Besides Some technical limitations, Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition offers the same experience as other modern home console versions do, with the added benefit of being both playable anywhere, anytime. This is the key deciding factor that should determine whether one should pick this version or not over others, as this lets you play and build the same world, both at home and on the go, without any major compromises. The Wii U offered that comfort already with off-TV mode whenever someone else would want to use the TV for something else, but the Switch does way with the limitations of being away from the system hooked to the TV since the system here is completely portable, and this the best version possible outside of the realm of PC.

Colors 3D is no doubt one of the best applications to grace the eShop and if you have an interest in drawing and art in general, you'll love it.

This Resident Evil 2 doesn't replace or overwrite its source game in the way 2002's Resident Evil did, but that doesn't mean it's a bad remake. Rather, it's one of the best the medium has seen; amplifying the underlying horror and replayability at the core of the franchise. Capcom has outdone itself in an era where they're not hurting for successes. Not for the faint of heart, but a survival horror masterpiece nonetheless, Resident Evil 2 sets a standard for good horror, good action, and damn good game design.

3D Classics: Kid Icarus is definitely worthy of its "Classic" title in this re-release for the Nintendo 3DS.

The initial bright and breezy atmosphere of 7 Days of Rose unravels into a darker psychological dive that is unexpected but cleverly executed. The plot twists surrounding rich girl Rose's seemingly ideal life that innocent bystander Michael peels back the layers of, combined with spectacularly beautiful scenes in this holiday tale, make for a visual novel that is hard to put down on Nintendo Switch.

Guitar Hero 5 sets a new precedent for how music games should be treated on Wii. Nintendo have clearly come out with the best version of the game thanks to Vicarious Visions' work in ensuring a healthy spread of modes, including ones only to be found on Wii that make fantastic use of the system.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is an epic, maximalist hack-and-slash that creeps into full-blown JRPG territory in terms of scale and scope. It's the kind of experience that is more than just an average video game and can become a hobby in itself due to the wealth of content and depth of the gameplay. While it is disappointing that Origins does not give players the full Three Kingdoms story, it's hard to complain when the core package can easily breach the 100-hour range for completionists. While some may miss the multiplayer modes, it was time for a Dynasty Warriors focused on the single-player, story-driven experience for fans.

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition is a must-own for anyone who enjoys a quality action title. Fans of 2D Zelda games will adore this for how it pays lip-service without being derivative. Heart Machine has triumphed by focusing on what people loved about action-adventures, while refining combat and challenge. In the beginning, some might be overwhelmed by the lack of direction; but those who dare to actually play will be greatly rewarded. The Switch Special Edition extras are neat, but the meat and potatoes that make up the sum of Hyper Light Drifter is still what makes it so great in the first place.

There is absolutely no denial that this game is very good, with a decent campaign to play through and an absolutely amazing online mode to sink hundreds of hours into. However, because it is this game's third incarnation on a Nintendo system, whether or not to purchase Resident Evil: Revelations will all come down to whether one wants to play it again, or whether or not it is their very first time. First-time players should not hesitate, as this is probably the best way to play this game - ever! Potential double- or even triple-dippers should simply consider what they are looking for. It is likely that the online mode won't be supported much longer on the older systems, and the Switch allows you to play it in the best conditions, save for the lack of means of communication with people met inside the game. Nothing can be taken away from how good the RAID mode is, though, so those who can't help but want more of it on the newest system shouldn't have any reasons to feel ashamed of themselves. It's a blast to blast oozes into oblivion.

It is an excellent sign when the range of negative points of a game are so few that they are of an almost insignificant nature. Temirana: The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights meets that criteria. The issues discovered are minor, and the strength of narrative and difference in each romance route are genius and plentiful, making it a top-class addition to the visual novel library on Nintendo Switch. A minority might be put off by how long each romance route takes, but for VN fans the longer the better! A sequel would be very well received too, such is the desire for more adventures from the not-so-cursed royal lady.

