel]

Wait, did you guys just upload three videos in a day? Wow, great job! Watched every video and loved them

[@SwitchUpYt]

Busy one! Mark

[@kraenk12]

Thank you so much for putting this on my radar. Never heard of it before and I absolutely love it.

[@lydiariannon3591]

bought this over a year ago because of this video, just played it last night and wow. This should be far more popular.

[@NanashiStarCraft]

awesome. so glad you guys found the time to test this game. been tweeting out to the developers back than, saying how cool it would be for switchup to test their game. making myself believe I played a role in this one. thanks

[@SwitchUpYt]

You did! Mark

[@NanashiStarCraft]

@@SwitchUpYt (*°▽°*)╯I did? *cheerfull ackward nerdy dance*

[@andyzhou8151]

this game gets better the more you play it. you start with a small amount of story info, health, and resources. as you progress, the content expands seemingly exponentially, and every mechanic I wished I had gets solved with an upgrade or tool. It's a good game. 20 dollars is a steal.

[@kazigma]

You guys are now my go to for game reviews. Really love your work.

[@DelDuio]

That overworld is straight up Zelda 2 for the NES, I love it!

[@GenghisWanghis]

Yeah so the music and the look of this is great. The combat (I only have the first weapon) is fine, and the look of the game is awesome. It's crisp and colorful and still proves to me that a soundtrack can make a game. Your preview said the composer trained themselves on Chrono Cross and I can't think of a better OST to use to develop ideas

[@rossrobbins7707]

You've convinced me! I'm going to go buy it right now.

[@ponocni1]

I will give you a tip for dealing with money shortage. You can always hunt lizards/mices and scorpions for mistery meat. They often have spawn points near save slots and campfire. Dispatch them, collect the meat, save and reload save file. They will spawn back. same for spots with fishing. You can then easily fill your bags with meat, double cook it and sell for profit. I was able to get all 24 item slots this way before i even beaten the Bandit gang leader. Its grindy, but it helps you a ton. Original flash game was way more stingy with money and you could not get the twice cooked mistery meat (best food for most the game for hp and number per slot) and had to relly on expensive bento boxes.

[@andrewtyrell4795]

Your preview took this game from a "maybe" to a "must buy." I've been playing it a bunch since it released and I have to say I don't regret picking it up at all. It's so very charming and lovely. And thanks for the tip about fishing. I'll have to start doing that so I can get the funds to upgrade.

[@anthonyyarborough4231]

Love everything you guys do. Love every time I get a notification from you guys.

[@AloisAgos]

Highly recommended. I poured 50+ hours into the title and even lost sleep because I just couldn't put it down. And the ending, without spoiling anything, certainly opens the door to an even grander sequel. Buy the game, you won't regret it!

[@unreallybro]

Your preview and review made me buy it. I'll start it after I finish cross code which I also bought after watching one of your reviews. Good work as always.

[@InnerRise]

Ooh he did a crosscode review. I need to find. I bought the game but havent started

[@jesterssketchbook]

such a gorgeous art-style

[@hughlingard]

this game is definitely in my top 5 switch games of all time; i absolutely adore this one.

[@BlueDragonAkira]

One of my favorite reviews this year ♥️

[@jr4893]

Just played the demo on steam....loved it. Came straight to SwitchUp to see if you'd done a review; and you have :) Can't believe I missed this at launch. Now if only we can get a physical edition...

[@collin1240]

I'm not sure how I missed this. Added to my wishlist. Thanks!

[@silla42]

I usually stay far away from side scrolling platformers because I don’t enjoy them, but this one looks so great I’m going to make an exception and put it on my wish list. (Got to work through some of my backlog before I buy any more games.) Great review!

[@ES-wn4oq]

Did you ever play it? Did you like it?

[@ZenSymphonia]

it’s only $9 right now!

