Another Code: Recollection recontextualises two of gaming's most obscure and heartfelt stories into a single cohesive whole, improving upon them in almost every way and providing a much wider audience with a chance to enjoy the adventure of Ashley Robbins. There are some rough edges here and there but the games are overwhelmingly a slow yet excellent journey that really ought to be experienced by everyone who can stomach the pacing. Melancholic, nostalgic adventures that come highly recommended!

Outside of a few complaints such as overlooked titles, a lack of crossplay, and this collection only encompassing the arcade editions, this is once again a meaty package of fighting games. The appeal will be in the Capcom vs. SNK duo, but by adding in a few deep cuts, it ensures other gems get their chance to shine.

Rocket League is showing no signs of slowing down, and why should it? Psyonix's RC car-footie combo is an esports favourite, and now even more players can see what the fuss is all about on Nintendo Switch. A visual downgrade is acceptable given that this plays exactly the same as the other versions, with cross-play to ensure the pool of opponents remains large online. A strong recommendation for any Switch owner - even for those who have it on another platform! After all, what Rocket League fan wouldn't want to train and match up on the go?

Finally bolting from the Sony Stables, the epic adventure of Cloud and company has lost little of its lustre over the years, retaining the complex narrative elements and magic customisation features that give modern games a run for their money. The sound bug issues are unfortunate, and inexcusable given the age of this version of the game, but what is retained remains as great in 2019 as it was upon release.

With an intriguing story, classic horror and mystery tropes that align with the style and concepts behind its inspiration, in particular HP Lovecraft, The Horror at Highrook is a compelling and enjoyable investigation digital board game. It is not always obvious how to proceed, but a little determination proves rewarding and entertaining as you uncover the truth behind the cast of characters and the mansion they are investigating. It is a one-shot experience, though, so don’t let the board game aesthetic fool you.

Is This Seat Taken? is a charming logic puzzle game that can be beaten in just a few hours. The entirety of its playtime is enjoyable, with a touching little story and great difficulty curve that builds up to some real challenge towards the end. With no real penalty for taking it slow, though, the game can still be beaten and the story experienced even by non-puzzle fans.

The combat and design can be quite niche and challenging to newcomers. That being said, though, for fans of the series, this is a superb addition. It may not have much of a narrative, but the focus on gameplay and new additions make this a fantastic amalgamation worthy of its price-tag.

Assuming the player has an Aim controller this could be the definitive way to experience the story and world of DOOM 3 out of all of the ports and versions. The minute-to-minute gameplay is satisfying and punchy accentuated by the player being face first in the action and horror. Highly recommended to horror lovers who are in search of an action-oriented VR experience.

Return of the Obra Dinn is without a doubt a thinking man/woman's piece of crumpet. It is someone that you can take out on a date and have a riveting conversation with, but then scratch your head about some of the things they've said afterwards. There's not a lot of replay value here and a lot of the fun is over whence all discoveries have been made and confirmed. That said, it is a, mostly, to-the-point adventure, and it is because of this focus that Return of the Obra Dinn works so well. It's certainly not going to be for everyone, and may even sound boring to some, but as long as there's no expectation for split second thrills (beyond that of what is depicted in the memories, which can be thrilling), you will find an excellent puzzle experience with a more than shipshape presentation.

Not without its weaknesses, the conclusion to Telltale's Guardians of the Galaxy series nonetheless takes things out on a high note. It's clear that Telltale's storytelling and gameplay are wearing out their welcome, so hopefully the teased follow-up season will do more to reinvigorate this shaky franchise. Despite this, if the earlier episodes had you wondering whether Guardians of the Galaxy would amount to anything, well, don't stop believin'.

There are things that are easy to point out as flaws, such as the unnecessary and weird flying battle system, but the root of Dragon Star Varnir is solid. The story is interesting, the characters create a curiosity to see where the plot goes, and the darker tone is so revitalizing to the genre. Yes, anime tropes exist, but when the plot revolves around girls trying to save their life from the creature growing within them, a lot of these issues can be overlooked. The beautiful artwork of the characters, the graphics of the dungeon, the music are all high points, adding the cool plot brings this package to a high recommended level for JRPG players.

Pikmin proved to be quite a revelation when first released, and its charm is not only still there today, but magnified by the inclusion of some very intuitive Wii Remote motion controls and a few other extras to keep fans happy.