Telltale Games is definitely on a roll, with Episode 4: The Trial & Execution of Guybrush Threepwood not matching, but actually surpassing the previous three chapters overall in order to help continue the great revival of the Monkey Island brand.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon does exactly as hoped and brings a whole new audience to the series with a reinvention of sorts. It plays well, looks great, and has one of the simplest stories to understand fronted by Ichi, the most likeable protagonist so far. It was a bold move in it's radical approach to the combat system that has paid off spectacularly, when partnered with a wealth of sub-quests that never feel forced and always delight. If you are a long time Yakuza fan, take comfort in knowing that even in a new direction this not only holds up, but is the best in the series. For newcomers, go and grab one of the games of the year. Consider this reviewer converted.

An already amazing game made even better, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is superb in this upgraded format. Technically much more sound and with fun little extras, this is the definitive edition and a killer addition to the Switch 2 library. It's a shame that, ultimately, Zelda Notes is separate from the game, but it does add some great extra content for those willing to download and sync up.

Boasting the largest amount of content to date, Wario's latest entry is a masterclass in reinvention, breathing life into old games and somehow making the same three-second long mini-games fans have been playing for years feel new exciting. Just as fresh for series fanatics as it is for those who haven't yet delved into WarioWare's absurdist world, Gold is far more than just a collection of the series' best moments; it's an entirely new game, and a great one at that.

The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll takes the original concept of the first two games and pushes it to the next level.

Shovel Knight became an instant classic for a reason, and the ability to pack it up and take it anywhere makes it a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch. Available as a standalone app or as a collection of all three campaigns, the titular Shovel Knight has dug his way into the hearts of Nintendo fans everywhere, and the ability to take the game anywhere makes the Nintendo Switch the ultimate platform to experience the Shovel Knight phenomenon.

A Rat’s Quest: The Way Back Home - Season 1 is the game players wished licensed titles bought back in the 90s-2000s were going to be. It feels like a full Pixar movie to play and participate in. The production value is through the roof across every single area, and no compromises were made to tell the best story in video games in a long time. A Rat’s Quest: The Way Back Home - Season 1 is definitely a must-buy for those who love 3D platformers and great narrative experiences.

Streets of Rage 4 does a textbook job of balancing between the new and the old. It will appease veterans as a solid update for the series that doesn't skip on fan service either. It's quite admirable how the direction for almost every element, from presentation, animation, music, and story, all adhere to a consistency and aim for a high watermark. For newcomers it's an easy one to recommend as well, as it is easy to understand, and is built upon core mechanics that engage continually when in play, all wrapped up in a modern looking package. It is unfettered by the du jour ideals that can often belie the essence of or memory of the originals. One could even argue that it supersedes them, though time will tell if this is the case.

For the price-point of this DLC, it is hard to fault the amount of content offered up. This is most definitely the template for The Creative Assembly to continue forward with when it comes to future DLC for Total War: Three Kingdoms. The overarching conflict is an intriguing one, and the presence of the mysterious Yellow Turban faction really freshen things up in the campaign side. On top of the six new factions, the DLC also renews the interest in some of the existing warlords, with the ability to experience them under completely different circumstances than previously. This isn't a DLC for gameplay additions, but the play style adjustments in the campaign to the core gameplay loop do enough to keep things interesting.

Just as the Professor Layton games mix a good mystery story betwixt its brain-teasing collection, Crime Lab: Body of Evidence comes complete with a tale of its own.

Far Cry 5, while having some issues, such as the janky AI and a rather far-fetched plot, more than makes up for these things with some compelling and truly innovative approaches from Ubisoft. There is a real sense that it put a lot of love back into a series that over the last spin-off and fully-fledged entry was possibly becoming mundane.

It is a well-designed, challenging, fun, evocative experience that rewards multiple play-throughs.

Aside from the absence of proper pointer controls in docked mode, The Inner World: The Last Wind Monk takes everything that was good about the first game, improves on all the things that were not quite as good, and still delivers the same magical universe but expanded upon, then served in a more swift and reactive way than previously. What this means is that while the previous title was a point-and-click title with a charming universe well worth checking out, this one elevates itself above that by fixing what needed to be fixed and manages to offer quite an exquisite experience overall that keeps the player hooked thanks to the sum of all of its qualities.

