Don’t get me wrong. When Mario Kart Tour flashes its moments of brilliance, you’ll have a bit of fun with it. As a free game, I think there’s little reason not to at least give it a shot. There’s always room for Nintendo to utilize steering assist and get this game back on track in future updates. But in its current state, it’d be difficult not to deem Mario Kart Tour the weakest of Nintendo’s current mobile offerings.

Jedi Outcast is a fun trip down memory lane. However, newcomers are likely to be too put off by the frustrations and poorly-aged game design of an ultimately incomplete port of a once-incredible title.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time with Headliner. There isn’t a lot in the way of gameplay, but with good reason. The gameplay here is just a tool to force focus onto the bigger picture. The fun doesn’t come from approving or rejecting stories, it comes from seeing the effects of your choices play out in the world around you. A short playtime and multiple endings encourage you to play a few times to see all the game has to offer. If you like story-based games, Headliner: NoviNews will make a great addition to your library.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for Switch completely faithfully updates the Game Boy classic for modern audiences, and Zelda fans would be out of their minds not to play it. It is a piece of art in the literal sense with its impeccable presentation. It just doesn’t last very long, Chamber Dungeon is tedious and illogical, and the game won’t surprise longtime players with anything especially big and new. I can’t imagine those factors will bother fans very much though.

The controls may be a little flawed due to the Switch hardware, but the game rises above this. The racing is of a high quality, and the difficulty is easily tailored to your preferences. There’s loads of content on offer to keep racing fans busy for weeks and months to come. And this is even before multiplayer is added to the game. If you are a Switch owner and have even a passing interest in racing games, then GRID Autosport is a title you must have in your game library.

At the end of the day, it was the story that got its hooks into me far more than the action. The adventure it takes you on paired with the atmosphere are what set this apart. Well, at least differentiates it from the rest of the BioShock wannabes.

If you’re a LEGO or Jurassic World fan, then it is easy to recommend LEGO Jurassic World. If you already own it on another system, then whether or not you want to double dip will come down to how much you like it. This is a pretty solid port and the best mobile version of the game. The price accurately reflects that this is not a new game and provides numerous hours of LEGO fun for your hard-earned dollars.

Final Fantasy VIII is a unique experience in the pantheon of Final Fantasy games. It manages to stand out among others in the series with its own voice and personality, in part, due to its strange narrative and specialized Junction system. It’s thrilling to see this game realized again with a quality remaster on the Nintendo Switch. Ultimately, the visual upgrades and additional options make this version the best way to play the game. FFVIII fans won’t be disappointed.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a wonderful bundle to own. It’s great for seasoned fans or those looking to check out the franchise for the first time. This bundle will get you three complete games for only $40. While I’m still hoping for a new installment in the franchise, you can’t beat a collection containing the three games that made this adorable purple dragon a household name.

Much as it pains me to say, Ni no Kuni — an otherwise masterpiece — is not worth your time on the Nintendo Switch. Its issues are simply too frustrating to work around or forgive. The game is in dire need of patches that overhaul how the game performs on the handheld. I was hoping with talk of a new game in the series and this Switch port that the future of the franchise would be positive. For right now, I’m just disappointed that Nintendo fans have gotten the short end of the stick.

When I finally wrapped up River City Girls, I thought I would have a feeling of completion. Although the game was filled with many quirky moments and dialogue to laugh along with, it never really became great. There is a ton of attention to detail, especially with smaller animations in the nooks and crannies of River City. Maybe I should have curbed my expectations? I’m not quite sure. When it was all said and done, the experience didn’t provide that end-to-end satisfaction I was searching for. Bugs aside, River City Girls has a lot going for it; however, it still has plenty of room to grow.

Daemon X Machina is a wonderful new IP and you wouldn’t go wrong picking it up, especially if you’re a fan of mech titles. Though it’s a little slow to start, and there are definitely things it could do better, once it picks up you’ll find high-octane action, a diverse cast of characters, and a story full of intrigue and depth. There’s nothing quite like it on the Switch that I’ve seen thus far, but I’m hoping Daemon X Machina will pave the way for more.

