Lunistice

Given that its seven levels are highly replayable due to all those collectibles, plus a timer that gives you reason to strive for a S-tier run, and you can see why it’s easy to recommend this game.

Presenting itself modestly as “a simple and short experience”, Lunistice has masses to offer. A first run is maybe a handful of hours, but the thirst to retry is so strong it’s almost hard to move on to each new stage. Add the challenge of finding all the cranes and hidden items, avoiding resets, and setting faster times, plus unlockable characters with different moves, and it's a full and generous package. Launching at $4.99 or your regional equivalent, weighing in at a lean 600MB, and having a demo on the eShop, Lunistice is simply a must-try game.

Lunistice is an expertly designed 3D platform that succeeds at everything it sets out to do. Stages are well designed and replayable, platforming feels tight and responsive, and performance is perfect. Its only significant failing is how quickly it comes to an end, with many of its best ideas feeling underexplored. Lunistice feels like a tease of a hopefully much grander sequel that I can’t wait to play.

What makes Lunistice work is just how spot on the controls are. The gameplay here is very tight, which makes the platforming fun no matter how tough it gets. The stages can get a little long for my liking, but I appreciate how thoughtfully they are designed. You can find some very clever shortcuts if you keep your eyes open and have the guts to try. It’s not the lengthiest of games, but it’s a lot more substantial than most lower-cost 3D platformers on the Switch. If you like the genre, pick it up.

A little harmless platform fun - with a charming retro look and fine controls.

There are no safety nets, so Lunistice can feel like an extended tight-rope performance on its sky-high platforms. You’ll fall repeatedly, but with such an affordable price-point, it’s difficult to become too peeved.

Lunistice is a throwback to classic 3D platformers of yesteryear. While not particularly innovative, it's hard not to be charmed by its creative designs, incredible score, and frenetic movement.