There is nothing out there that plays or feels quite like Pikmin. This might be part of the reason why it hasn't "exploded more in sales," as Shigeru Miyamoto put it in a July Nintendo Ask the Developer interview, pertaining to, though not directly, a little bit of that "difficulty" he describes. It could also be posited that there is a factor of abstraction to being the sole agent in control of every facet of one's own fate (a factor that was attributed erroneously to The Last Guardian as a criticism, too), preventing it from mass appeal. It's not helped by the fact that Pikmin 4 has been put out at a time relatively close to Nintendo's behemoth The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and an otherwise already hugely stacked year for video games. Make no mistake about it, though, Pikmin 4 is one of the best video game releases of 2023.

Even with its handful of changes, or regretful omissions, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King on 3DS is a grandiose adventure that manages to evolve the series in terms of technical achievement and presentation, story-telling and overall convenience. It takes advantage of the enhancements of technology to help make this adventure a joy to work through, unlike some older RPGs can be nowadays.

SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is a dramatically improved iteration in almost all aspects. The only area where it disappoints is the sloppily applied AI filtering effect for the once-beautiful watercolour backgrounds. The wealth of new features, restored story content, and refined gameplay has finally made this classic PlayStation RPG all that it can be and more. The medieval German flavour and political intrigue with fantasy elements will make this a hit with fans of Game of Thrones, and gamers that felt disappointed by it when it came out will have renewed appreciation thanks to the gameplay enhancements.

Final Fantasy IV is still a cult-classic, even after all those years, and it should be highly recommended to any fan of the series and/or the genre.

The Xbox brand has taken great strides in diversifying its portfolio of first party offerings, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps is quite literally genre-defining. Slightly more linear in nature than its predecessor, Will of the Wisps still manages to make exploration feel fresh and traversal fluid. Stunning graphics, a wholesome and immersive soundtrack, tight controls and fun varied combat truly make Ori and the Will of the Wisps a must-own for Xbox Series X|S owners.

I could say it in a thousand different ways, but let's put it simply: whether you already have this game or not, you have to buy Chrono Trigger DS, because it's just one of the best RPGs ever, if not one of the best games ever.

Inazuma Eleven 2: FireStorm / Blizzard is a wonderful follow-up to what was already a fantastic concept, expertly blending an intriguing RPG adventure with some highly skilful touch-screen football fun.

Immersive, challenging, and personable, Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth on Nintendo 3DS is an excellent RPG that balances both difficulty and customisation with a considerable amount of care.

Nothing has changed here - this is still the same fantastic World of Goo that was so loved back on WiiWare, and now comes with the handy feature of including not only motion controls from the Wii version, but touch input from the mobile edition, as well as a great two-player feature and instant access to the atmospheric soundtrack. The core puzzles are as dastardly as ever, and feel just as fresh as they ever did, with numerous ways to solve them…and numerous ways to epically fail! Highly challenging, highly addictive, and, more than ever, leaving a thirst for a true sequel, World of Goo is a must for any Nintendo Switch owner.

Codemasters has delivered a masterful racing experience with F1 2020. Despite the heavy jargon-filled opening, there are plenty of helpful tutorials that break down everything to make this easy-to-understand for those who may not necessarily be car enthusiasts. For those who are after a deep and engrossing racing experience, the My Team Career mode is a joy to play through, with plenty of features to deep-dive into that extends across many hours. Whether playing online or offline, the developer has put forth one of the best racing experiences that can be enjoyed by F1 fans or newcomers alike.

Treasure-like in its level of sheer ingenuity, Dakko Dakko's Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails is the sort of addictive shooter that is a must-own for Wii U owners and belies its initially brief appearance in the length stakes.

The Walking Dead: The Final Season - Episode 1: Done Running lays down a strong foundation for upcoming events of the season, although it focuses strongly on re-establishing past events and linking them to current ones. It ends on a strong cliffhanger that is going to make the wait until next month's release really hard. The story delivery is the strongest seen so far, with improved presentation and voice acting being as good as ever.