Overall, I had an amazing time with Creature in the Well. It’s one of the best dungeon crawlers on the Switch and most certainly deserves to be the pioneer in a new genre that Flight School is calling the “Pinbrawler.” It’s a game I can easily see myself coming back to multiple times.

Superhot is a wild ride. It’s exhilarating when, against all odds, you shatter every combatant into pieces and make it through a stage unscathed. While the game’s length is disappointing and its gyroscope controls are hard to perfect, it’s such a fresh idea that it’s hard not to recommend. Give it a download even if you’re not into the FPS genre. Above all, Superhot is a title that is about quick thinking and adapting to any situation, even when it goes south.

Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise is a fun little puzzler. It has fairly simple puzzles, but the real challenge is connecting the dots and figuring out what you need to use and where. I may be stuck in chapter 5, yet I can still happily recommend it. The visuals may be a little underwhelming, but it’s more than serviceable for the type of game this is. I would heavily recommend that you play it in handheld mode, too, though using a controller is not inhibiting. However you choose to play it, Agent A will take you on an adventure and make you use your brain along the way.

All in all, Never Give Up is a fun, unique take on the platformer genre. The game is challenging, but rarely overly so. Even so, you can mitigate or remove this challenge entirely by taking advantage of the ability to skip levels. There’s also some humor to be had, courtesy of Egoraptor’s dialogue, though chances are you’ll die enough to begin to grow tired of it. Nevertheless, if you fancy a challenge, Never Give Up will go a long way to sating your appetite.

Enter the Gungeon can be brutal. However, you’ll find yourself laughing at its quirky dialogue and obviously ridiculous weapons, and you’ll dust yourself off and jump back in. And each time, you get a little bit better, get a little bit farther, discover a secret area on the map, and prepare to die — just one more time.

Astral Chain packs the punch you would expect from Platinum Games while simultaneously going above and beyond in all other areas. It’s great to see Platinum stepping even further out of its shell with expertly crafted titles like NieR: Automata and now Astral Chain. This marks another game in the studio’s catalog that is nothing short of amazing.

While Friday The 13th suffers from some overbearing technical issues, it’s simply a blast to play. Despite the graphical downgrade, you’re still going to have a blast with the Nintendo Switch version. Just prepare for a glitchy, thrilling, disaster of a good time.

Ultimately, Grandia HD Collection is two games that play very similarly but with opposite tones. Grandia is for bright-eyed young kids, and Grandia II is for their cynical older siblings. Yet they both have excellent dialogue, open dungeon design, and battle systems that invite customization. If people can forgive minor bugs and a lack of extra features, Grandia HD Collection is something all JRPG lovers should play if they haven’t already. And if you have already played these games, well, maybe wait for a discount.

On the surface, Oninaki might seem like a rough-around-the-edges action RPG lacking depth to its combat alongside an anime-inspired melodramatic story. However, for those who are patient enough to explore its world, characters, and ability-based battle system, there’s a lot to like an dive into after all. If you have even the slightest curiosity in this title, Oninaki‘s refreshing take on JRPGs is most definitely worth your time.

Astro Bears enjoys a new competitive mode, new bears, and better presentation than its predecessor. It is a very simple game, and always has been, but it is appropriately priced and a fantastic local multiplayer experience to boot. Astro Bears Party was one of the first Switch games I bought, and a couple of years down the road, it is still a favorite among my friends and family as an accessible but fun multiplayer game. Astro Bears could have done a little bit more to justify being a full rerelease, especially on the single-player end. But as an upgrade to an already-wonderful local multiplayer title, the game carries its predecessor’s torch just fine.

Wolfenstein: Youngblood offers exceptional gunplay the series is known for and brings a lot of interesting elements to the franchise for the first time. While the character-upgrades, sound design, and world are fantastic, the mission structure, lack of story, and awful checkpoint system bog down the experience.

The bright, simple level design and the soothing soundtrack were a joy to experience and stopped me from tearing my hair out over some of the harder segments. I enjoyed my time playing Etherborn, but I also didn’t feel anything special while doing so. If you’re really in the mood for a puzzle game, then Etherborn may be worth checking out, but outside of that, you won’t be worse off for skipping it.

