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.

It’s not a perfect game, but it features the most important aspect of any game: it’s fun as hell.

Puyo Puyo Tetris is my favorite multiplayer experience on the Nintendo Switch. Simply put, it’s addictive, fast-paced, chaotic gameplay will keep people coming back for a long time. I often sat down aiming to play a few rounds and then found myself glued to my switch for a few hours. While the story mode and other gametypes (except Fusion) are fun to play, the online mode is where I spent most of my time. Once the game launches and people start to buy Puyo Puyo Tetris, I expect the online community to be very lively. Not only is it a blast to play against other players, I think it will be a hit at parties. Since the Switch is a console that can be carried around, I predict that many people will be sitting around the table with friends for long periods of time. I expected to have fun with Puyo Puyo Tetris, but I didn’t think that it would be one of my favorite games to be released on Nintendo’s new console. If you decide to pick up Puyo Puyo Tetris, you’ll definitely be playing this for months to come.

You’ll get gameplay that is both fun and funny, with plenty of options to make sure everything goes to plan. For eight bucks, that’s a worthwhile purchase.

As one of the better head-to-head titles on Switch, it is perfect for some quick rounds when you and a friend have a few minutes to spare. It’s also deep enough for longer, more intense sessions. Windjammers is a surprisingly simple yet deliciously fun game, and if it’s multiplayer you’re looking for, this title belongs in your collection.

I don’t know what it is about Vaccine that makes me such a fan of it. It’s not a good looking game, the controls are stiff and dated, and the game takes so much from Resident Evil that it at times can feel like plagiarism more-so than honoring the source material. Still though, I had a blast playing the game and got a very nostalgic feeling while playing Vaccine. It retails in the US eShop now for $9.99, and I’d say I got more than enough bang for my buck with this title. If you have no appreciation of classic survival-horror, you will hate this game. Me however? I loved it when I was a kid, so I ended up enjoying myself way more than probably anyone else will with Vaccine.

I had a great time with Double Cross. Its wonderfully done combat and visuals, along with the creativity behind its multitude of worlds, all come to fruition in what is genuinely a fresh, exciting game.

Overall, despite the framerate and low resolution in handheld mode, I still consider this to be a great port. It would be nice if a performance mode is added, however. Nevertheless, I’m very happy with the work Saber Interactive has done here, and am thankful for the opportunity to play Spintires on the go.

Fighting countless hordes of bad guys never got old and proved to be a fantastic way to relieve stress. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is a game that’s worthy of being in anybody’s Switch collection. Step into the shoes of your favorite Straw Hat and enter the battlefield. Trust me — you won’t be disappointed.

This Legend of Mana remaster features beautiful visuals, amazing music from Yoko Shimomura, and a lot of quirky old-school weirdness. Mileage will vary with its over-designed mechanics, but the game is charming, unique in its storytelling, and offers some solid quality-of-life additions.

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.

Although Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are not the definitive way to experience the Sinnoh region, they are a nostalgic joyride worth revisiting for fans of the originals and a worthwhile investment for newcomers.

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.

Although Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are not the definitive way to experience the Sinnoh region, they are a nostalgic joyride worth revisiting for fans of the originals and a worthwhile investment for newcomers.

PAYDAY 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a very unique experience for the platform. The lack of voice chat hurts, and the game can be pretty repetitive at times in terms of what you do within the missions, but the game is undeniably fun, especially with friends. If you plan on playing with a group, it’s worth checking out. If you plan on going solo, you might want to wait for a price drop until they include some voice chat for random people. With that being said, I’ll end up putting way more time into PAYDAY 2 than I probably should, but I’ll have a damn fun time doing it!

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.

Sonic Colors: Ultimate revives a must-play Wii classic, with fantastic level design and great replay value. However, there are a few performance issues exclusive to the Switch version that prevent it from being the definitive way to play.

For two dollars, those who want a couple hours of competent platforming should definitely consider picking up Runny Egg.

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.

Code Name Steam is no Fire Emblem; it lacks the character development, RPG elements, and difficulty variation. Code Name Steam is a good game though, one which can be nurtured into a masterpiece when its sequel is inevitably released.

Star Ghost is a game that I started to appreciate over time. During the first two hours, I became aggravated with the game’s on-rails approach, excruciating difficulty, and lack of checkpoints. All of that changed after its addictive nature made itself visible to me. 11 hours later and I’ve finding Star Ghost difficult to put down. The gameplay is engaging, the visuals are appealing, and just when I think that I’ve figured out the keys to success, the game throws me for a loop. I’m not sure how long it will take me to finally clear all 12 galaxies, but I know that I’ll be playing Star Ghost on my Switch for a long time. It’s an indie treat that will not only please fans of old-school video games, but also those who want a rewarding challenge.