Like all the finest indie titles, Moonlighter has such a simple premise but is done so masterfully it becomes fantastically addictive - from the basic combat, to the Resident Evil style bag management, to upgrading the shop, to selling the goods; every aspect feels great. Combine this with the charming old-school art and you have got a clear winner on your hands. The only real negative is how short the game is and how the story feels a little lightweight. Moonlighter also feels like it would be even better on Switch, so keep an eye out for Cubed3's review of that version soon!

Episode four is the good kind of unremarkable for a Telltale game. It maintains the quality storytelling and action that has been present throughout this season while fixing the technical difficulties from the last chapter. It's nothing revolutionary for Minecraft: Story Mode, but it really doesn't need to be. It just needs to be entertaining and engaging through its two-hour runtime, and that's something that it manages to do with ease.

Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! combines the classic pastimes of horse racing and solitaire into an easy to pick-up-and-play puzzle game, with humorous dialogue and hours of enjoyable content…so long as it's played in short bursts.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2 is neither a better nor a worse game than its predecessor. It improves upon it on many levels, but also does take a few steps back in others, mostly in its RAID mode, which, while still a thoroughly enjoyable and recommendable experience, does not quite replicate the excellence of its big brother's by trying to appeal to a broader audience with a lower difficulty. The campaign here, however, is a lot more interesting this time around, and is an absolute highlight in split-screen co-op on the same console, offering a kind of local multiplayer experience the likes of which is not often enough seen on home consoles these days. Shame the campaign can't be enjoyed online for people who don't have a trusty Player-2 at hand's reach! Please, Capcom, though, fix these loading times, because it's hard to believe that with the game installed onto a SD card, the game couldn't load any faster than this.

Amerzone: The Explorer's Legacy is a fantastic adventure game and a great remake. What Microids has created here is a great tribute to Sokal's original work, producing something far more lavish and accomplished that manages to carry the charm and emotion that the storytelling deserves. A real good 'un!

The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit is just what it says on the tin - one that serves up a variety of unique and interactive toys to build. Through a brilliant interface and robust card shapes, the kit offers hours of DIY building fun - with an interactive pay-off. The mini-games are somewhat short, leaning more towards concept pieces, but with the Labo Garage included, it creates limitless possibilities to explore and invoke a little mischief, too!

It's completely understandable why Neo Cab wouldn't be for everyone. A completely unique experience of this kind could alienate, and make it difficult to justify taking a punt without an in-depth examination of what to expect. Take the chance however, and an immersive, fascinating commentary on the evils of technology interspersed with a murder-mystery novel, are delivered. If excellent pacing and a character driven narrative are the major plus points when handing over the cash, sit back, strap in, and enjoy the journey. With the multiple endings on offer, and only a few hours needed to go from start to finish, the Switch feels like the perfect place to meet new people, embroil yourself in their lives, and appreciate the highs and lows of cyberpunk couriering.

Madison VR is a real thrilling port of this horror title and is an example of just how immersive the genre can be when played in this medium. The original gameplay is expertly translated into the VR space and indeed arguably amplified by it. From a sound and atmosphere perspective, this is a premium experience – even if at times other games on the Meta Quest have offered a bit more of the tactile interactable objects. Some of those quality of life and accessibility features could use improvements and may put some people off. However, it’s so easy to get lost in this world and taken over by the creepy atmosphere that overlooking some of the missing features is relatively easy to do.

For a series that has been away for so long, it hasn't missed a step; stuffed full of fan-service for followers of whichever flavour of Marvel is present. The combat is mashy, but meaty and feels really satisfying when the synergy is just right. This is most fun in co-op, yet is also marvellous in solo. There's a mammoth amount of replayability thanks to grinding through, levelling each of the characters up, taking on the Infinity Trials, and a challenging New Game+ to overcome, not to mention the new content to come with the Season Pass. For a long time now, it's been great to be a Marvel fan, and now Ultimate Alliance 3 is another reason why.

The fact that a game with this style of presentation works so well to make you feel uncomfortable and creep you out is a testament to how well written and designed it is. It would have been easy to put too much of one thing or another in it so that the subtle balance of it all would be lost and this adventure feel like a complete mess, but that's not the case. It's a truly disturbing story that demands using your imagination to perceive this as more than a bunch of huge pixels on a screen, and this involvement is part of what makes the cake lift at the end of the day, and that is a genuine tour de force. That's not to say that it's perfect, as some things are not always executed brilliantly, and yet, in the end, the atmosphere and immersion are not spoiled by such little shortcomings, and the experience ultimately still comes highly recommended.