I have never beaten a sixty-hour game and immediately wanted to jump back in for round two. Fire Emblem: Three Houses pulls you in with its rock-solid grid-based combat. But it keeps you invested by offering rich characters, deep squad customization, and an enthralling story that keeps you guessing. It’s is easily the best RPG of 2019—so far.

Zombie Driver: Immortal Edition is one of those games that’s terrific to have sitting on the SD card of your Switch. It’s a great little game to go in and play a level or two every now and then. This is not to say that you can’t spend hours playing it; you can. It just doesn’t get its hooks into you in the way I would like. A little more variation in mission type and more visually defined areas (e.g., snow or a skyscraper-filled business district) would have gone a long way.

Ultimately, if you’re in the market for a classic adventure platformer, you can certainly do worse than Bitlogic. Though I enjoyed my time with the game, I’m in no rush to dive back in any time soon, especially after playing through three times. There’s enough there that will keep you interested for a playthrough or two at the very most, especially since the game is rather short.

Ultimately, Hyperlight Ultimate is a solid entry in its genre. It is colorful, smooth, difficult, and comes packed with replay value. Unfortunately, it often does become repetitive. If you were not already a fan of the genre, this will not be the game that converts you. Should you be looking for a twin-stick shooter, though, Hyperlight Ultimate is an impressive and affordable title that is absolutely worth a look.

The game excels in many different areas, especially uniting a massive cast and bringing heroes to the roster that almost everyone can identify with. But that doesn’t excuse annoyances and design choices that make appearances throughout the lengthy campaign.

Dr. Mario World is another solid entry in Nintendo’s mobile lineup. I was concerned that Dr. Mario World wouldn’t do enough to differentiate itself from the plethora of match-3 games on the market. However, its blend of classic Dr. Mario gameplay and new mechanics keeps things feeling fresh. I’ll certainly be playing this for a while to come. Maybe I’ll run into you on the battlefield!

I can’t recommend What Remains of Edith Finch enough if anyone has yet to play it. With so many incredible games that are currently coming to Switch, it’s important to support the special titles coming from publisher Annapurna Interactive. Its explorations of loss and tragedy left me emotional on numerous occasions, yet it also holds an uplifting and edifying emotional core. This experience remains undiminished thanks to a comprehensive port that doesn’t make any drastic sacrifices to the performance and visuals. As far as I’m concerned, it’s required reading for those passionate about storytelling in video games.

Super Mutant Alien Assault is a chaotically fun, yet simple experience. It’s the type of experience that lends itself to short bursts of play in-between commercial breaks of your favorite TV show or to simply escape from work for a moment on your lunch break. The handheld capability of the Nintendo Switch lends itself to the quick and simple play Super Mutant Alien Assault offers. Sadly, it’s difficult to truly enjoy the game in co-op mode. Still, it’s sure to delight fans of the genre.

Despite the short length, Blazing Chrome is an awesome experience that will bring you back to the golden age of 2D running and gunning. The sharp visuals, addictive gameplay and incredible level design had me grinning and sweating from beginning to end. If you’re itching for some side-scrolling action, Blazing Chrome is a must.

Senran Kagura Peach Ball has earned every bit of its Mature rating, and I’m honestly surprised that it made its way to a Nintendo platform, let alone the Nintendo Switch. Fans of the series will no doubt have trouble keeping their eyes locked on their pinballs while still feverishly fondling their flippers. And to anyone else curious, you might find yourself as surprised as I was. I guess, after all, this game does have a happy ending.

Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love is a great little indie game. I really enjoyed my time with it despite its kicking my butt at times with the puzzles. I loved the art style and the humor laced throughout the adventure. Some of the mini-games have technical problems, and a few of the later cutscenes have major frame rate issues. These do tarnish the experience a little. Fortunately, the rest of the game is such a joy that they are easy to forgive. If you are a fan of the genre, then this is something you should check out.