As far as platform fighters go, Retimed is a great effort. While a few different add-ons could have greatly expanded its shelf-life, I anticipate playing a few rounds here and there for months to come. Retimed is knocking on the door of being a special multiplayer game. It was a great outing for the developer, and I will be enjoying it while keeping an eye on what Team Maniax puts out in the future. In its current state, the core gameplay is fantastic, accessible, and competitive. I recommend Retimed to anyone looking to add something new to their couch multiplayer lineup, so long as they are okay with a content-light experience.

If you’re looking for a great turn-based strategy title, XCOM 2 Collection is a fantastic option. However, it’s a little hard for me to fully recommend the Switch version due to the numerous performance issues I encountered. But if you can look past these, or if you’re lucky enough to avoid them altogether, XCOM 2 Collection provides one of the best strategy experiences on the Switch.

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.

The Switch isn’t as ideal as I’d hoped, but Darkestville Castle proves that it’s not bad. The title takes a classic formula and provides no twists on it. It makes for a fun and nostalgic experience, but an often tedious one. I keep bringing this series up, but if you liked the Monkey Island games, you’ll almost certainly enjoy Darkestville Castle. In fact, if you’ve always wanted to try one and are allergic to PC gaming, this is not a bad experience on Switch at all. The visuals and humor are worth it, at the very least.

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.

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.

Ultimately, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions opens up a bit of a paradox. On one hand, Nintendo fans that have yet to play the game are bound to be younger and perhaps without the means to purchase as many new games. Therefore, although the 3DS version of the title is perhaps the best way to play the GBA classic, at $30 above Virtual Console price it may be worth considering the Wii U port. Those that don’t mind sinking their money into a remake should not be put off, however. Although Bowser’s Minions falls short of adding value to the package, Superstar Saga is still an excellent Mario RPG and one that holds up very well in today’s 3DS catalog.

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.

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.

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.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with Townsmen. It is a fun game, a great time-waster, and it really made my brain work, which is always a plus. It looks and plays very well. I enjoyed getting my medieval game on and I am confident others will as well. The complicated controls and learning curve may turn newer players off, but if you enjoy strategy games, you will have a good time building and maintaining your realm in Townsmen.

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is a game that revels in the right kind of fan service. Its lightsaber combat is still a blast to play with, and its Force Powers provide a ton of options to make you feel like a Jedi Master. Its story and presentation haven’t aged as well, and the gameplay can be a little awkward if you’re at all used to modern action games. Yet, for Star Wars fans, Jedi Academy shouldn’t be missed.

Rush Rally 3 is impressive for being the product of a one-man band. It has a sizeable amount of content and accessible driving model. Its simplistic presentation is a bit of a bummer, but this is still one of the most balanced racers on Switch so far.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While the Mario version is inferior, it’s still a nice bonus game to have with you on the go.

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.

Hoa is short and contains rather basic platforming and flawed controls. However, Hoa is also one of the most beautiful video games ever made, with preposterously strong visuals and music that will be remembered for years to come. It's up to you if the latter can make up for the former, but personally, I would recommend this game to almost anyone.

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.

Genesis Noir is a brilliant story of love, loss, and cosmic forces that provides an amazing experience despite its flaws and performance issues on 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.

The idea of Citizens of Earth is wonderful. The game is hilarious, huge, and chalk-full of personality. It is quite the shame that there are a few design and technical issues that limit the title from realizing its true greatness.

Forget review scores. The bottom line is that Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues is a terrific beat 'em up with a distinct Cobra Kai flavor and a completely ridiculous sense of humor. You just have to be willing to look past several technical issues to appreciate it.

Overall, Xeodrifter is a blast. It’s a simple game that is held up by its unique upgrades, great music, and brilliantly crafted exploration-based gameplay. If you’ve got an extra $10 lying around, I highly recommend Atooi’s latest Switch release.

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.

Despite a few glaring oversights, like insufficient tutorials and no easy way to locate other people's levels, Game Builder Garage on Nintendo Switch can provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to programming. However, not just anyone is going to instantly click with and love this game. It takes time, determination, and raw passion to get the most out of Game Builder Garage. But maybe that’s a good thing.

As someone who has grown tired of the ever increasing emphasis on competitive multiplayer games, I really wasn’t expecting to like Spellbreak. However, I was pleasantly surprised after I tried it. The combat is simple, yet provides enough depth for on-the-fly strategy changes. Despite the unique concept, much of Spellbreak is rooted in traditional battle royale mechanics, so ultimately the game's success will rely heavily on future content updates. For now though, Spellbreak is definitely worth a try.