Inazuma Eleven 2: FireStorm / Blizzard is a wonderful follow-up to what was already a fantastic concept, expertly blending an intriguing RPG adventure with some highly skilful touch-screen football fun.

Part of Inbento's appeal is the strong cat theme, which matched with cute puzzles to solve, makes it a good fit for the Nintendo Switch. The desire to find out what happens to the cat characters is motivation when facing a tough puzzle that seems unsolvable. The limited number of moves is not as limiting as it sounds because there is no limit to how many times the puzzle can be attempted, nor are there time limits, making it easy to dip in and out.

The Spectre's Call is definitely the second best out of the four entries in the Professor Layton series so far, though, and a fantastic treat just in time for the holiday period.

Tekken 8 delivers a fantastically fun package worthy of the price tag. Stylish, narrative driven and not bogged down by the fluff of other recent games in the fighting genre. Offline modes have not been forgotten and time has been taken to ensure that this is not only the best in the series to date, but currently the only real option for any players looking to experience fighting games emphasising fun over funding.

Undoubtedly, there are those who will not enjoy it. However, for the brave adventurers whose idea of a good time is dark dungeons full of twisted halls, it is a highly rewarding experience.

A free-running joy at home or on the go, N++'s tricky yet gratifying array of platformer puzzle levels ensures a worthwhile purchase, and the online options only extend its already considerable lifespan. With single- and multiplayer options fitting the Switch's form factor and detachable controller attributes like a glove, N++ is a strong consideration for top indie game on the eShop.

The definitive version of Judgment is here! It is an almost perfect blend of incredible details and mechanics reinforced by a huge technical upgrade. A long and impressive title that takes the Ryu Ga Gotoku game design and maxes it out for a new side story while their main game goes in another direction. Heartily recommended!

Old School Musical wear it's inspirations on its sleeves, but manages to find its own path. There's a lot to do beyond the main story, and with different difficulty modes (which you can change at the start of each level) there's a lot of game to see here. While it isn't without its faults, Old School Musical is absurdly fun, and worthy of a place in any Switch owners library who fancies themselves a fan of music.

Engaging characters and dramatic plot twists teamed with a stellar soundtrack make Mary Skelter Finale one of the best dungeon crawling RPGs on Nintendo Switch. Replayability will happen if the true ending is not reached as all will want the beloved characters to get their final happy ending, and also for the pure joy of being with such a unique lovable cast. Issues such as enemy visuals in battle and at times frustratingly difficult puzzles do not detract much from the overall enjoyment of the final title in the Mary Skelter trilogy whose traumatic start and heart-warming conclusion leaves a memorable imprint on gamers' hearts.

A true gem amongst a lot of bile in the Wii's software library.

It is long and it moves slowly with its story, with lots of things to see and do on the side, and levelling up being very slow; however, it never gets boring and manages to hook players with a loveable story and characters served masterfully through witty dialogue, good visuals (if not technically very impressive), and a fantastic soundtrack by maestro Sugiyama-san.

The realistic, in depth elements of rice farming combined with honing fighting skills plus surprising character revelations and development make Sakuna of Rice and Ruin a magnificent game. Sakuna's personal growth is a pleasure to watch. Her reason for living is tested to the limit, she learns to serve others rather than herself, and has to make a sacrifice that she would not have made if faced with the same decision at the start of the game. The balanced emphasis on farming and fighting provides a great variety of tasks to undertake, providing dozens of hours of fun. The delay in the game's original planned release was worth the wait.

There's nuance to every aspect of gameplay, from the Press Turn battle system to Demon fusion and recruitment. As true in 2021 as it was in 2003, Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster is nothing short of a must-play RPG.

For fans of superheroes and fans of fighters, this is a very shiny product. With more characters confirmed to be joining the roster, it's only going to get shinier.

Nintendo has woven a very distinctive approach to the strategy genre, and Pikmin 3 a prime candidate for your Wii U collection.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga has not lost any of its charm over the past decade and a half, plus looks better than ever now on Nintendo 3DS thanks to its new lick of paint. Humorous, addictive, inventive - everything that made the Game Boy Advance original so addictive returns, with some handy touch screen shortcuts added into the mix, and a pleasant side game in the form of the Bowser's Minions RTS quest. With this, Paper Jam Bros. and Bowser's Inside Story, the Mario & Luigi series shows it is still going from strength to strength thanks to the genius team at AlphaDream.

Each of the Disney worlds completely captures the magic of the movies, plucking the heartstrings and embracing the nostalgia. This is exactly what fans of the series wanted and, best of all, somehow, someway, all the crazy plot threads are dragged together, kicking and screaming, into an utterly satisfying conclusion. The prospect of Kingdom Hearts III being the end of the road is a sad one. Sora's tale may be over, but there are so many other Disney worlds left to explore. The world needs a Moana level with Mau'i helping to take on a huge Tamatoa boss. Wreck it Ralph deserved its own levels, as did The Incredibles, and so many more. Here's hoping, one day, Kingdom Hearts will return.

This is right up there with Super Metroid in terms of sheer class, taking the spirit of Metroid II: Return of Samus and transforming it so wondrously for the modern day that it is barely recognisable, with a plethora of brand-new extras thrown in.

Dragon Quest XI on Switch is a masterpiece of the genre that is only held back by unfortunate occasional crashes during extended play sessions, which we can only hope will be annihilated entirely shortly after release, and a 2D mode that doesn't feel perfectly integrated into the Switch experience. It is therefore not perfect... but came darn close!

Rune Factory 4 Special is a near perfect farming and RPG title. The frustrating elements are outweighed by the gorgeous styled graphics, the immersiveness of the plot, and the sheer joy that comes from playing this remastered game. It raises high hopes for the upcoming fifth instalment in the series, and it can perhaps be considered a masterpiece.

This is easily the best LEGO title released so far, and also easily the best Marvel game produced, full stop.

The Journey Down: Chapter Two offers more and better story content than Chapter One did, exactly like was hoped. Things bode well for the finale and this chapter elevates the overall feel of the trilogy so far from a status of good point-and-click adventure to something more special than the first chapter taken on its own merits may have led some to expect.

Episode 3 Lair of the Leviathan is every bit as good as the last two entries, if not better thanks to some much-welcomed tweaks.

While it is annoying that Bloody Palace mode is not available day one, it is coming as a free update on April 1st. Capcom has proved this gen that they are truly the best at 3D action games. They took some bold risks with the style and realistic flavour, and it pays off by taking on this new look that has never been seen before in any videogame. Even spectators are going to be extremely entertained by the spectacle that it Devil May Cry 5. Everything feels so fresh, and the advancements in the controls and fluidity in animation makes playing this refined masterpiece so hard to put down.

A comprehensive mission-driven campaign, boundless tools and tiles and additional themes serve up a tonne of potential for creators. Super Mario Maker 2 offers a canvas to create a truly authentic Super Mario Bros. experience.

Swords, Sorcery, and Whimsy unite, in this fun feudal take on the Tower Defence Genre. Solid mechanics backed by exceptional use of the hardware's unique properties, and extensive content for the solo player as well as the many, make CastleStorm a worthy acquisition to adorn any Switch home screen.

This release is an indispensable addition to any Switch fan's collection of masterpieces, only really let-down by the absence of any plans for a physical release, at least at the time of writing.

Mitchell Corporation have given the DS yet another top quality puzzler, and simultaneously revitalized a classic gaming concept for a new generation.

A good RPG has an intriguing story, likeable characters, appealing music that can be listened to for many hours on end, and a satisfactory conclusion. Alphadia Genesis by KEMCO ticks all these boxes, and then some. Any predictability in the RPG tale is countered with other plot twists that can make many to cry at the end, something countered by the plentiful humour throughout the tale. It will get replayed in due course because leaving the characters at the end was hard: their personalities are memorable, and being with them is an enjoyable experience.

It seems that repetition is winning the day, so if at first you don't succeed try try again. The complexities and permutations in Deathloop are initially overwhelming and confusing, the intro attempts to explain so much by way of plot, mechanics and characterisation in a very short space of time. However, work past this point and the fun begins, with a sense of exploration and an arsenal of weapons and attacks making combat feel very rewarding. The story, despite at times being told through messages and text is well voiced acted, despite the incessant need to swear. Pulling off stealth kills or killing one of the eight main characters after figuring out how to infiltrate their plans makes players feel they have outwitted their computer counterpart. If there was one title to buy on PlayStation 5 right now that is truly next gen, then make sure Deathloop is at the top of that list.

Ubisoft have created an amazing adventure.

Logiart Grimoire is a simple game, and yet it's obvious that the developers have poured a lot of thought and love into it. The whole theming of this title is amazing, and it is truly great to play and uncover more chapters and puzzles over time. Emil is a great companion and friend, and the puzzles are both relaxing and challenging. This is a must-have for anyone that loves Picross.

The few performance issues aren't enough to keep Lonely Mountains: Downhill from being a must-have for Switch owners, whether a racing fan or not. The result of this masterful mix of the beauty and serenity of nature, and the gripping challenge of extreme mountain biking, is a genuine classic, one with an insane replay value hidden behind its simple concept.

Shadow Labyrinth's strengths lie in its bold reinvention of Pac-Man as a cosmic horror tale, with tight combat and a richly detailed world. The UGSF connections are a treat for Namco fans, nostalgic callbacks without pandering. It’s a love letter to Namco’s arcade roots, twisted into a dark, ambitious epic that swings for the fences. For those craving a fresh take on a classic or just need a solid Metroidvania, it’s a haunting journey worth taking. While Bomberman's grimdark reinvention was a huge misfire, it's surprising just how much Shadow Labyrinth works as a strange and twisted take on such a cartoony concept.

Chicken Police - Paint it Red! is a total good surprise. It hits every nail squarely on the head and leaves the player with a satisfying sense of accomplishment, while being a ruddy good time all the way through. Yes, the English written script leaves something to be desired and should totally be fixed as soon as possible, meaning it's not perfect in that sense. It is also somewhat short for the price but this is something we can more easily let slide when a game is just consistently enjoyable all the way through like it is here. Lovers of animals, film noir, adult humour, police mysteries and point n' click adventures... all of the above are likely to find a lot to be liked about this piece of software.

Elden Ring serves as a testament to open world video game design. There is a true sense of accomplishment once that rock-hard enemy has been slain and, something that compels a player to relentlessly do it over and over again until they succeed is truly rewarding. The world is humongous and an epitome of how exploration should be encouraged, by intriguing players to see what is over the hill. Elden Ring is an unmissable, must-play, gaming experience with surprises galore.

Halo is back to its best with Halo Infinite, tight controls, and seriously thirst-quenching gunplay that feels so intuitively satisfying. Traversal has been improved hugely by the addition of the grappleshot, allowing Master Chief to zip around at speed, as well as adding a unique element for multiplayer matches. A particular dampener has to be directed at the online multiplayer, which is riddled with cheaters, but, if they were to be removed then the multiplayer offers a solid free-to-play experience that is fast and frantic. Halo Infinite, alongside a number of other Xbox first-party titles is a great addition to Xbox Game Pass, and it is certainly a marquee game that warrants a subscription to the service.

This is one of the most engrossing experiences you will find on the market at this time, and the game is still so addictive, so well-formed and lengthy as ever, only with the refinements of modern games slotted in seamlessly.

Hal Laboratory and Nintendo smashed it out of the park with Kirby and the Forgotten Land, adding yet another gem to the already stacked Switch library. No, it's not the most challenging or taxing gameplay experience going, but that's not what one should expect from Kirby either. Perhaps it could be described as the perfect palate cleanser or antidote to those more difficult experiences - and more importantly, unlike those titles, doesn't require as many caveats to its recommendation. For those who enjoy their character designs round, this will likely appease, but at the end of the day, it's just… fun!