[@Patrick-cc7qm]

This game was awesome. Thanks for the recommendation. Is a pretty fun but also a intense game. The boss fights will definitely kill you a few times before you get the hang of it. Ps:The best way to farm coins early in the game is use bombs to keep blowing up the stones that are spawning in the bomb creator house(forgot his name). Both inside and outside the house. Just exit and the stones will respawn. Easily earning you hundreds of coins in a hour.

[@CompleteProducer84]

Game is amazing so far. And the harder difficulty is a HUGE plus for me! Nothing I dislike more than an otherwise great game that is just a cakewalk. The challenge is what makes a game addicting, and I’m so glad the devs gave us that challenge

[@nlee189-22]

I can’t wait to pick this one up! I think it’s gonna be a real gem amongst this years indies!

[@Shanec0716]

I would say good review but i haven't seen it all yet so ill update later Update: great review as always

[@PennyRoyxl]

I'm off to the e-shop, this game looked brilliant right out of the gate. Thanks for the in depth, spoiler-free coverage you've provided. A physical release has to be in the cards however, I can't wait, and this seems a buy twice title anyway. Thanks you two, cheers, and happy gaming to you both! ♡

[@SwitchUpYt]

Cheers Natalie! Let me know how you get on! Mark

[@JTWarnerJT]

Premium Edition Games has a physical of this.

[@laubowiebass]

Thanks for reviewing this one , it was on my radar. I definitely like the look.

[@waltersobchak7275]

Hey you🤓🤓

[@alexaustin7234]

Stupid EU store ratings issue! The AU store is tied to it so whatever doesn’t come out on the EU store doesn’t come out here. A few titles have been pulled recently...ugh! Looks amazing, and I’ll just wait until it’s on the store here as that MAY give me enough time to finish a couple of other titles. Can’t wait though!

[@SwitchUpYt]

It won’t be long mate! Mark

[@malek008]

This is out on the aus store now.

[@keiclera6596]

I absolutely love this game, hope it gets more popular

[@the2ndrunner229]

I was sold on the preview. At 20 bucks, think I'll get this at launch.

[@donperera5806]

You lads are gracing us with such a bountiful selection of videos recently. Great review, definitely gonna have to check this out. Thanks again, and get some well-earned sleep, boyo.

[@SwitchUpYt]

Don Perera Thanks Don! Mark

[@grahamknight1846]

What a brilliant review. I'd not come across the game before, but it will be a definite purchase for me. Thanks for the awesome videos guys.

[@jinxenyou8618]

Love the video picking this up on sale $11 thanks!

[@patrickcataluna7926]

When I first played the game it started out incredibly hard. This was due to how stamina management was in the game. But the devs have patched the game and made some quality of life improvements that help make the game a little easier and more enjoyable. And it was a truly neat patch. The game starts out pretty simple enough but after a few hours when the game finally starts opening up more, it actually is a great game, with a fantastic narrative and loveable characters. If you like Zelda-ish RPGs this is a must have.

[@waichin88]

I haven't heard of this game before seeing your preview and review. Although I have a large backlog at the moment (I mean, who doesn't?), you've sold me on this game and I'll pick it up later on!

[@Kraken54321]

I've just ordered a copy of this. It looks top notch. 👍

[@The_Gnome_Chomskee]

Oh wow. This looks and sounds very interesting. But my backlog is too big, now. And I’m moving. I have to be a responsible adult for a month. Pass me another beer.

[@EazyCheeze]

The game is on sale for the next half week, $10. With games like this, I’m sort of inured to having like an in game map that I can scroll through and see areas that I have yet to explore, how to access them, etc. Does this game have one or more of those? if it does, I’d be much more inclined to getting this. It looks absolutely amazing. Conversely, the game called Owlboy, released a few years ago, also looked amazing but lacked an endgame map, and I was thus turned off, similar to Carrion. And so does this video! Wonderful job as usual that I’ve seen from you. Keep it up!

This looks lovely. I'll keep an eye on it just in case it goes on sale at some point.

