Conga Master Party! hasn't evolved much from the days of Conga Master, and, as a result, feels twice as disappointing to see it remain an extremely simplistic and… stale party game. Trying to form the longest conga line in here can certainly be fun, but only for a dull evening or two.

While there's nothing fundamentally wrong with Psychic Specters - it is, after all, the most compre-hensive entry in the series, and Level-5's signature polish emanates throughout - yet it is also more than a little disappointing to see a fully-priced release add so little to the base game. Hardcore fans intent on purchasing should be aware that the new content is a little on the thin side, although it does make for a decent place for newbies to start their YO-KAI collection.

Arriving nearly a year later, but losing none of the charm and gaining some new tricks, Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 is ultimately a very solid version of the game on Switch, performance downgrades aside. An enjoyable and versatile battle system, coupled with a plethora of content that fans will appreciate, and an engaging story both new and old makes for a viable purchase option for both arena fighter and franchise devotees alike.

Even though Pokkén Tournament DX might not offer much in the way of new content, the added longevity it'll gain by simply being on the Switch more than justifies the port. Dynamic stages that switch between a 3D arena and a 2D plane through combos keep the action exciting, and the Ferrum League, while not especially lengthy, does serve as a more than acceptable single-player campaign. With a well-designed roster that strays away from safe choices and a great support system, the action is just as good now as it was back in 2016. The lack of Team Battle as an online option is certainly disconcerting, but light RPG elements and tonal consistency with the franchise ensures that Pokkén Tournament remains one of the best Pokémon spin-offs available - and a pretty great fighting game to boot.

Minor scrolling stutters aside, Thimbleweed Park plays just as well on Switch as on any other platform, with the advantage this time of being both portable where touch controls rule supreme and playable on the bigger screen like its peers. A missed opportunity lies in the lack of pointer controls to which the Joy Con would have lent themselves pretty well, but it still offers no less than the other versions. Rather more than those, in fact, making this version arguably the best one anyone could want.

Inside My Radio represents a strong concept wrapped inside a flawed package. The marriage of platforming and rhythm-action is more satisfying and polished here than even some triple-A games with similar premises, but everything else feels cheap: the music lacks identity, the plot is wafer-thin, and the short length - especially considering the price point - leaves a particularly sour taste in the mouth.

With Minecraft available on both Wii U and Nintendo Switch, it's difficult to work out where exactly Cube Life: Pixel Action Heroes belongs on the Wii U eShop. It tries to do too much and doesn't succeed immensely at any of it, making it little more than a watered-down clone with little lasting appeal for anyone outside of those wanting a local multiplayer shooter - and, even then, it's lacking.

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.

Lichtspeer: Double Speer Edition is nowhere near as good as it could be, yet it is still enjoyable for short bursts of gameplay. While the core mechanics are sorely lacking in variety and the stages a bit too underdesigned, boss fights stand out as the main justification for the price of admission, to the point where the spear-tossing simulator might have been a legitimate force to be reckoned with had it taken a Shadow of Colossus style approach. Fantastic art and sound direction don't make up for the underwhelming gameplay and lack of online multiplayer, but they do help mask some sore spots. Lichtspeer isn't going to engage on a deep level, nor is it an entirely positive representation of arcade design philosophy, but it can be fun in quick sessions, and there's always something interesting to make note of.

It is very difficult to complain about such an affordable and aesthetically-rich package. For its price point, Forma.8 is a surprisingly long and thoughtful Metroidvania-style experience. While the overall balance is a little off, largely due to the lack of precision handling and awkward combat, this is more than made up for through the game's rich atmosphere, depth of progression, and the attention to detail paid to elements of gameplay and aesthetic contrast. The Nintendo Switch also seems an ideal home for this indie adventure, with no discernible issues with this version, granting it another opportunity to shine. While it hardly reinvents the genre, it's certainly worth adding to the library, considering the price, particularly for fans of Metroidvanias. In addition, with the tablet and mobile version suffering from touch screen controls, this version undoubtedly reigns supreme as the penultimate portable version, too.

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.

If it was not for the amusing script, well realised Minecraft setting, likeable characters, and moderately engaging storyline(s), then this would have been an unmitigated disaster as Telltale continues to take the point-and-click genre in a direction that no point-and-click fan wants, removing all the enjoyable elements from the classics and awkwardly wedging in action elements instead. Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Adventure, thankfully, has enough engaging story content to keep gamers satisfied, some fantastic production values on the voice acting front, and heaps of content packed in thanks to all eight episodes being included. Hopes are high for Season Two to improve upon the shortcomings here.

The Monster Hunter franchise has a rich and varied universe but outside of a handful of spin-offs; its games have always been limited to their very specific formula. That's a doubled-edged sword, as the fans don't want big changes but those who don't enjoy the series' core mechanics are missing out on a fantastic universe filled with some amazing monster designs and the fabulous Felynes. Monster Hunter Stories breaks the mold and delivers an experience that shows that universe is just waiting for more innovative ideas. Like Final Fantasy Tactics and Dragon Quest Builders, Monster Hunter Stories delivers a wholly new experience that is utterly addictive and absolutely superb. If you enjoy Pokémon, give this a chance!

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a hilarious, fun, and attractive looking title, despite some technical flaws here and there that are quickly overlooked due to all of its intrinsic qualities. If anything, this is perhaps the one Rabbid game that will truly push the critters into the realm of mainstream on a worldwide level, more so than they have ever been so far, simply because they are such a perfect fit with Mario in that universe, in a way that nobody would have ever expected. It's challenging, for sure, so fans of Mario who are wary of strategy games beware. If even ever so slightly interested in strategy, though, and willing to sit through it all, persevering as much as it takes to see it through to the end is a complete blast. Well worth checking out.

A brief couple of minutes' long test is what Blasting Agent takes to convince the player whether or not it's worth playing for much longer than that. It offers some robust and snappy gameplay on the one hand, but, on the other one, it just doesn't seem to perform at its very best on the Nintendo 3DS. In such a competitive scenario - where solid alternatives don't seem to run low - it's hard to recommend to anyone else than those action-shooting maniacs who want them all in their collection.

League of Evil does somewhat scratch that itch for challenging 2D platforming, but it does the bare minimum to do so. The gameplay is as minimalistic as it gets to the point that it hurts more than helps, and the graphics makes it too obvious that this is originally an iOS game with some years on its neck. While it has a neat level editor, it does not solve the too basic gameplay, and there are far better options out there for people pining for a challenging 2D platformer.

Not only is Phantom Trigger agonising to play, but it is also really mind-numbingly boring. The game's cycle is just going through linear areas, being forced to fight, and then having to do a 'Simon Says' style memory game. There are some unremarkable boss battles, with no fun factor at all, all following a very similar formula. At about five hours, this kind of game doesn't seem long, but five hours for Phantom Trigger feels like real hard work. The only saving graces are some attempt at having some visual style and some interesting looking designs.

When it comes to dungeon crawlers, this is one very strange yet intriguing beast. Hints to quests and other necessary information are freely available to the player, but coming to grips with everything else can be troublesome. For the crowd that loves building legendary heroes from nothing, this game is ceaselessly entertaining. Not everyone will have the patience for the grind, especially when their hard-earned level-ups turn out to be massively disappointing. In the long run, this is a small price to pay. There is so much to see and slaughter that time is liable to lose all meaning. Minutes, hours, and days alike will pass as if they never actually occurred. Perhaps this is less a recommendation and more a warning. Elminage Original is dangerously addictive.

Very few stones have been left unturned to create what is a contender for the best Sonic title ever made. More than just an anniversary celebration, Sonic Mania is full of fresh ideas, balancing its source material and addition of all-new elements to elevate it beyond many other platformers that rely heavily on the same old formulas. It is a great pity that Sonic 4 exists, because no game deserves that name more than Sonic Mania; this is the Sonic 4 you have all been waiting for. The hope now is that it does not prove to be a one-off; a sequel with even more original zones and ideas needs to happen down the line. For now, though, it is a time to appreciate Sonic Mania and the incredible work Christian Whitehead and his fellow developers have done.

Capcom is definitely onto a winner with Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers. Taking a Super Nintendo classic and sprucing it up just a touch retains enough nostalgia-factor so as to appeal to older gamers, yet has enough re-balancing, shiny new paint, and extras to ensure newcomers can enjoy the ride, as well. Hardcore or not, there is something for every level here in The Final Challengers. It may suffer when using Joy-Con, but crack out the Pro Controller and this feels as good as the series did in the past.

Retro to its heart, Cursed Castilla EX incorporates suggestions from medieval paintings, locations and chivalry novels - The Amadis of Gaul above all - on top of a plethora of arcade evergreens, such as Black Tiger, Rygar and Rastan. It's a compendium of arcade perfection, and, as such, it comes exceptionally recommended. Now, if only the good people at Abylight would consider porting over The Curse of Issyos, Hydorah and Gaurodan, too…

It does its job well, but it lacks Brain Training's focus and accessibility, making it a difficult recommendation compared to the past iterations.

Chicken Wiggle is a charming platformer that blends simplicity with sophistication into a cohesive whole. There may not be much in the way of originality outside of a slightly unique control scheme, but the "Best of" platforming feeling that the levels give off act as a reminder of not only the great platformers of yore, but how their mechanics have been refined since. Player-created stages add a much needed longevity to the short playtime and ensure that there will always be more chickens to rescue. For a game so ingrained in playing around with pre-existing design philosophies, Chicken Wiggle has a strong sense of self that other platformers should be envious of.

Ironcast is a daring title with a concept many would be terrified to touch. The reward is huge, though, as this might be one of the strongest match puzzle games on the market at this point, with depth unlocked thanks to the choice of theme. Every piece of Ironcast works together in a wonderful resonance between style and gameplay, and creates a unique and entertaining experience that fans of the genre will not forget in the near future.

Ultra Hyperball represents the variety of the eShop that Switch is quickly gaining: short, but highly playable and unique experiences that cost a fraction of the bigger games. Depth isn't the aim of the concept here; rather a highly accessible, if overly simplistic, game that truly shines in a group gathering.

Mononoke Forest is difficult to recommend, because the learning curve is difficult to describe. Honestly, it's enough to make many gamers turn away, and for good reason. If one were to get past the obnoxious controls and the initially confusing gameplay, however, there's something enjoyable buried here - it's a shame that it's so frustrating getting to it, though.

More than living up to the "rhythm violence" tagline, Thumper leaves a lasting impression. Presenting a distinctive and adaptive score, together with an insane visual style and a difficulty level that rarely shows mercy, Thumper is a very effective showcase for the hardware abilities of the Switch, and a highly engaging experience on its own merits.

Asdivine Cross turns out to be a surprisingly pleasant adventure to plod through. It is not too expensive and not too long, either, so it can easily fit in between meatier titles played at home and in shorter sessions on public transport and the like. Its shortcomings in terms of presentation may make it harder to grow fond of, especially early on because it does not do quite enough to make its interesting characters and story stand out. It is nevertheless a title with enough good qualities and even some surprising efforts that wouldn't normally be expected from a smaller title such as this, which all contribute to make it a recommended buy for people yearning for a 16-bit style RPG that is not a remake of something already existent.