'Switch' is an adorable and depressing condemnation of social media

By Gabe Gurwin July 12, 2016

Social media has become a nearly inescapable force, permeating our daily lives in a way that can often be very helpful. Catching up with old friends or attending a show is easier than ever thanks to Facebook, but social media also brings with it the “alone together” dilemma — people staring at their phones, not paying attention to the real world when the virtual is so much more interesting. Switch, a puzzle-platformer from Indian developer Threye Interactive, examines a dark, unpleasant reality: we may actually have fewer friends than ever.

Casting players as “I,” a letter separating from the other 25 members of the alphabet, the world of Switch is unbearably, and intentionally, lonely. “I” has lost “all meaningful contacts” in the world, and must repair the bonds that have deteriorated over the years in order reunite him with his friends. Two sides of his conscience — the famous angel and devil — try to convince you at the start of each level to stop playing or continue in your quest to win back I’s friends.

“I,” being a member of the alphabet, is capable of transforming between a capital and lower-case letter. This is where the titular “Switch” mechanic comes into play. In order to solve puzzles you must alternate between both states, and this transformation affects the story, as well. Threye says the evolution from lower-case to capital “I” reflects one’s maturity as they age, but it should allow for unique gameplay mechanics not seen in Playdead’s Inside, for example.

Switch is currently taking part in Square Enix’s “Collective” program, which allows you vote on independent projects to determine if the developers will seek crowdfunding support.

A small demonstration, embedded on the game’s Collective page, shows just how small “I” is in the context of the game’s world. “I” jumps in front of a mirror, expecting to see himself, but instead sees nothing at all. Without downplaying the pain of isolation, the game offers a route toward maturity and connection.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…

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In defense of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s polarizing ending

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Midway through 1997’s Final Fantasy VII, Cloud Strife walks up a small staircase and finds his companion, Aerith, kneeling on a small platform. She’s locked in prayer as holy-looking light streaks in through the windows around her. That serene moment gives way to a shocking tragedy. Aerith looks at Cloud and calmly smiles before the camera pans above her head. A black shadow bursts out of the light above her; it’s the villainous Sephiroth, massive sword in tow. Before Cloud can process what’s happening, Sephiroth plunges his sword through Aerith’s back, killing her.

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How to transfer data from Nintendo Switch to Switch OLED

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If you've picked up a new Nintendo Switch OLED, you already know that it's a substantial upgrade from the previous iterations of the console. What you may not know, however, is how to transfer your data from your old Switch to your new Switch OLED.

Unfortunately, the transfer process isn't as straightforward as you might expect, so it can be confusing to get things going. However, we've got all the details on how to migrate your user data from one Switch to another, even if you don't have access to your previous system and best Switch games. Here's how to transfer your data from your Switch to the Switch OLED.
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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: all piano sheet music locations and rewards

Cloud playing the piano in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

While there's no shortage of ways to distract yourself while playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, one of the most unexpected minigames is the surprisingly deep piano system. In most of the major hub towns you encounter across the expansive world, Cloud can find a piano to sit down at and tickle the keys. You're free to play any song you want in free play, but you can turn this system into a full-on rhythm game, almost like Guitar Hero, by collecting sheet music of some of the game's most iconic tracks. There's even an NPC near each piano who will reward you if you get a high enough rank on each song. Cloud may not be the most expressive in his words, but he can sure play the piano with heart. Here is where you can find all the sheet music and what rewards await if you can master them.
Where to find all sheet music

Sheet music, thankfully, isn't hidden away in chests or has to be purchased for crazy amounts of Gil, but a few do have some hidden requirements. Each new composition is found on a piano in the world and is free to snag once you sit down. Even if you don't feel like playing right then and there, make sure you always at least grab the music to add to your collection so you don't have to backtrack later and get it. There are eight in total to find, and some will only come later in the story, but none are missable once you open up fast travel back to previous areas. This is the natural order you can collect them.
On Our Way
Our first piece of music can be picked up once you hit Chapter 4. During this section, go to the Crow's Nest town in the Junon region, which you can only enter by doing the "When Words Won't Do" side quest. Once you complete this quest and can freely enter the town, hit up the bar and grab this tune.
Tifa's Theme
After a rather exciting cruise to Costa del Sol in Chapter 6, you can add this piece to your collection by making a quick stop at the fancy Royal Crown Hotel.
Barret's Theme
Not much further into the game in Chapter 7 you will visit Barret's old hometown of Corel. The Rock Bottom Bar is waiting with his song.
Cinco de Chocobo
Chapter 9 takes you through the town of Gongaga. Even a town way out in the forest has a piano, which means yet another song to snag.
Two Legs? Nothin' to it
One chapter later, in Chapter 10, you need to do a little exploring in Cosmo Canyon to find your way to the piano, but the icon on your map won't lead you astray.
Aerith's Theme
Perhaps the most iconic song in the entire game, if not the franchise, is hidden behind a completely optional side quest. Once you reach Chapter 11, return to Nibelheim and do the "White-Haired Angel" side quest. It may seem totally irrelevant, but the quest ends with you playing and collecting this song.
Let the Battles Begin!
Once you prove your skills and get an A rank or better on all prior songs, you will get this new one as a reward from the NPC Dorian next to all pianos.
One-Winged Angel
We're not sure if fighting Sephiroth or getting this song is harder. If you want to play this terrifying arrangement, you need to donate all 88 Treasure Trove items to Johnny. This more or less requires you to 100% the entire game
All song rewards
For every song you A rank, Dorian will give you a prize when you talk to him. Here's everything you can get: