Don’t be scared if you feels like something you played before, it is an unique game with a good price tag, and one of the games that must be in your eShop collection: no need to a-void it!

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania marks a return to form for the series, even if I am left hoping that we receive some substantial content updates in the near future to fill in gaps left from the originals. Fans who need an exact recreation of the originals or require challenge mode multiplayer might want to skip this one or wait for a deep discount, but those who just want to play Super Monkey Ball 1 and 2 again or the first time should absolutely pick this one up on Switch, especially if you enjoy playing on the go. While there is still a bit of work to do, Super Monkey Ball is back, and it’s a great feeling. I strongly recommend you don’t miss out on this one.

Lego Builder's Journey is a wonderful game from Light Brick Studio that captures the feel of playing with Lego. The feel, story, visuals, and sound are all excellent. However, the game is really short for its price and the controls can be a bit finicky.

Demon Turf is another fantastic 3D collectathon platformer, offering a bunch of activities to complete while also rocking a distinct visual style. There are a few technical hiccups, but they don’t distract you from what is an excellent adventure to defeat the Demon King.

Ultimately, BQM -BlockQuest Maker- is an incredibly enjoyable game maker for its budget price. One level at a time, it allows you to create tense action or intricate puzzles (or both!) using simple tools. For people who loved Super Mario Maker and wondered why a Legend of Zelda Maker never followed, BQM might scratch an itch for them.

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.

Fans of puzzle games, Slayaway Camp, and Friday the 13th will find a lot to love about Killer Puzzle. There are so many things to love. Jason’s first outing on Nintendo Switch is an entertaining and challenging time. It displays the iconic killer in a new light, and I think it can introduce the character to a younger crowd thanks to the PG filter. Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle is a fun treat for the Halloween season. If you’re looking for puzzles, gore, and cute animation, this is a great game for you.

Axiom Verge 2 is a must-have for fans of the first, and worth checking out for anyone who enjoys the genre. It expands on many of the winning ideas of its predecessor, offers more accessibility and quality of life improvements, and isn’t afraid to try new things. The vast, explorable world and elaborate sci-fi plot provide plenty of depth, while numerous new features and game design choices cater to the speedrunning experience. Lackluster combat and boss battles keep it from totally surpassing its predecessor, but it’s a fantastic entry in the series and the genre as a whole.

I find it amazing that everything turned out so right on the first try; true, there are a few issues, but that doesn’t change the fact that Pokkén Tournament is pretty much the Pokémon that we always wanted.

Don’t expect a deep experience here, folks. What you will find is a rather expansive list of artists and songs paying homage to one of the best eras in gaming. I just could have used a little more refinement in its mechanics and the mixture of the additional levels outside the story to do something a little more spectacular during my main playthrough.

Though Yo-Kai Watch does borrow a lot from the Pokemon franchise, the game does strike out a spot for itself in the monster-collecting market. The game is still really fun to play, and the feeling of collecting and discovering new Yo-Kai is exhilarating.

A consistently great game. Despite luck-driven boards, some subpar minigames, and technical limitations, Super Mario Party is enjoyable at its core.

With superb writing and fun combat, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is another solid addition to the series’ lineup.

Ever Oasis is a refreshing action-RPG with a surprising amount of gameplay depth and variety. By stitching together swatches of different gameplay genres and inspirations, Grezzo has crafted an impressive title with an engaging world and satisfying gameplay loop. Its music and graphics are cute, but its gameplay is refined. After finishing off this adventure, I cannot wait to see what Grezzo’s next step will be!

In the end, Elliot Quest is nowhere near perfect and falls short of the classics it’s inspired from. However, it would be unfair to call it a bad game. It’s more a mixed bag; you’re either going to enjoy the game, or be annoyed with it.

The base management is a little inconsequential, the interface has some clutter, and the persistent online connection requirement will be a wall for some, but none of that changes the fact that Volta-X is an outstanding strategic combat experience. Building new loadouts and testing new strategies is addicting and delightful, and a perfect online experience means there is tremendous replay value if you have a friend with the game or if the PvP scene continues to grow.

Overall I’m very pleased with what Super Mario Run offers. The price may come off as steep to many players and arguably it is if all you want to do is play through the levels. However for those willing to master the game and embrace it for what it is, it’s well worth the investment. Nintendo has shown that they are masters in game design regardless of platform. They’ve proven to me that they understand the unique aspect of mobile gaming and have delivered a great Nintendo experience for phones and tablets. I eagerly await their next mobile titles hoping their other franchises will see the same smooth transition into a mobile gaming format.

A lot of love and care went into this game, and it shows in both the excellent mechanics and audio/visual package. It has its frustrating moments, but the overall enjoyment of the game manages to outshine any of those disappointing times.

WarioWare: Get It Together! is a WAH-nderful addition to the WarioWare series. Between the microgames themselves, the quirky humor, and the new mechanic featuring all of Wario's friends, this game is a gift to fans of the series. However, not all playable characters are equally useful, and not every multiplayer mode will dazzle you.

It is a fun, relaxing experience – just remember that it is anything but perfect.

Pac-Man 99 is not without its faults, but developer Arika made a wonderful experience that brings the iconic Pac-Man gameplay into modern times with a battle royale that is very tough to put down.

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.

Excellent writing, impressive visuals, and great presentation save the game from the somewhat lackluster battle system and make it a solid game that will provide fun for fans of Mario games and the Paper Mario series.

Fans of the beat em’ up genre will find a lot to love about the combat, history enthusiasts will enjoy the story and lore, and fans of visually stunning experiences will be lost in the beautiful cel-shaded world that the developers created. Wulverblade is one of the best indie games of the year and one of the best on the console. Run to the Eshop and purchase this game. Sit down, draw your weapon, and fight alongside three powerful warriors in a stunning adventure that begs to be played.

This is a much-needed collection of iconic shoot 'em ups that, until now, were lost to the sands of time. Each of the games included in this collection is a thrill to play, but it's hard not to compare the number of games included and the lack of extra content with the premium price tag and feel like something is off. A lack of extras could be forgiven if this were a complete collection, but the fact that there are titles missing from this compilation raises red flags on an otherwise stellar set of arcade shooter classics.

Amnesia: Collection is a faithful port of the classic horror franchise. Despite the aged graphics, the gameplay and scares hold up incredibly well, even in handheld mode. While I don’t ever expect to be playing it this way (in order to prevent a situation like that in the trailer), having the ability to more easily take Amnesia on the go is always a good thing in my book. If you’ve never experienced Amnesia before, there’s never been a better time to dive into it than now!

I wanted to love it and, for the most part, I did. In spite of the bugs, in spite of the pedestrian voice cast, and in spite of the missing X-Men characters there is a lot to enjoy in LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2. If you are a fan of LEGO games and/or a fan of Marvel, this game was made for you. Between Wong sweeping the Sanctum Sanctorum, Ms Marvel taking selfies with the heroes, and Star-Lord dancing to his very own Mix Tapes LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 kept a smile on my face.

When you set aside the little performance issues and the lack of some quality-of-life additions, Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster is still an excellent dungeon crawler with tons of demons to experiment with and several different endings for hardcore players to find. The game feels like it’s dragging on sometimes by so heavily emphasizing gameplay over story, but when the gameplay is this solid and with the world renewed in HD, it’s not much of a complaint.

With enjoyable sim gameplay, an engaging element combat system, and excellent boss fights, Smelter is a game with a lot of good pieces across 12-15 hours of play. Unfortunately, it never becomes more than the whole of its parts. The platforming level design feels a bit unremarkable, and the myriad challenge levels placed intrusively within the main levels ruin the pacing. Still, if you love ActRaiser or Mega Man X, there’s enough to make Smelter worth recommending.

Trigger Witch is a worthy venture for fans of twin-stick shooters or for fans of The Legend of Zelda that are looking for something a little different. Should you dash into the game, you’ll find fun combat, an enjoyable story, and a few great puzzles. The game’s positives are more than enough to establish its presence as a solid entry in a growing population of Zelda-likes. Despite a few yawn-inducing puzzles and not enough early difficulty, Trigger Witch will certainly charm its way into the hearts of plenty of players.

SnowRunner on Switch is now the most authentic driving simulator that the hybrid has to offer. It's a feature-for-feature port of an already renowned game and is made all the better thanks to Switch-exclusive portable functionality. While there are some technical limitations, Saber Interactive has managed to cram SnowRunner's foliage-dense open-world maps onto the hybrid with preservation of detail that was unexpected. It's one of the best-looking games on Switch and the largest in terms of sheer content. Anyone who's a fan of driving games is in for a treat.