It is now on a 60% sale. 🎉🎉🎉

[@Ken-yg2nr]

Nice review and thanks for the tips 👍I can't wait till tomorrow to start my play through

[@ryanjones6537]

I have to say, you may have sold me on this game. I was intrigued, but this review makes the game seem worth a buy. I guess I know what I'll be doing after work tomorrow :-)

[@SwitchUpYt]

Well worth a buy this one! Mark

[@ppfclark]

Thanks! Great review! Bring on the physical please.

[@SwitchUpYt]

Exactly right! Mark

[@Grobzoula]

Really pleased to see a framerate analysis during your review. Performance is always something I keep in mind before buying games on Switch. Now I just have to wait for a Europe release because I don't know how to get the game from the US eShop without issues.

[@speedyg2012]

Thanks for this Mark, get plenty if rest. Looks interesting for a role playing action platformer.

[@jzx313]

Idk why no one is talking about this game. This game looks absolutely amazing

[@NotBoringFilms]

this game looks like it is more than worth the asking price. im gonna have to pick it up!

[@kylebuss8084]

Excited to play this one! Im probly gonna spend to much time requesting songs from that musician lol. Great review as always

[@SwitchUpYt]

kyle buss haha you got that far in the review! Impressive! Mark

[@kohan9608]

There is a US physical copy releasing soon at, Premium Edition Games!! I like, Phoenotopia and I'm going to get myself one this month.

[@sammyboi8938]

I finished the game and it was really fun! What really got me playing the game was the settings of the story. Like, whoa. This world is what a world is after World War III? That definitely got me hooked. Also, there was a part of the are (around the Scorch Lands) that made me jump. The atmosphere, the ambience and the jumpscare from that one Metal Ghoul freaked me out! I was honestly terrified at that area! The Scorch Lands is definitely my favorite area. Though, that spider cave....I hate it with how difficult it is lol. I really enjoyed your review! Definitely one I appreciate as I search for more reviews for this game. You've earned yourself a subscriber and a like!

[@bigppyuh8063]

hi would you still recommend this game?

[@skydiamsteam6005]

@@bigppyuh8063 Absolutely

[@VDAband]

I've been waiting for this review all day. Ever since I saw your preview a few days ago.

[@SwitchUpYt]

VDAband Hope you enjoyed it! Mark

[@TunaForever]

Great review ! Can't wait to play this love the pixel art

[@Puffy_Mario]

I'm so glad I found this channel. You guys have consistently answered any questions I had about whether I would like a game or not. Looks like this one is a buy for me, too!

[@SwitchUpYt]

David cheers David! Great game! Mark

[@pearspeedruns]

A physical release was announced earlier today by Premium Edition Games.

[@duyngo7697]

wait really? how did you know that?

[@pearspeedruns]

@@duyngo7697 They announced it on their KZbin channel.

[@andrewmusgrove23]

A little late, never heard of this game until the sale. Just bought it. Hope it's good.

[@tris4478]

Seen this discounted.. and naturally always check switch up for reviews… definitely grabbing this!

[@CompleteProducer84]

It's scary to think this review came out over a year ago. I remember it like it was a few months ago!

[@blizmo2]

Picked this one up immediately Excellent Review!

[@drivenspirit416]

I heard that there was going to be a physical edition of this game. Your guys' review definitely convinced me to get the game, thanks for the good info!

[@Terranc987]

You can shoot innocent birds with rockets for easy healing items in this game

[@kaidorade1317]

Another video from SwitchUp?! I mean they say 3rd time is the charm....it’s on my wishlist. Thanks Mark :)

[@xelthos2051]

Super excited about this game after you said it plays like Zelda 2.

[@sokerphan421]

Preordered this based on earlier video and this only reinforces it! Thanks for the tip on fishing pole

[@Gagostrong6735]

I'm at work right now... can't wait to get home and get this game ! .... awesome weekend coming...