As one of the highlights in the Nintendo Wii U software library to date, LEGO City Undercover blends together a large, compelling open world to explore with fun, suitably cheesy action sequences that can appeal to both young and old.

It's almost incredible how well Cave Story has managed to stand the test of time. It isn't a particularly old title, but its limited resources and one-man development team seem like a recipe for a dated entry. Instead, it manages to justify its existence in any given generation with each re-release. The Island has yet to lose its lustre, the characters their charm, and the level design that sweet balance of difficulty, which makes defeating a challenging boss or getting through a brutal platforming section all the more satisfying. Beneath the surface lies a poignant narrative about the consequences of war that takes itself surprisingly seriously without compromising the overall whimsical mood. Cave Story+ isn't just a good game in 2017; it's downright impressive.

Marvelous have absolutely succeeded in making Rune Factory 3 Special endearing to newer fans despite some obvious differences compared with the newer Rune Factory titles. It remains a great blend of RPG farming and fighting, the latter can be focused on for farming aficionados, holding off main story progression until it is desired. The comprehensive post-game content that is not conditional on various requirements only adds to the experience. Let's hope Rune Factory 1 and 2 receive similar treatments in the future!

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker caps off the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga in a near perfect fashion. The storytelling on display vastly outshines the hit or miss quest design. The English voice acting deserve praise for consistent performances of both old and new characters backed by great directing. The dungeons and trials are some of the best in the game that continue to offer escalating challenges while keeping to consistent visual language. Each zone has a unique visual style and tale to tell in this final chapter, despite one or two having a rather slow introduction. All rounded out by a masterwork soundtrack, this MMORPG continues to prove that it shouldn't be missed.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade arrives on Switch 2 with a confidence that immediately sets it apart from the competition, delivering an experience that feels both ambitious and assured from the moment the journey begins. The heart of the remake beats strongly throughout, with Midgar’s drama, intimacy, and spectacle preserved in a form that feels remarkably complete on hybrid hardware. The adaptation shows clear intent, shaping its presentation with care so the emotional weight of every scene lands exactly as it should. The world retains its grandeur, the characters retain their depth, and the adventure retains its power to sweep players into something far larger than the sum of its parts. The result is a version that feels consistently engaging, impressively cohesive, and far more polished than many would expect from such a lavish production running on a portable system. Intergrade’s additional content enriches the experience further, offering moments of charm, energy, and narrative texture that round out an already substantial adventure. This release stands as a testament to what a thoughtful adaptation can achieve, proving that scale and spectacle need not be sacrificed for accessibility. A beloved classic has been reimagined once more, and the hard work gone into it ensures that its magic remains undeniable on Switch 2.

Tetris Effect Connected is one big psychedelic trip that Xbox owners were previously missing out on. There is such a variety in themes, music, and game modes that it is unbelievable that developers still find a way to innovate, iterate and make, ostensibly, a puzzle game from the 1980s feel new and desirable to play. There is enough depth here in the multiplayer modes to retain the attention of Tetris players beyond the relatively short Journey and Effects modes, albeit many will chase their own tail to better their rankings and high scores. At the time of writing Tetris Effect Connected is available on Game Pass Ultimate so there is no real excuse to not give this a chance.

Pokémon Pokopia could well be the Animal Crossing of Nintendo Switch 2. A familiar world that needs rejuvenation, brimming with potential and a cast of colourful favourites to join the ride. Pokopia has a surprising amount of depth, encouraging both exploration and more structured missions to keep the fun flowing. With almost boundless craft and customisation, the game highlights the strength of the hardware - a technical showcase of a world that rarely stutters, if at all. As a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Pokémon Pokopia has the potential to become a system seller; a cosy essential with a sprinkling of Pokémon nostalgia.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a superbly pleasurable puzzle effort with a wonderfully crafted storyline draped over it. Definitely one of the finest on the Nintendo DS.

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition is a well put together piece of software with a great attention to little details, set in a universe of folklore and culture which is exotic enough in the video game industry to feel highly original, and with a huge deal of humour thrown into the mix for good measure.