Don’t Starve: Giant Edition is another top-tier indie game for the Wii U.

The better of Pokémon Sword and Shield's two expansions, The Crown Tundra provides the best framework yet for an open-world Pokémon game. The new Dynamax Adventures mode provides one heck of a challenge, and the emphasis on Legendary Pokémon is a nice focal point. A few things could've been handled better, but fans likely won't want to put it down.

Mario Tennis Aces has fantastic gameplay held back by barebones content and not much customization.

Samurai Shodown is a fighter made for the old crowd, but it offers a unique experience to modern gamers. SNK has done an incredible job adapting the series to the Nintendo Switch. It’s not perfect, but it does what it does incredibly well. If you think you would enjoy a fighting game that rewards patience, strategy, and timing, give this one a chance. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most well-designed fighting games there is.

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.

Ultimately, Observer excels at world building and gameplay variety, keeping the player busy with a list of things to do. It’s also supported by a mostly strong story that’s a love letter to cyberpunk and Blade Runner. However, the game’s graphics and obtuse puzzles hold it back from being a truly outstanding game. Graphics aside, Observer is a harrowing and thoughtful experience for its price tag.

Every minute with Bomber Crew felt like a rewarding experience. Fans of strategy, simulation, and World War 2 games will find a lot to love. It’s a game that asks a lot from its players, but trust me, the payoff is worth the price of admission.

There were a few lulls during my time with the game, but that just helped to highlight the times where I absolutely loved it. The visuals may be basic, but they work perfectly well for what the game tries to do. The music is delightful and a real boon to the feelings that the game evokes. Cattails is a game that you should consider adding to your library whether you are a cat lover or not.

Angry Video Game Nerd I & II Deluxe is a great collection for fans of AVGN, retro gaming, or wacky humor loaded with profanity.

With a progressing challenge, KAMI is a good puzzle relaxing game without becoming easy and repetitive. With a simple artistic design, it manages to catch the player’s attention and the quantity of levels included makes the asking price worth it.

Overall, Bulb Boy is a solid title on Nintendo Switch. If you’re looking for a horror-based point and click adventure and are on a budget, definitely pick it up when you get the chance.

Alwa’s Awakening is exactly what I had hoped I was in for when I booted up the title. The classy, evocative 8-bit design, the charming synthesized soundtrack, and the addictive gameplay all aggregate to form one hell of a gaming experience. These titles aren’t only for those yearning for a nostalgic trip. The cartoonish design and controls on a 2D plane were beckoning my young son to pick up the controller. The character of throwback, retro-inspired titles that were crafted with care, like Alwa’s Awakening, will always find an audience with those seeking an experience where gameplay is king.

City of Brass is an admittedly tough game. Despite that, it makes you want to keep trying over and over again because of what you learn. The trial-and-error aspect is mitigated also by the procedurally generated levels. Plus it feels great when you have a good run going and make it just a bit further than you did before. Pick yourself back up, wipe off that sand, and crack that whip. You won’t regret it.

There is a lot of challenge that lies ahead in X-Morph: Defense. Levels range in difficulty from easy to downright frustrating. But making tweaks to your game plan and coming back with a stubborn attitude will most times leave you triumphant in your battle. If you love shmups and tower defense games and are looking for a game to keep returning to, there’s a globe filled with humans that needs conquering. Be ready, though — world domination won’t just be handed to you.

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.

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.

Arcade Spirits is a unique visual novel. It has a lot of humor as well as dourness, which will have gamers guessing their fate while simultaneously shaping it themselves. As you go from floor assistant to something much more, you’ll find true love along the way. The dream of working a job you adore while finding your soulmate: a hardship in real life, but achievable in a few short hours with Arcade Spirits.

Cake Bash is sweet and tasty all-out multiplayer mayhem, even if it lacks a little depth. There’s enough variety in the mini games to keep you playing, especially in Get Tasty mode. However, we wish that unlocking mini games and stages in Recipe mode were more clearly laid out. Things can also get a little hectic and confusing on Nintendo Switch’s handheld display, with docked play definitely preferable. If you’re after another frantic and fun co-op party game, Cake Bash is a great addition to your Switch library.

Road 96 is a road trip that doesn’t feel as procedural as it makes itself out to be, which is a compliment to its unpredictability and strong writing. Player dialogue decisions and actions shape the outcome of the teenage protagonists attempting to flee to the border and the wonderful characters you’ll meet along the way. Varied and fun scenarios keep the game feeling fresh and engaging from one scene to the next. However, on Nintendo Switch myriad technical problems hold the game back from reaching the full potential that its fantastic premise and characters create. It’s a journey worth taking, but unless you’re willing to put up with its shortcomings, it’s one that I’d recommend you play elsewhere.

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.

Islanders is a really interesting, serene city-building experience that reduces stress instead of adding onto it. Its clean-cut visual style and pickup-and-play mechanics fit the Switch like a glove.

If you love Picross but don’t want to spend over $32 for the full experience, check the Picross e series which are from the same developer. Each of the six titles cost $5.99, and you will have a bigger and better experience for around the same price.

Bloodroots‘ cartoony action kept me engaged through its entire campaign. While it can be more difficult to enjoy handheld due to the likes of Nintendo Switch Lite’s smaller screen, the gameplay is utterly unique and justifies a playthrough. There’s enough in the mechanics to entice even the most uninterested individuals to get involved in score-chasing, and the overall narrative is uniquely weird enough to entice someone looking for something different from these sorts of games.

Nidhogg 2‘s setbacks make it an inadvisable purchase for anything but local multiplayer. The local multiplayer is fantastic enough to carry this game. Nidhogg 2 succeeds in making a few very simple concepts wonderfully captivating. By combining intuitive controls with a healthy range of tricks and strategies, Nidhogg 2 is the very definition of “Easy to learn, hard to master.” It is a worthy investment for you and your friends, provided they’re close by.

Messy AI and some wonky balancing and design choices don't stop Shovel Knight Showdown from being a fun multiplayer party battling experience.

No More Heroes 3 is the joyride fans have been waiting for. It's an incredible return to form for Suda 51 and a bombastic celebration of one of the most iconic game series out there -- full of style, full of action, and full of wild characters that you won't forget any time soon. There may be some technical issues and graphical hiccups, but it's more than made up for by the absolutely wild aesthetic of the game that only Suda 51 could provide.

All in all, it was a decent experience for the short 2-3 hours it lasted, but I wouldn’t be happy with it if I had to pay $15 for it.

Overall, this is a great package of some excellent games from the 16-bit era. While I personally believe that the Genesis version of Aladdin is much better than the one seen on the Super Nintendo, the Disney Classic Games collection could’ve used the Super Nintendo version of Aladdin to make this feel more like a complete package. However, the art gallery, quick-save features, and added extras such as the final cut of Aladdin solidify this collection as the definitive way to experience these games. It would certainly be great to have more Disney compilations following this.

The lack of online is disappointing, and there are a few frustrating levels, but all things considered this is a must have for any Wii U owner with an interest in quality experiences – indie or otherwise.

If you're looking for a soul-crushingly difficult platformer, look no farther than Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection. It retains a lot of what made the original such a classic, while also updating it with some more modern mechanics. Despite a few areas that felt a little unfair, with patience, you should be able to complete a single run within a few hours, allowing the game to never feel like it overstays its welcome, even after completing it three times over a single weekend. Whether you're a newcomer to the franchise or a long-time veteran, Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is one hauntingly good time.

All in all, Tricky Towers is a fun little multiplayer-focused title. While there is single player, I personally don’t feel that it provides enough on its own to warrant a purchase. However, if you have local or online friends who enjoy a good puzzle game (and particularly Tetris), then this is easily worth the price of admission. Just please don’t blame us when that friendship is strained by the dark magic powers in the game.

The characters are excellent, the world is fascinating, and following Lina as she interacts with citizens of Los Ojos is entertaining. I just wish that the main narrative were gripping, but it never seems to find its footing, and that’s a shame.

ActRaiser Renaissance is a meticulously crafted remake that genuinely improves on the original game in several respects while maintaining the spirit of what made it special in the first place. The simulation and tower defense elements are instantly addicting, and the sidescrolling sections really make you feel like God has come down to smite the wicked. ActRaiser Renaissance is almost the best-case scenario for a remake.

The game has a good visual style, but you just a feel a little distant from the action due to the fixed viewpoint. Cooperative play is a nice touch and a welcome addition for the franchise. However, its implementation has not been thought through properly. Darksiders Genesis may forever be in the shadow of Diablo III, but that’s not necessarily a bad place to be. If you are a fan of Blizzard’s ARPG, chances are you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. I know that I did.

This Switch port is non-offensive, but several of the coding and error window effects were definitely intended for PC. Still, ICEY is fine. If you are seeking a short, functional, and fundamentally different experience, then you will find a lot to love. If you want a traditional story, a long adventure, or lots of action-packed gameplay, then search elsewhere.

The story has enough to keep you engaged and the inclusion of Star Fox is inspired. I don’t think this is the game that will reboot the toys-to-life genre, but I believe that it has enough to live on as a standard IP. I, for one, would be delighted to play through more adventures in the Starlink universe.

RPG superfans who are craving something different, who absolutely need a 3DS game, and who have not played February’s much better 3DS RPG, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, will find a thing or two to like about The Alliance Alive. Cattle Call moved a bit closer to greatness with The Alliance Alive, but they are still not quite there as one of the 3DS’s last RPGs falls short.

As it stands, Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a rushed and sloppy game on the Wii U.

Combining fast paced combat with wonderfully designed levels and an ample amount of customization, CremaGames knocked it out of the park with Immortal Redneck.

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.

By today's standards, there's nothing revolutionary about Famicom Detective Club, but that doesn't stop both games from being really solid experiences. Despite a bit of predictability in the plots, both stories were incredibly engaging and nothing short of a complete joy to play through. It's easy to see that Mages really took a lot of pride in crafting a quality remake here, since every little detail shines through. If you're at all curious to see what these games are about, you owe it to yourself to give at least one of them a look.

Fortunately, this top-down shooter is a blast to play. It’s fast-paced, hectic, difficult, fun-to-play, and ultimately, rewarding. Tesla Vs. Lovecraft caught me off guard, and I’m glad to have played it. I recommend it for people who love the top-down shooter genre, those who like playing games in short bursts, and those who enjoy getting a group together for gaming. Get ready to experience the craziest matchup of historical figures you’ll ever witness. It’s a blast.

Overcoming a few minor issues in presentation, the end result is an excellent game that is worth a serious look for anyone who enjoys ballistic local multiplayer or intense precision platforming.

Licensed games that are genuinely fantastic are a rarity, to say the least. Unfortunately, Crayola Scoot is not one of these top-tier titles, due to poor presentation and the matter that everything it does has been done better before. Crayola Scoot is not without its merits, though. An interesting approach to scalable difficulty and polished gameplay mean that, although it is no replacement for Splatoon 2 or the classic Tony Hawk games, it’s a fun title worth your time.

Newcomers may not find as much to be excited about with it when compared to more contemporary racing games, but for fans of the series, Hot Pursuit Remastered is a welcome return to form.

Building your characters is fun in Trials of Mana, and experiencing how the story changes with each party makeup ensures replay value. There's something to love for fans new and old alike.

All in all, Toto Temple Deluxe is a game you buy if you have friends to play it with. Solo, it can be no more than a brief distraction, but with friends it becomes an exciting brawl-fest. Solid modes and an impressive number of stages makes sure this multiplayer title is one to check out.

NBA 2K18 is a welcome addition to the Switch library. It’s great to have realistic hoops back on a Nintendo platform, and 2K knocked it out of the park with their debut Switch title. It looks great, plays great, and if the kinks can get patched should be the start of a great franchise finally embracing a Nintendo platform.

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.

Art of Rally excels at providing a stylized rally experience that strikes a decent balance of being both realistic yet approachable. It features a good variety of cars and landscapes, all wrapped in a clean low-poly art style. While it does have some graphical limitations, this is still a fun racer that's definitely worth looking at for off-roading fans.

Still, putting its minor issues aside, Marble It Up! has proven to be a fun little gem. Indeed, it is quite little in its current form, but if you enjoy 3D platformers, then this should still be up your alley nonetheless. But, seriously, don’t let us down on those level packs, Engine Company. If anything, charge them for a very small fee. After all, its asking price is already $20, and there are other indie games that include more content for less. Thus, Marble It Up! is a game that can definitely hang around for a while if additional content is easy to obtain.

Star Fox Guard may be the most fun I’ve had playing a video game all year.

It looks good, plays great, and is a very solid and affordable title for the Nintendo Switch. If you are looking for something a bit darker and faster paced on the Switch, Implosion is a solid choice.