Spindle is a delightful little action‑adventure that wears its retro influences proudly while layering in thoughtful narrative, expressive characters, and a surprisingly weighty theme about death and what comes after. The controls are responsive, and the visuals are quite nice to behold. If you’re a fan of top‑down 2D adventures, keen on something both light and meaningful, this is a worthwhile play. If you crave groundbreaking mechanics or very long playtimes, you may find it a bit short and familiar, but there are hidden trinkets to find and side quests to help pad your play time if you want to go for the completionist route.

Granted, outside of the Gundam games, there is little variety for mech combat games, but what is found in Zone of the Enders The 2nd Runner: Mars can be described as an old, almost forgotten game, being polished up into a fine piece of treasure. It's a hidden gem to many and a doorway to nostalgia for others. The updated gameplay that runs at a smooth 60fps and native 4K makes it feel as though it is an imagination developed in today's time. The work of Hideo Kojima is lovely, even from slightly older eyes, and it's an exciting movement from Konami that raises hopes for other works of art to be re-released soon.

For long-time fans of the franchise, this is an easy recommendation. For newcomers, it’s perhaps best approached with measured expectations and a bit of patience. Either way, Mega Man Star Force: Legacy Collection stands as a worthwhile addition to the Nintendo Switch library and a fitting second life for a trilogy that never got the attention it deserved.

Joining many other quality examples of its genre on Switch, Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse continues the series' excellent storytelling and puzzle structure, with what is sure to please both fan and newcomer alike with fiendish brainteasers and the optional hint system. A more contained story structure, and character movement hitches aside, point-and-click adventure devotees will find a lot to love here.

Cyber Shadow is not a perfect game; levels occasionally overstay their welcome and the visual variety between locales is quite limited. Still, the core gameplay and design are so polished that it's hard to put down. Nothing feels more satisfying than successfully comboing together Shadow's moves to narrowly survive a perilous set-piece. It learns the best lessons from its classic inspirations while still trying out new things, culminating in a smooth, difficult, and rewarding experience for fans of the genre.

Although it does not impress quite as much as other recent SEGA 3D Classics re-released on the 3DS eShop, like 3D After Burner II, for example, it certainly still deserves its own place on the platform and manages to stand on its own.

Monster Hunter: World still has all the complexity expected from this series, but it dishes it out in much more palatable chunks than usual. It's still got a frightening amount of depth, but it feels manageable in a way that few in the series have pulled off before. Players may still feel a little lost from time to time, but a little guidance from series vets or other friends can drastically reduce the growing pains new players will likely experience. On top of all that, this is one of the best-feeling titles the series has had to date; so saddle up with some friends, and explore all the New World has to offer.

Just Dance Kids on Wii proves that the same formula can be successfully tweaked to appeal to a completely different audience, whilst not removing any of the core that helped make the main series so addictive.

Some may find the lack of challenge from both the enemies and puzzles a bit of a shame, and it could perhaps have done with a bigger mansion to explore freely, but from start to finish, Luigi's Mansion 2 is nothing but pure enjoyment, full of that wonderful Nintendo charm and magic that has made so many of its games such a joy to play over the years.

No doubt about it, VVVVVV is one of the best games out on the 3DS eShop. It is a wonderful reminder that, in an age of super powerful consoles with HD and 3D graphics, old-school 2D games with simple concepts can still deliver some of the most addictive and downright fun entertainment.

The Angry Video Game Nerd: I & II Deluxe may actually have permanently damaged any further AVGN episodes by James Rolfe. By taking all those years of experience reviewing the worst of the worst, the game based on his visage has taken all those elements and crafted an incredibly fun pair of platformers. As a re-release there have been a number of welcome additions and compared to the original PC releases both are a lot more forgiving than previously. It's a must buy for any fan and an invitation for new players to revel in the unique humour while playing a tight, fun platformer at the same time. Not a whiff of Buffalo Diarrhoea to be found here.

For gamers who still pine for the days of polished shoot 'em ups that leave nothing to chance, Wild Guns Reloaded can't be missed. Sure, it doesn't take long to reach the end, but the fun is in overcoming the impossible and doing it with style. The scoring system, while not ridiculously complex, does require players to make a lot of difficult choices. However, if they are willing to put in the work, they will soon discover that this awesome game will never let them down.

Day of Crisis is truly a fantastic pastiche of all the disaster movies currently out there, mixing cliché after cliché together, yet managing to just about tie all of its differing gameplay elements together to make one hell of a satisfying package that Wii owners should really not be without.

Codemasters truly are the experts of their craft. DIRT 5 is a step in a different direction that will be met with some fans not enjoying the rather arcade-style gameplay, but it is absolute joy for those do like this type of fast-fluid party action. There is enough variation in track diversity thanks to the dynamic weather and track terrain conditions to help keep DIRT 5 fresh.