[@reggiesterling9394]

So I'm debating buying this rite now I was given a 20 $eshop card and its burning a hole in my switch pocket 🤔I just got guacamelee 2 but some of the movement like the eagle flight or jump so I need to finish the first 1 to I really don't like the switch dimensions in any game like I really started hating that mechanic in metroid prime2 echos so this is on my wish list maybe ill.wait and try to finish some others ....but then again a 92 percent maybe I'll buy now ..thanks for review

[@dan2lose245]

Thanks for another great review!! I'm loving this game I like how it's not overly popular so I can't just google what to do gotta figure it out for myself it's like living in a time before Google. I broke my thumbstick pad trying to do that stupid running challenge I will be back for glory. I went with your advice on the Rod but I dunno where to sell the fish ? Any tips..

[@au-lacnguyen6831]

west of Atai there a borderwall where you can see your stuff to

[@superfly9487]

Will definitely pick this up. Want to support the dev and, more importantly, the game just looks great. Between this and Crosscode, been a great time for Zelda-likes.👍

[@martin_emrich]

After this raving review, I just got it on the latest sale. But this is BRU…TAL. I am just a few hours in, and i am considering dropping it. All so-called difficulty switches are on. Still this is so much more frustrating than for example Hollow Knight or Axiom Verge. Whats wrong with me?

[@Syrius_Li]

Been looking forward to this! Most anticipated game of the month

[@felixtetrex7571]

I don't know why but anything that takes cues from Zelda 2 always intrigues me. It worked really well with Infernax so I I'll definitely pick this up while it's on sale!

[@TheTekSone]

I am buying the physical today

[@msvicktoria77]

Will definitely have to check it out. I hope you have a chance to review Spiritfarer.

[@Tsukkomi24]

Will definitely be picking this one up! ... On a sale. SEEEE YAAAAAAA

[@Leaf__22]

this review is insanely good

[@SwitchUpYt]

Hey thanks!

[@LorenzoMella]

This game is amazingly detailed, with many more lines of dialogue and a deeper lore than its retro looks would suggest. The difficulty takes a while getting used to: it is challenging by design (but the frustrating aspects of the stamina mechanics may be disabled in the options menu). Overall though, the polish of this title is almost Hollow Knight-level imo. Of course it doesn’t have as much content as that title, but it is still a fairly sizeable quest.

[@spacemonkey4916]

For the longest time, while watching the video, I was trying to think what game does this remind me of... Other than Zelda 2?? After you said it in the video, it was moonlighter! which I appreciated. Such a great combo. Phenotopia looks like another game I need to add to the list. Another great video. Appreciate the reviews 😁

[@ziyaadahmedvajeth580]

Hey SwitchUp! Another fantastic review guys! Keep up the great work guys! 😎👍

[@rompevuevitos222]

Seems like this was a review of an early version, because i am actively having difficulty spending the money. I am nearing the final dungeon and i have well over 1500 gold, enough to buy all Tier 3 upgrades, except i already bought them and this is the left over money from that

[@ruthurban1959]

I was going to get this, but once I heard how hard the second boss is I’ll have to pass

[@robertrossi9364]

this is the game i wanted but had no idea about!! cant wait to get this

[@thatguysam9194]

So excited for this! Also love the videos!

[@SwitchUpYt]

Thanks mate

[@SomaKitsune]

?!?! I can't find it on the Australian eShop! It apparently released on August 20th! Anyone else in Australia having this problem? I tried to wishlist it through the Nintendo website but it said it couldn't acquire the product information... 😞

[@au-lacnguyen6831]

its going to be released in Australia on September 3rd, you can read more about it on the phoenotopia faq phoenotopia.com/questions/

[@packers12to80]

Yup...buying it lol. This and nexomon extinction which I got a physical copy coming ...can't wait.

[@Cissero]

Boy oh boy am I hyped for this one. It will be a wishlist item due to the backlog for now, but this is right up my alley. Cheers lads!

[@SwitchUpYt]

Cheers Ciserro! Mark

[@Bamschli]

I will buy it in three weeks hopefully. Looks like a lovely game.

[@kingoppsanti5830]

I love this game.