A Duel Hand Disaster: Trackher is a fun little title that brings some unique concepts to the table. While at first the game seems overly complicated, once you get a feel for it, these mechanics mesh together for a surprisingly fun, innovative, well-crafted experience.

Red Faction: Guerrilla‘s formula of a traditional open-world title with destructible environments is refreshingly simple even 10 years later. However, the Switch port is far from the ideal way to experience Red Faction: Guerrilla. The performance of the port leaves a great deal to be desired and the shooting mechanics were not tweaked for Nintendo’s smaller controllers. Yet, blowing stuff up is still just as fun as the pun in the title of this remaster. So if you’re looking for a portable sandbox open-world title for the handheld, then Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-Tered is one of the most enjoyable you can purchase on the console.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night demonstrates a lot of dedication and passion for Metroidvanias. It is a fantastic rendition of the genre. Even with some predictable plot moments and a platforming learning curve, it manages to be one of my favorite games of this year. The gameplay is tremendously well-crafted, and the addictive factor is through the roof. The style and art direction are complemented with old-fashioned ’90s-style timeless tunes that never bore or disappoint. Miriam and her adventure are a must if you have a Nintendo Switch. Playing Bloodstained has become my ritual of the night.

If you’re looking for a pixel-styled platformer, you can certainly do worse than Furwind. Though pretty to look at, It’s a bit generic and could do more to introduce variety throughout the game. That doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable, though. It’s got its share of issues, but if you can overlook them for a few hours, you’ll find a reasonably good time.

Ultimately, the replay value of Super Mario Maker 2 is an infinity symbol. There is just an insane number of variables that ensure inventive new levels will be created for years to come. Likewise, player rankings and unlockable costumes incentivize players to keep going. And when you start to get fatigued, you can always hop back into Story Mode to relax and recharge. Annoyances like imperfect building controls and laggy online play put a slight damper on things, but they’re not deal-breakers. Super Mario Maker 2 is a mandatory Mario experience.

Super Tennis Blast has a pretty decent amount of content for a relatively simple game, though it can understandably feel a little repetitive after a while. If a pure tennis game is what you’re looking for, this title gets the job done well enough. While I’m not a fan of its lack of motion controls and the stiff-looking animations, it’s still a neat little sports title that I had fun playing.

M2 did a pretty good job at this port. Everything looks and runs quite well, and the customization options for the gameplay and controls are much appreciated. While I wish the visuals looked more like the PS2 port of the game, and that there were more content, this is still a neat little package that should prove to be fun for any fan of racing games, whether you’re a novice or veteran.

Ultimately, Catan is a faithful recreation of the classic board game, and for that, I applaud it. I love being able to take Catan with me wherever I go and never concerning myself with having people to play with me. You probably won’t be spending large chunks of time with this in a single sitting, but the game’s autosave feature makes it incredibly convenient to pick up and put down on a whim. Catan isn’t perfect, but if you’re a fan of board games, you should enjoy it nonetheless.

Crash Team Racing was a giant in its day, and now, 20 years later, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled has reasserted the original’s greatness. It is a faithful rebuild of one of the most beloved kart racers from an era that had greats such as Diddy Kong Racing and Mario Kart 64. Behind a fresh coat of paint, a great soundtrack, and a lot more tracks, Crash’s racing adventure holds up pristinely and is worth a look for any fan of kart racing.

Cadence of Hyrule should prove to Nintendo that handing off iconic IPs to different developers can lead to outstanding results. Even after one playthrough, I’m itching to go back and play Cadence of Hyrule some more. I never knew I wanted a Zelda/rhythm game hybrid before. Now I’m hoping this is the start of a wonderful string of Zelda spinoffs to hit the Switch. Do yourself a favor by grabbing a set of headphones and immerse yourself into the world of Cadence of Hyrule. You won’t regret it.

All in all, though, My Friend Pedro is an exhilarating indie title. There is no greater feeling than slowing down time, diving through a window, dodging bullets with a pirouette in midair, and shotgunning an enemy into bloody chunks on the way back down. Few games can replicate that moment of pure tranquility you get in Pedro when you make it through a room unscathed with bodies littering the floor. Lastly, and this must be mentioned, Pedro pops out of the side of the screen when you do something cool, wearing a different shocking expression each time. There’s no other game like My Friend Pedro, and that’s probably the greatest accolade I can give it.

Providing this sort of perspective to this violent era of history is something which games haven’t really done prior to now. While We. The Revolution could never be defined as “fun” entertainment, it’s a satisfying addition to the Switch library that pushes the envelope on what video games can be.

Hue is a wonderful, challenging puzzle platformer that I would recommend to anybody. Despite its short length, your enjoyment of the puzzles and the unraveling of the story will make your purchase worthwhile.

Timespinner kept me wide awake in the late hours of the night. I simply couldn’t put it down until I defeated the final boss. Luckily, tons of collectibles and a new game plus mode give me a reason to jump back in. If you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, Timespinner is a must play on Nintendo Switch.

Overall, Rock of Ages II: Bigger & Boulder is a solid sequel to one of the most bizarre games of the last generation. The wacky writing and adorable art paired with the challenging yet rewarding gameplay lead to a recipe for success. Unfortunately, that recipe is somewhat botched by the very basic tutorial options in the game, unexpected difficulty spikes, as well as the severely downgraded visuals of this Switch port. Fans of the series will have a blast with it on Switch, but if visuals are a priority, you might want to play elsewhere.

Admittedly, Gato Roboto is a small video game, but its length is one of its strengths. The adventure introduces new mechanics and discoveries at such a perfect pace that you end up feeling satisfied yet hungry for more. If you love Metroidvanias and want a quick, cheap, enjoyable version of one, Gato Roboto fits that mold purrfectly.

Despite being in the shadow of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Team Sonic Racing crosses the finish line as a solid kart racer in its own right. With a fun teamwork mechanic, solid presentation, fantastic score, and a cheap entry fee, I would highly recommend Team Sonic Racing for kart racing fans looking for their next fix.

Crystal Crisis is, put simply, puzzle perfection. It’s simple, addictive, and oh so colorful. The wild cast of characters is a treat, especially for Nicalis fans, and the amount of modes and options in the game makes this more than just a tiny little puzzle game. It’s competitive gold, and well worth a purchase from anyone looking to scratch that Puzzle Fighter itch.

Little Friends: Dogs & Cats tries its best to be the Nintendogs sequel that Nintendo is too scared to give us. It gets a few things right, like the variety of activities and the huge amount of customization available. Unfortunately, the lack of detail when it comes to control options and taking care of your pet makes this an experience with very little staying power.

Overall, Resident Evil 0 is a game which provides the same satisfying gameplay loop found in the Resident Evil remake. If you’re not only aching for more top-down survival horror but also invested in the world of the series, it’s worth downloading for a playthrough. Just keep in mind that if portability isn’t the main draw for you with the Nintendo Switch, you’re better off purchasing the game off another storefront.

The return of Resident Evil to Nintendo platforms should come with inherent celebration. Gaming’s first realization into true survival horror is timeless thanks to the technical enhancements of this HD remaster. The game remains as tense and foreboding as it did when it first released. This experience still stands unparalleled to many titles currently releasing on the Nintendo Switch. It’s impressive how flawlessly Capcom managed to get it running. However, it’s also unreasonably more expensive on the Nintendo Switch when compared to the same game on other consoles. Despite this, it’s still a near-perfect horror game which is required reading for those who have yet to play it.

If you missed Resident Evil 4 over the last fifteen years, don’t wait any longer to play this gem. Even in 2019, I find myself engrossed by RE4’s dark, uneasy setting, its addicting gun progression, and incredible action-horror gameplay. It’s a game that changed the action-adventure genre forever, and for the most part, has stood the test of time.

VA-11 HALL-A is a game I think everyone should try out. Its interesting characters, compelling stories, and flawless soundtrack help it stand out in the visual novel genre. It’s simply a must play on the Nintendo Switch.