One again WWE 2K24 is a positive move in the right direction. With fun gameplay mechanics and new match types that leave the door wide open for hilarity, this remains a no-doubt purchase for fans not only enjoying what is being put out weekly by WWE, but also thanks to the focus of Showcase mode this year, those who love a bit of history too. Just about Aweeee-ssssome.

This mobile-to-console port is a resounding success as Snowman has been able to ensure The Alto Collection is successful in capturing the player and transporting them to varying worlds of simplistic beauty, as well as consistently presenting challenges that will keep the player guessing what's coming next. Through several obstacles, perilous chasms, and cleverly designed maps, each experience that this has to offer is guaranteed to be unique, fun, and a welcome addition to anyone's library.

Tales of the Abyss is a great addition to the series with a good story and excellent additions to gameplay. Fans of RPGs and especially fans of the Tales series will love the game, but so will newcomers; it's a great start to what may be a long line of excellent 3DS RPGs.

Sure, it's possible to receive an especially rare and powerful demon through summoning, but not everyone is going to have the patience for a less than .01% chance. Those who take the time to learn the many intricacies will discover that the results are quite rewarding. A well-equipped and balanced party will overcome the most improbable of challenges. The automated features are especially convenient, and gamers can dedicate as much or as little of their time as desired.

Not much tweaking was necessary when bringing back this classic, but the addition of high-quality voice acting elevates Final Fantasy Tactics to another level entirely, with a narrative that engages from beginning to end. Coupled with some of the finest character customisation in the series, this is an essential play for fans that have fallen out of love with Final Fantasy following the latest numbered entries.

What Semispheres lacks in quantity it more than makes up for it with quality. It's entirely possible to get through every puzzle in just a few short hours, but a reasonably high skill threshold and thought-provoking design ensure the experience remains memorable from start to finish. By having each Joy-Con correspond with each sphere, multiplayer is incredibly natural and comfortable. For that alone, the Switch port comes off as the definitive version. With a truly meditative ambience and stellar puzzle design, Semispheres can be enjoyed in blissful solitude just as much as in the company of a good friend.

Blasphemous is an admirable piece of art. It does the whole metroidvania thing in a much less tedious way than most indie games do these days, and is bolstered by its distinct flavour and style. While fans who adore the character-building gameplay of most soulslikes will be found wanting, anyone who is nostalgic for Simon's Quest is going to find respite in finally playing what could be best described as the latter's best outcome. Maybe with a couple of tweaks and minor adjustments, and with a patch or two, this could be perfect. In its current state with slightly annoying quibbles, players are still going to be floored by its insane imagery and the penitent one's crusade for purification.

Mochi Mochi Boy is fun, stress-free, and a casual game to dip in and out of rather than one to play for hours at a time, unless one is immune to frustration and never needs a break from a tricky level, ever.

Overly slow character movement may not appeal to some, but this is a gorgeous title that should be experience by all. A truly joyous piece of gaming art!

ACA NeoGeo: Shock Troopers is an ideal game to add to anyone's Nintendo Switch library for playing while commuting, dropping into tabletop mode for some local co-operative action at a friend's house, or even diving into at home on the big screen to try and top the online leaderboards for that strong feeling of satisfaction. It may have a short playtime, but it is extremely enjoyable to go back to it again and again - a truly excellent dose of arcade fun.

The vast, beautiful world delivered through complex geometry and loads of lighting effects is truly compelling and the relaxed pace of the exploration is nicely complemented by the quirkiness of the dialogue. Character models are a bit on the weak side but this just adds to the quirkiness of the in-game universe.

A very good game with loads of content to it. It can last you ages if you're the imaginative type who likes to play around with words and, quite simply, play god, and that imagination will be stretched by the game's demands for unique items. Super Scribblenauts is a sure bet if you're after a different sort of puzzle game.

Runbow is simply a pleasant and enjoyable game.

Endlessly delightful, with a keen eye for creative puzzle design and brisk pacing, ibb & obb is a must play for all co-op lovers out there. A strictly two-player adventure, each stage manages to pair natural teamwork with momentum-paced puzzle-solving, and thought provoking platforming segments that frequently make great use of the title's unique center of gravity. The rising difficulty curve in the second half can be potentially discouraging, but the core controls are simple enough where quite literally anyone can pick the puzzle-platformer up for the first time and quickly understand how to interact with the world. Complete with an online mode, plenty of levels, and excellent presentation, ibb & obb belongs on every Switch owner's console.

Even when taking into account that some of these games are not very different from one another, the content on offer in Street Fighter II 30th Anniversary Collection presents arguably the best value for money in that specific genre on Nintendo Switch and the bonus features, like museum and sprite viewer, are actually well worth checking out for lovers of the series. However, one of the main components, the online mode, is not really enjoyable in its current state so, unless a fix is on the way, this removes some of the fun that there would otherwise be in playing this on Nintendo Switch.

At the end of the day, Cave Story 3D will most likely appeal primarily to fans of the original willing to experience one of their favourite games in its new form, or collectors of physical copies who wouldn't pass a chance to get their hands on the only retail version of the masterpiece that Cave Story is.

The first Dragon Quest Builders was an amazing surprise, taking all the things its progenitor did and improving on them by adding its own flair and style, now Dragon Quest Builders 2 feels bigger in every way, but only better in some. The core mechanics have been polished, the world shines, and, generally, this is an absolute joy to chill out with. It's a shame that the whole thing doesn't feel this way, with the sections that experiment elsewhere feeling a step backward and detracting from the whole experience. It's clear the developers are still experimenting, and it's very exciting to imagine what the third entry could look like.

It isn't without its faults in presentation, control and the opening few hours, but does offer one of the most comprehensive experiences to date - great for newcomers and series veterans alike.

Coming as a complete surprise, the quality of the art and characters deserves tremendous praise. A single story is interesting, avoiding typical RPG tropes, and engaging from start to finish, which makes it more insane is that there are six stories in this game. Frequently Brigandine will surprise you with moments of extra quality, like the frequency of the artwork screens depicting what's happening. The only thing holding back this title from being a truly phenomenal experience is the repetitive music, some small graphical issues battle-wise, and how much time the actual warfare can take.

City Interactive already impressed with its hidden object adventure Vampire Moon: Mystery of the Hidden Sun last year, but with Murder in Venice it has taken the already successful formula and honed it to perfection, whilst mixing in a considerable visual overhaul and a large batch of highly engaging mini-games to add even more value for money. Highly recommended.

There are plenty of flaws, but they mostly come down to the ambition being a little too high, and the mechanics not quite fitting right. Yet… for all these flaws, this Kakarot manages to hype the fans in the audience like the source material has done for all the years. Key moments from the series are showcased absolutely perfectly. Just like how filler can be abided to see and experience the fan-favourite arcs, the missteps here can be forgiven. At least by the hardcore Dragon Ball fans. This is a series that deserves to continue, let CyberConnect2 perfect its creation. There are still the OG sagas to cover, along with the many movies, and even better, the recent stories of Super.

CastleStorm succeeds at blending together the tower defence and 2D physics-based destruction genres to create a unique and very fun game that doesn't shy away from being a goofy, good time for the player with its dry sense of humour.

Lack of online aside, the game is a worthy addition to the Wii U line-up and a game-night roster.

Pokédex 3D is a simple evolution of the Pokémon canon, perfect for every collector and player of the series. Its applications stream far beyond the series and have wider implications for the future of the console. Conceptually the Pokédex is an old idea but socially it could turn out to be exactly what the 3DS was designed for.

Potion Craft is a great little indie title, offering a deep enough system for players to get lost in and play for a long time, but balanced enough for shorter play sessions to satisfy. Its aesthetic and atmosphere increase the enjoyment of its core mechanics. Highly recommended to players of all ilks.

NEKOPARA Volume 3 has a way of making the characters feel like they have been known by the player far longer than may be the case, even if the previous volumes haven't been played. It should carry a content disclaimer saying it is not responsible for any food cravings players may have as a result of playing the game; all the food is portrayed in a realistic and delicious looking way. Reading the previous volumes is recommended to understanding the family dynamics, and despite the lack of options in the story, the replay value is high due to how beautiful the overall tale of striving for dreams is. Maple's story arc shows that with encouragement and support a person can reach for their dreams and bring joy to themselves and others. This uplifting game is a must have for any visual novel enthusiast's game shelf.

PC gamers may have been enjoying System Shock 2 for decades, but now it's time for console owners to get in on the fun. There is no escaping the fact that this is a true PC experience. The UI and menu system are intertwined with using a mouse, and try as they might, Nightdive Studios' method works as best as it possibly can. There was a very good reason why BioShock had to streamline a lot of the features from its progenitors. These developers are wizards for making it work at all. Some of the early game may feel a bit floaty and could put off some players, but sticking with it is unbelievably rewarding as the protagonist becomes a cybernetic monstrosity. Sometimes it's better to become one with the machine than to fight it.

Although not all areas felt the benefits of the remaster, like tutorials for the battle system, Tales of Symphonia Remastered allows a new generation of gamers to experience this classic. Overall, it is an excellent game, the cute graphics look gorgeous in HD, and the gripping story and lovable characters are mesmerising for returning and new fans alike.

Fight' N Rage has really done its research in ensuring it presents itself as a warm love letter to an adored genre. It also takes the time to give gameplay and combat mechanics real depth. Add to this multiple gameplay modes and a wealth of unlocks and found here is a title standing on the shoulders of giants to make a case for plenty more new additions to the genre. Mutant Mayhem indeed.

Assassin's Creed: Origins is an absolutely stellar return to form and even those who have previously not enjoyed the series would be wise to give it a second shot here. The new combat design is a big improvement, the world is rich, the story compelling; there is a lot to like here and it also massively returns on its investment thanks to the amount of content.

Etrian Odyssey is very much a love or hate affair. If you enjoyed the classic role-playing games of yore you'll probably going to love EO and its simple-yet-addictive battle system, extensive character customisation, and charming map-making features.

Ys X: Proud Nordics delivers Falcom’s most confident and complete take on the adventure, refining the original release with sharper combat, cleaner presentation and a brighter sense of character. The Switch 2 version benefits from stronger performance, faster loading and a noticeably smoother flow during exploration and battles, although the dated engine and occasional stutters reveal the limits of the underlying technology. The added content and quality‑of‑life improvements give this re‑release genuine value, yet the full‑price model and lack of an upgrade path remain difficult to ignore. Even so, Proud Nordics stands as the definitive way to experience Adol’s latest journey, offering an energetic, polished and consistently engaging action RPG that plays to the series’ strengths.

There are few indie horror titles as awesome at catching that fixed camera horror game aesthetic as Song of Horror and even less that reach the nail-biting tension on display here. The constant fear of losing a character permanently is a kicker but it really enhances the experience, making each choice drastically more important. The visual design and story should keep players entranced as they confront the horrors of the music box mystery! All horror fans deserve this title in their library.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has done it again, Like a Dragon: Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is another notch in their award adorned catalogue. The emotional journey of series favourite Kiryu and the important bridging of the gap between Yakuza 6 and 7 is a joy to behold and experience. This entry presents the best version of the now deprecated action combat design and is one of the most consistently great experiences to be had on the PlayStation 5 console.

Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson is a very competent brawler, with numerous refinements over its predecessor and a lot more content, making it the better game overall, by far.

All in all, this feels like a worthy sequel. It takes what made the first game click, and adds to that without feeling superfluous. It is very, very hard to put down once it gets going, and the added replay value means there are many reasons to keep playing after the ending. Robotics;Notes: DaSH is a better game than its predecessor, and a highly recommended science fiction visual novel.

Cuphead & The Delicious Last Course is absolutely recommended to anyone who never played the original when it came out. Everyone else will get lots of fun out of the DLC, but it all depends on how much the vanilla game was enjoyed. Cuphead & The Delicious Last Course is more of the same, and for some people, Cuphead is already an acquired taste.

Heave Ho is an insane party game that ramps up the craziness to the maximum. While there is a single-player option, Le Cartel Studio's wacky title is best experienced with a group of people and a sense of humour. Flinging characters across the stage to land in a pit of spikes is as fun as it sounds, while the joy and elation that transpires after eventually reaching the destination helps to make Heave Ho one of the mainstays of party titles. While it doesn't dethrone the Mario Party, Smash Bros, or Mario Kart series, this can safely sit near the top of party games for when such a time to experience the outrageous and whimsical title arises.

Chain Galaxy really has snuck into the minefield of Match-3 puzzle games out there on the Nintendo DS and managed to carve out a little nook to reside in, not garnering too much attention due to its humble nature, but managing to stay relevant thanks to great presentation and a highly addictive core quality that will keep players hooked for ages.

Overall, Waku Waku 7 is an almost perfect port, which more than successfully transmits the spirit of the original arcade hit. While it does lack an extra layer of effort, which would elevate this piece of content amongst some of the best on the eShop today, this is still a captivating and unique experience that is well worth checking out regardless of experience with the genre. Avid fighter fans will find something nostalgic and refreshing about it, even today, and those with no prior experience will still find something unique and memorable at the heart of this retro beat-em-up. This is definitely one of the more exciting offerings from the ACA NeoGeo range.

Although Horizon Shift '81 deliberately models itself after the shoot 'em ups of yore, it never once lets itself get lost in its own homage. Almost immediately, the game design makes it perfectly clear that this is merely borrowing an aesthetic as a base. In taking such a familiar concept, hardcore fans of the genre will be able to appreciate the simple brilliance of shooting at enemies from both sides of the screen. With enemies invading from both top and bottom, the core gameplay loop takes on an even more frantic energy than is typical for the genre. This is one of the most charming takes on the shmup genre yet.

Having transformed considerably since its early bug-filled days, Disney Dreamlight Valley provides dozens of hours of enjoyable play on Nintendo Switch. Regular events and a rotating shop of cosmetic additions mean there is always something new around the corner. Being able to fish with Donald and take walks with Minnie and Ariel in human form brings an immeasurable amount of joy, and looks set to do so for the foreseeable future.

Deck13 addressed every single issue that held The Surge back in The Surge 2. It is not even necessary to have played the first, since the sequel has almost no connections to it outside of its gameplay mechanics and systems. The idea of Dark Souls but "sci-fi" is not exactly a great idea, but Deck13 truly made the most out of what is possible. Realistically, there would be much more guns than there are and probably hacking would have been more present in the gameplay, but since this "sub-genre" relies so heavily on melee combat, it is unavoidable. Finally, there's someone other than From Software who has nailed it.

Star Renegades is exceptionally fun to play and a great addition to any Switch library. With endless combinations of battles to fight and a ton of weapons and items to unlock, there is plenty of content here to deliver dozens of hours of fun. While the Switch version does suffer from some downgrades with load times and performance on occasion, the portability of this rogue-lite means it is ideal for playing on the move. Star Renegades has a lot of scope and ideas under the hood and the dynamic enemy promotions is just one that is incredibly impressive. Exceptionally tough, at times frustrating but always rewarding - this visual treat is definitely one to pick up - especially since the game is set to receive regular content updates over the months ahead.

Children of Morta is a wonderful rogue-like ARPG, with a lot of deep layers in terms of gameplay mechanics, that does a terrific job of acting as an underlay to the simple, but dark, atmospheric story. Everything intertwines together splendidly, and seeing how each character can help to buff up their family members via their shared abilities, both in each characters unique skill trees, or the household's base stat upgrades, there are plenty of moving pieces here that all contribute towards the family's mission to end the Corruption. No run is ever wasted, with each failed attempt still rewarding the family with some positive enhancements for the next run, until that eventual stage boss is defeated. For those who are looking for a new rogue-like to jump into, this should definitely not be missed.

The Outer Worlds is a thinking-man's Fallout 4. While Bethesda failed to push its venerable RPG series into a more thoughtful direction, Obsidian Entertainment thankfully is still around to show them how it is done. Conceptually, the idea of a dystopian space system that is ruled by a board of monopolies could not have been executed more deftly.

The story in Cinders can and does veer off at unexpected tangents. Absolutely nothing is concrete, and what feels like the best choice can end up being the worst if a scenario is repeated a few times to see what will happen next. With a high replay value to experience different decisions, Cinders certainly provides a new take on a classic tale, with style and imagination that will impact gamers more than other versions of the tale can. A wide range of morals are presented to the gamer, making it their choice whether Cinderella is a kind girl, or one who looks out for herself, and is as selfish as her step-sisters initially seem.

The Touryst may sport minimalistic visual designs, but make no mistake, it truly is a technical showcase for the Nintendo Switch with all the effects it throws around at the same time, all at a locked 1080p60 while docked. Shin'en strikes again then, and the adventure itself is pleasing and gripping throughout. Its only shortcoming is that, in the hands of capable riddle solvers, it is on the short side of things and feels like it is over a bit too quickly.

Players should expect a slow start to Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge, but will begin to flow better after a couple of hours. Once the pacing picks up, the Star Wars atmosphere, tense gun fights and fun excursions offer an experience that fits PS VR2 like a glove. It's a great game and recommended to owners of the hardware.

Fast-paced, brawler/shooter hybrid Super Crush KO isn't very innovative. Or varied. Or demanding… and then you try to get better the best possible score at each level, and the game suddenly shows its true colours. Getting better and better is where the challenge and replayability is at. Worry not about the fact that things remain the same from beginning to end, as fighting is too damn fun for this to grow stale. Plus, Vertex Pop's indie gem has a beautiful, distinct, ultra-colourful wrapping.

Nearly thirty years was a mighty long time, but ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! proves that the wait was worth it. This is an excellent sequel, and it's not just because it captures the spirit of the original. The new features, as well as quality-of-life improvements, really enhance the experience. Each level is filled with things to do, and they all serve a purpose. There aren't any meaningless distractions. Even today, where roguelikes are exponentially more common, this is one that shouldn't be passed up.