Coffee Talk is a game well worth experiencing. The music and art are exceptional, as well as little things like an app that displays more details on clients the more they connect with you. And when the credits rolled, I was saddened there weren’t more nights to complete. (There is a secret ending you can unlock by replaying certain days, though.) As it happened, I grew attached to every single entity that entered my shop, no matter how disparate they were from each other. Making sure everyone ended up happy was my primary goal while playing. If all that sounds as heavenly as hot cocoa, give this hidden gem a try.

Unfortunately, PvP mode sticks you with predetermined decks that you have no way of studying, and co-op has both players awkwardly split one deck instead of letting them use their own, so even these modes are fraught with some accessibility blunders. One Step from Eden has great ideas and a wealth of love put into the number of spells and abilities available; it’s just a shame that the breakneck pace and daunting multitasking requirements of the combat make it hard to appreciate all of that depth.

Kamiko is a fun pick-up and play experience, with great visuals, good gameplay, and makes for a fun retro-inspired experience. It’s worth exploring the game with each of the 3 characters just to see how different they actually play, which adds some replay value to the title. If you are looking for an inexpensive game for a weekend playthrough, Kamiko is a good pick.

Despite the flaws in story and system, overall The Alliance Alive HD Remastered was compelling from start to finish, and I have a feeling I’m not done with it yet. Two separate new game plus modes let you keep trucking, but there’s plenty of content I had left untouched. While you can blast through the main story in under 30 hours, this is the kind of game where fanatics might double their playtime. Players looking for something classic, yet new, will love this game, but it won’t satisfy everyone. The Alliance Alive HD Remastered is just a few tweaks away from being amazing, but it’s the perfect example of a rainy day JRPG.

Afterparty is a story about death, friendship, the struggles of life, and acceptance, all wrapped in a backdrop of demons, debauchery, and, surprisingly, heart. Milo and Lola are fantastic protagonists, and if there were anybody out there you should travel to hell with, these two would be the perfect companions. Grab your Switch, pour a drink, and definitely pick up Afterparty.

Railway Empire – Nintendo Switch Edition is definitely a tycoon time-sucker. Seeing your profits go up as your trains steam and roll is satisfying, and watching a tiny bit of history play out is interesting if you’re into it. While this is not the most complex tycoon sim out there, it does have some harder mechanics for those seeking a challenge while also sill being accessible for anyone.

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion has some issues with controls and optimization on Switch, but it's a solid enough Zelda-like with adorable designs and hilarious writing.

By today's standards, there's nothing revolutionary about Famicom Detective Club, but that doesn't stop both games from being really solid experiences. Despite a bit of predictability in the plots, both stories were incredibly engaging and nothing short of a complete joy to play through. It's easy to see that Mages really took a lot of pride in crafting a quality remake here, since every little detail shines through. If you're at all curious to see what these games are about, you owe it to yourself to give at least one of them a look.

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.

Overlooking the microtransactions, Disc Jam is still a fun game. The trailers got me pumped to play it, and it’s just as fun in-person as it is on video. But, your fun-factor will be determined by your skill level. But if you’re the determined type or one of those special people who are just instantly good at every new thing they try, then you should be able to just jump right in with no issues.

Mario die-hards that only have a 3DS will find some enjoyment in playing the new mode, and the limited selection of online courses, but without the ability to share your created courses with the world, it seems like a waste of time.

I really like Defense Grid 2. The Switch version may not be the best, but it still provides a lot of fun for less than $20. And while the visuals are a little lacklustre, the core mechanics and level design are just as good as ever. This is a game that will keep you busy for hours as levels can take up to 40 minutes to complete. You can speed time up but you need to be careful as it’s possible to get overwhelmed before you know it. There are also twelve different ways to play each level, from two-player to having a fixed budget to limited upgrades. If you’re a fan of tower defense titles, then Defense Grid 2 is a game that deserves some space on your Switch.

Those who want a top down bullet-hell shooter with some gorgeous retro graphics, perfect controls, lots of options and upgrades, fun tracks, and impressive difficulty will find that all here in spades.

It has charm but lacks key elements to keep players engaged and invested in its main characters. Where the game really shines is in its presentation and as a game maker thanks to its excellent “design and share” level editor. If you want to play around with your game design skills I’d recommend this title but if you’re looking for a fun and challenging 2D platformer there are just too many better ones to recommend on the 3DS.