Thus, this is basically an interactive form of the many PSAs that have come out over the years about the importance of taking care of the environment. While some may see this as being too “preachy,” I think Koral‘s way of handling this is actually rather beautiful. It wraps up this message in a neat little puzzle game that exudes a lot of character and can be enjoyed by both skilled and novice gamers. Even though it’s not heavy on content, it’s a relaxing experience that you can embed yourself in for a while and get lost in the world below that, as the game points out, we really don’t know all that much about.

Project Nimbus: Complete Edition can be a very repetitive experience, but for only $19.99, it’s still an experience fans of the mech combat genre will enjoy. The controls just feel really good, and blowing stuff up is satisfying. And with three difficulty levels, you have a reason to stick around even if Warpath gets too redundant. Consider giving this a shot.

The Swords of Ditto is not an excellent game. It’s better than alright but not great. The fact that it’s good lies in its charm and writing, not its boring combat and cumbersome design. If you’re a fan of roguelites, give it a spin. Just make sure you bring a companion along for the ride.

Like its characters, Masquerada: Songs and Shadows puts on the mask of a good game. The above par voice acting and art style will certainly lead you to believe that. But the excruciatingly slow pace of its weak story, uninteresting combat mechanics, and relentless loading ultimately tell the tale. The sum of its parts just doesn’t jive together nearly as well as RPG fans will hope.

It’s a great jumping in point for Switch fans before Sniper Elite 3 arrives later this year. The sniping is great, and the gruesome X-ray kill shots rarely get dull. The visuals may not be truly current-gen, but at a budget price and with a lot of content on offer, it’s forgivable. If you’re after a realistic World War II shooter, then this is your only choice. Fortunately, Rebellion not only knows how to make a great game, but they know how to port it to Switch.

If you love Saints Row and really need your on-the-go crime sim fix, you’ll be happy with Saints Row: The Third–The Full Package so long as you can swallow a few glitches.

All things considered, this is a small content update, so it doesn’t add a huge new level of depth to the game, though it’s still a pretty solid package nonetheless. As the release of MudRunner 2 later this year nears, I look forward to seeing how the new trucks handle and what the developers have in store for the new maps. In the meantime, this is a good little treat to tide us all over.

Though not a perfect game, I really enjoyed my time with Table Top Racing: World Tour – Nitro Edition. Even as an accomplished racer I found some events challenging. There are definitely a few difficulty bumps but nothing impossible. The array of events (pure race, battle race, pursuit, eliminator, overtake, checkpoint, hot lap, time trial, drift) helps to keep the action fresh. The art design is fun and really helps to sell the idea of racing toy cars. If you ever had a passing interest in the Micro Machines games or like kart racers, then you should consider adding Table Top Racing: World Tour – Nitro Edition to your game library.

Moto Rush GT is still capable of providing a great sense of speed while also calling for a gradual improvement in skill. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, reaction-based games, then this should be right up your alley. And if you do happen to own the motorcycle Toy-Con from the Labo Vehicle Kit, then you should enjoy this even more. It’s a simple game, but for what’s supposed to be a small experience, it’s not bad at all. If anything, the head-bopping soundtrack will probably keep you coming back to gradually tackle each level.

Giga Wrecker Alt. is a fun action platformer that represents a fresh direction for Game Freak outside of the Pokémon realm. The game lacks in combative and traversal actions for its protagonist and doesn’t have the tightest controls. But it satisfies in level design and the unique way in which Reika interacts with the environment to solve puzzles and push forward in her quest.

Shadows of Adam is a solid JRPG that doesn’t just cash in on SNES nostalgia. Its excellent battle system and attractive pixel art make it worth the cost of entry if you don’t mind some pacing issues.

Dragon Marked for Death is one of the most rewarding sidescrolling games I have played ever, and it’s easily recommended due to its immense polish.

Katana Zero is super cool where it counts with very little faltering it. The action is practically flawless and begs you to learn from every small mistake you will make by throwing you back into it instantly. The story clearly has ambitions beyond this one title. While it doesn’t fully stick in a cohesive manner, I really hope we will see more of it in the near future. With action and style this good, some misgivings can be accepted. Carve some time out for this one.