Mario Party Superstars is a comeback tour for the series, a love letter to frantic marathon runs and celebrates Mario Party in a truly spectacular way. An impressive package that's stitched together with striking visuals, an upgraded soundtrack and robust online play.

At a glance Pokémon X and Pokémon Y did seem like a standard leap in numbers and a new look, but upon diving into the new world, it's more than just a pair of new Pokémon games.

At a glance Pokémon X and Pokémon Y did seem like a standard leap in numbers and a new look, but upon diving into the new world, it's more than just a pair of new Pokémon games.

Guilty Gear -Strive- is a superb entry in the 2D Fighter genre, and has the looks, sounds, and stability to back the claim. While smaller compared to other titles, the initial roster of fifteen fighters feels distinct, and most picks have a fitting theme to complement their personality and playstyle. The Story Mode does a great job showcasing who these characters are, while providing a good narrative to boot - and while the act of getting matched with other players can be a pain, the online play experience is incredibly solid. Let's rock!

A worthy choice for people new to the series, yet providing enough new functionality for fans, as well, these jewels are worth preserving.

Deltarune is a subversive epic that defies conventions and keeps the laughs coming every minute of its lengthy runtime. The most staggering aspect of it is that this isn't even its final form. Purchasing Deltarune chapters 1-4 is a ticket for the eventual chapters 5-7, which will expand the scope of the story and surely take things in an unpredictable direction if the conclusion of chapter 4 is anything to go by. Undertale wasn't without its faults and neither is Deltarune, but once the story, gags, and characters unfold, it's the kind of game that lingers, leaving a powerful and unforgettable experience. It's the kind of lasting impression that supersedes flaws.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is the culmination of several trial ideas tested across various formats over the years since the release of Kingdom Hearts II and succeeds in being the strongest of the side-stories so far.

A worthy choice for people new to the series, yet providing enough new functionality for fans, as well, these jewels are worth preserving.

It may be a matter of preference when it comes to what Zen Pinball title is the best. It may be due to the fact that the Star Wars universe is more universally recognisable than Marvel's, for instance, but this particular title truly feels like the pinnacle of its pinball games so far.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 is a monstrously huge JRPG packed with epic scenes and powerful emotional moments. There's so much to explore and experience in a stunning world set to inspiring music. Missing multiplayer is definitely a blow, and for some, a potential dealbreaker, but what’s here is an outstanding, incredibly fun experience that feels like the start of a lasting legacy. Capcom should take note of what this team has pulled off; the future looks bright, and Twisted Reflection sends a clear message: this spin-off could potentially supplant the main series.

It's not often that you find a Metroidvania that actually measures up to its models, while still managing to put its own attractive spin on the old formula. Record of Lodoss War -Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth- absolutely delivers and manages to capture the Symphony of the Night look and feel brilliantly, while still being its own title. There are only two real drawbacks that keep the experience from being perfect: performance can have dips, manifested with slowdown rather than dropped frames, but only in circumstances where it doesn't affect gameplay at all. Then, newcomers to the Record of Lodoss War universe will be left completely lost as to who the characters are, and how they relate to one another, making the story tough to care for. Everything else however feels perfect and proved memorable in a way that Konami's eponymous franchise always managed to deliver with its 2D incarnations.

Judgement is by far one of the better entries in the Yakuza franchise. It is a gritty detective story, with a killer in it that is legitimately scary, thanks to the performances. The Dragon Engine getting a boost from the new generation of consoles shows how Judgement was meant to be played, with extremely short load times and buttery smooth 60 frames per second that is unwavering. Judgement may be second to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, but being second to the best is a great place to be.

Much like the original Wii release, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an excellent Kirby adventure, packed full of heart, classic gameplay and dipped in a delicious HD upgrade. Throw in bonus modes, collectable content, and backstory for a truly definitive platforming experience. It's unfortunate that there's no online co-op play, but both single and local couch-play are an absolute joy from the opening title.

Hyrule Warriors is an outstanding crossover of The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors with addictive gameplay, a slick presentation, and a lot of content.

It's one of the best 2D platformers currently on the market and a fantastic example of an indie hit.