It is a wonderfully designed point-and-click adventure that truly plays on the emotions, with players having to make tough choices where no option is really good or fully satisfying, just like in real life. This being set in a Supposedly Wonderful Future adds much to the experience as it both opens up for interesting choices with unfamiliar topics, but also shows of a great cynicism, and at times hope and curiosity.

Book of Demons takes Diablo's addictive gameplay (and visual style, music, story… and many more), and embellishes it with a set of cards that act as the abilities of your heroes. Thing Trunk's gem isn't a flawless one, sure, and the transition to the Switch removes one of its key components, which is the mouse, but this remains a pretty neat… err, card 'n' slasher that needs to be in the Switch library of every ARPG fan.

The amount of fun to be had traversing the excellently designed levels with almost telepathic control intuition would be more than enough to recommend this, but ARVORE has gone above and beyond to ensure this one sticks in the memory long after completion. Easter eggs, collectables, multiple routes, and the sheer love shown in replicating the environments gamers would have snuck a quick gaming session into before tucking into Christmas Dinner and class, come together to give a handheld simulation you wish you could make portable and show as many people as possible.

This really feels like the end of Etrian Odyssey. The series has felt indelibly linked to the 3DS (and Nintendo DS before it) by way of the dual screen mechanics. That, combined with the wonderful send-off of a game here that revisits so many aspects and elements of previous entries in the series, feels like Etrian Odyssey Nexus really is a farewell. Atlus has already hinted at a future for the series, and if it can reach anything close to what has come before, it will be something truly special. While this entry is clearly made for long-time fans, and they will get the most out of it, this is also completely viable for people to enter right here and find a new series to get obsessed over. This is wonderfully old-school, in all the right ways, insanely addictive, and a perfect swan song.

Without a doubt this is one of the most enjoyable arcade experiences on Nintendo Switch right now. Sure, it may be a classic and shunned by some purely on that basis, but the core gameplay of ACA NeoGeo: Metal Slug 3 has held strong over time, and proves to be just as addictive and challenging as it ever was...plus, it still looks mighty fine indeed. With the added benefit of other versions of the game included right from the off, a selection of control options, special extra challenge modes, and online leaderboards, the only thing that could top this is an anthology collection, similar to the one found on Wii years ago.

Colours is fast, frenetic fun with enough challenge to satisfy the hardcore crowd baying for a decent new Sonic game.

The Kombat Pack 2 introduces Rambo, Mileena and Rain in the gory fashion typical of the Mortal Kombat brand. They all bring something unique to the table in their play style and are so passionately designed that it's impossible to ignore the thought and care that went into bringing them to life. As fun as they are to play, though, there's scope for improvement. The ever-shifting meta has been a joy to follow over the course of this title's lifespan, so they'll no doubt become further ingrained and balanced imminently. Regardless, this latest batch of fighters proves that Mortal Kombat 11 is, for all intents and purposes, alive and kicking. And punching, grabbing, throwing, decimating, devouring… You get the idea.

It's rare for a long-running series to disappear for a decade, come back with some fairly dramatic changes, and still come away on top. Any one of these factors would be a death-knell for a worser series, so the fact that this title can balance all of them at once is truly impressive. WarioWare: Get it Together may not seem ambitious at a glance, but at a closer look, the scope is genuinely admirable. Somehow, Intelligent Systems was able to create 200+ microgames that could each be played by 19 characters, without any of these elements feeling bloated or ancillary. Time will tell if this installment remains as beloved as its cult-classic counterparts, but even after one whole week, Cubed3 is not ready to put the game down just yet. Especially when there's still some high scores that need beating!

Fans of the series are going to adore Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Origins and Odyssey felt like Ubisoft trying something new, stretching out and seeing what worked, and Valhalla takes what was learned there and expands upon it. Some things, like the combat, don't feel quite there yet, still, but other elements absolutely have evolved for the better. There's a lot to love here, and not just in the frankly absurd amount of content available. The story is fantastically enjoyable, with Eivor really shining throughout (play Female for what feels the canon story!) - they are truly deserving of standing alongside the icons of this long-running series. This is a legendary tale and an addition to the franchise that is good enough for the gods.

The fairytale trappings, characterful music and wonderful story make Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon an absolute joy to behold. It is an odd partner to its more mature main series but it's very welcome. Its painterly world is a wonderful place to explore. A thoroughly fun and endearing game that is highly recommendable to all Nintendo Switch owners.

It might be a little on the short end of the spectrum for the price, but the replayability offered compensates for the fact that it is not a terribly long game.