Overall, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is wonderful on Switch. If you’re planning to play the game on TV, you should probably buy it for another console. However, if you’re willing to play the game held in your hands with headphones — the best way to play — then it’s a rewarding experience on Switch. Senua is a great character, and with the exception of God of War, Norse mythology has been relatively unexplored in gaming. While some gameplay elements left more to be desired, Senua’s journey is well worth seeing through on Switch.

Despite a few issues with map design and clunky dungeon controls, SteamWorld Quest is a gem of a game, and a must-play for anyone with a Nintendo Switch.

Cuphead feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The boss battles are challenging, breathtaking, and most importantly, fun. I’m excited to see what Studio MDHR is planning next. The developer absolutely knocked it out of the park with this port. If you skipped Cuphead for Xbox One and PC, don’t miss out on this definitive portable version.

Online matches felt surprisingly good with only the rare instances of stuttering or dropped matches. The Arcade mode seems like a bit of a missed opportunity, however, as it could have been a cool love letter to hardcore fans. There’s very little dialogue between characters, not even when winning a match, which is strange for a fighting game. Major battles are only made more difficult by fighting enemies with multiple health bars to whittle down. You don’t even get an ending. For a game about Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the lackluster presentation is extremely glaring.

The Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster collection is an incredible package, and it comes to the Switch with virtually the same quality and improvements as every other release before it. The lack of speed-up options for battles and no Japanese language audio is a huge blow, but regardless, the ability to have this massive collection of JRPG goodness on the go is a treat that far outweighs those missing features.

Simply put, if you’re looking for depth and immersion in your VR experiences, it might be best to look elsewhere. But if you simply want to experience VR on a basic level for a relatively low price point, Labo VR would make a great fit.

Super Dragon Ball Heroes is strictly for Dragon Ball mega fans looking to have some fun with the series canon. Everyone else should stay far, far away.

If you want a mindless game that will give you an opportunity to just get lost in thought as you move the thumbsticks of your Joy-Con around without much care, then Feather is pretty decent. But something this low on content gets stale pretty quickly, despite its beauty.

SpellKeeper is an OK puzzle game. The way the puzzles work is interesting and allows a lot of different solutions and fun challenges. The in-game visuals are perfectly serviceable, but the cutscenes look rough when displayed on a large TV. The music is inoffensive and isn’t annoying but neither is it at all memorable. If you’re after a cheap little puzzler that you can easily beat in a few hours, then this is the game for you. I just wish the developer had put a bit more thought into the difficulty or added a fifth area with more challenging puzzles.

I greatly enjoyed my time with Paperbound Brawlers, and it will absolutely find a spot in my multiplayer rotation, which is getting harder and harder to do as the eShop lands more and more great titles. It’s no Towerfall, but it’s a solid platform fighter, and its tight gameplay, multiple modes, and unique traits do more than enough to justify a purchase for fans of the genre.

Mechstermination Force has solid gameplay and plenty of heart. It knows exactly what kind of game it wants to be, and it manages to stick the landing when it comes to addictive gameplay and rewarding progression. The lack of narrative flow between each fight, though, really hurts it. That emotional engagement with each boss you fight is sorely missed, and it’s that missing piece of the puzzle that prevents Mechstermination Force from being a truly excellent boss rush game.

If you’re up for the challenge that lies ahead, and the copious amounts of punishment with the game’s difficulty, there’s no doubt you’ve arrived at the right doorstep. If you’re not ready for those challenges, walk away now because this might not be the experience for you. There’s a good chance of frustration, bouts of rage, and simply the feeling of being overwhelmed. Most definitely — proceed with caution.

Like many other eShop multiplayer titles, BATTLLOON is a decently fun, unique, and budget-friendly supplement to more complete multiplayer experiences like Super Smash Brothers Ultimate and Mario Kart 8. However, it is bested by many of its download-only peers–you are doing yourself a disservice if you pick up BATTLLOON before investigating alternatives like Ultimate Chicken Horse and Towerfall. Still, it is by no means a bad purchase, provided you are okay with a bare-bones but good time.

If you’re a fan of mystery dungeon games, I can’t recommend Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy! enough. It’s got a few issues with dated visuals and the way you gain job experience, but it’s still a gem of a game. Final Fantasy fans and newcomers alike should treat themselves to this adorable experience.

My enthusiasm for Elli ebbed and flowed over the course of my run, from boredom to excitement to finally settling for something in-between the two. It’s not a game that does anything you haven’t seen before, but it puts together a decently enjoyable experience with its time-tested mechanics. Seasoned players of the genre won’t have a lot to sink their teeth into here, but Elli’s accessible gameplay, low difficulty, and inoffensive design make it a good game to introduce the youngest kids to the genre.

On the whole, Yoshi’s Crafted World is an excellent platformer worth picking up for any Switch owner. It’s a beefy experience, with lots of levels to beat and items to explore. The art style is unique and the levels innovative. While the bosses and music aren’t perfect, they do little to detract from the overall experience. Yoshi’s Crafted World is well worth playing with friends or alone.

Overall, Rico has quite a bit in terms of randomized levels and tasks to complete in its roguelike first-person shooter setting. However, the game trips over itself when random placements hinder level progression. These instances become more frustrating as level difficulty ramps up. Still, there’s a lot of potential with Rico. I wouldn’t mind revisiting the game after a patch or two. As it stands, its a nice addition to the online multiplayer shooter library on Nintendo Switch.

The monochromatic look is great and the splashes of blood really help to elevate it. The story is likewise interesting, with fun and engaging characters. I came across a few frustrating levels, but these were rare and, at the end of the day, made me really appreciate the fun I had been having.

Skyhill is a game that had me hooked to my Switch from the opening moments. There aren’t any surprises, the enemy varieties are few, and the gameplay is repetitive. But you know what? I had an absolute blast with Skyhill. Its roguelike elements leave plenty to come back to, the unpredictable nature keeps players on edge, and the gameplay is fun. Switch owners looking for a good game to play for short bursts or on the go should definitely pick up Skyhill.

Despite the tone of this review, The LEGO Game 2 Videogame is not terrible. But even my 5-year-old son feels more at home in LEGO games like LEGO Harry Potter, LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and even the recent LEGO The Incredibles. These games are imbued with a brick-ton of character that makes experiencing these LEGO-ized romps a blast. The heart of The LEGO Movie film series did not translate to The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame, unfortunately. The empty world, mundane gameplay, and cardboard cutout characters make this one a bit more difficult to enjoy. In Bricksburg, everything is meh.

Claybook is a great pick-up-and-play game for the Switch that young players will enjoy. It’s also good for anyone that just wants a relaxing puzzle experience to unwind with.

Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn certainly has a home on the 3DS. Unfortunately, the co-op mode in the Wii version is gone and the “fuzziness” of the visuals here makes it suffer a bit, but it’s still good wholesome fun. Even though we’re all about the Switch now in 2019, it’s nice to see one last quality title from Nintendo make its way to the handheld. This is as good of a sendoff as we could hope for.

If you are a fan of the genre, this is very easy to recommend. However, I would go further and say that, if you have a passing interest in shooters or are just after something new to play on your Switch, then give this a go.

Ape Out is simply an outstanding and utterly enjoyable experience. The moment I became that big, angry monkey, I was glued to the screen and never wanted the action to end. The music dropped my jaw, the visuals made my eyes go wide, and the addictive gameplay kept me entranced until I reached the final level. The ape is truly out, my friends.

After years of relative obscurity, ToeJam & Earl is back in a big way. Back in the Groove likely won’t push the franchise beyond its cult status, but it is a good game that fans both old and new should check out. Pick up and play this one with a friend for the best experience.

I don’t know why the developers thought this was a good idea, but all I can think is that this was just a really sad attempt at making a quick buck off of unsuspecting buyers. So, allow this review to be a warning: Avoid Car Mechanic Simulator on Switch. Just download it for free on your phone if you want it that badly. But trust me, even then, your time can be spent on much better things.

If you do happen to be a fan of marble games, or even regular racers, you’re bound to find joy in Mindball Play. While it is on the difficult side, its unique gameplay style definitely helps it to stand out from the pack.