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.

Bridge Constructor Ultimate Edition does give you some creative free rein, but this game is really more about problem-solving rather than artistic ability. If engineering is by no means your field, as is my case, then you better believe a lot of trial and error is involved in this experience. But hey, it’s a puzzle game after all. As frustrating as it can be, I still found it rather fun whenever I did finally get a vehicle across. So, if you’re up for a challenge, it’s worth checking out.

If you’re looking for some fun and hectic gaming moments with your friends then Triforce Heroes along with its clever puzzles, fun visuals and beautiful soundtrack is sure to please. For those interested in the game because of its Zelda association just be prepared for a less fulfilling experience than you’re used to.

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.

Keep your expectations in line, realize this is a handheld game, and you will probably have a fun time with IronFall Invasion, much like I did.

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.

Stella Glow is a good strategy game for the 3DS that I can easily recommend for those whose enjoy the genre or are fans of the game’s developer. However, it is far from a perfect experience.

It’s the bat-s**t crazy story and characters you can expect from a No More Heroes game, along with the best gameplay the series has seen thus far. My hope that the next mainline installment learns a thing or two from Travis Strikes Again in the combat department.

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

Ultimately, if the difficulty doesn’t bother you, there’s a lot of fun to be had with Runner3. The levels are zany, while their designs are compelling. There are a ton of collectibles to find and characters to unlock. Unfortunately, not everyone will feel the difficulty warranted or appreciate it equally. For me, it felt like the game did not respect my time.

Overall, Dying Light: Platinum Edition does a lot quite well on Switch. Aside from some technical hiccups and a pretty insignificant narrative, the game shines behind a satisfying gameplay loop with buildings to climb, upgrades to snag, and zombies to smack. With loads of packed-in DLC content and a few multiplayer modes piled on top of a sizable base game, fans of the gameplay loop will find dozens of hours of gratifying zombie-crushing entertainment. Ahead of a sequel set to arrive in February, the game does little to push genre limits or set new standards, but it’s an easy recommendation for fans of open-world titles, fun gameplay, and zombies.

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.

All in all, though, Project Warlock is a reminder of the retro FPS with just a smidge of RPG elements thrown in. The title has a wonderful aesthetic, fantastic music, and enjoyable gameplay. While there are a number of little things that annoy me, it’s unique enough to get a recommendation. Buy it if you grew up loving Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, or especially Hexen.

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

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.

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

I have to confess I was impressed with how well the paint mechanic worked in Trailblazers. It really does feel more than just a gimmick. Some of the campaign challenges are a little unbalanced — one in particular — but they do help you figure out how to race as a team player. There is cross-platform multiplayer, but I was unable to find any matches at the time of writing this review. Overall, Trailblazers is a great little racer and one I aim to come back to in the near future.

Hot Wheels Unleashed is the Hot Wheels racing game that we have been waiting on for a while. It delivers outside of a few hiccups. Players with concerns about performance will likely want to hold off until the upcoming patch releases on Switch. Players will also have to sit through some slow progression to really start unlocking cool cars, but they will have some very fun racing to keep them busy in between blind boxes and upgrades. If you are looking for a fun, methodical racer and you can appreciate toy cars and massive tracks, Hot Wheels Unleashed should be right up toward the top of your list.

Wind-Up Knight 2 is no indie title that will go down the history books of the eShop, but neither is it one that should be looked down on for its simplicity.

BloodRayne Betrayal: Fresh Bites is a fun action platformer. The combat is the clear highlight, while its platforming sections can use a bit of work.

All in all, Fossil Fighters: Frontier surprised me. It’s not a hard game, it’s not a memorable game, but it’s very solid.

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.

ARMS might not be the strategic, hardcore fighting game some were hoping for, but If you’re just looking for senseless fun with friends or strangers via online multiplayer, you should definitely check it out.

Despite the drawbacks, I still find WRC 8 on Switch to be a cool experience for race fans who are craving a more raw, complex experience. It’s nice that the KT Racing team sees so much potential in the Switch considering the fact it has yet to skip bringing any of its recent projects over. Here’s hoping the team’s support continues and their mastery over Switch hardware continues to improve.

Though I mostly enjoyed my time with Hextech Mayhem: A League of Legends Story, it has definite issues as a rhythm platformer. It can become a bit of a slog to play in long sessions, but it's nice in short bursts. If you're already a League of Legends fan looking for a different sort of experience, it's hard not to recommend Hextech Mayhem, though it may be a slightly tougher sell otherwise.

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.

Despite the sacrifices, V-Rally 4 is still the most detailed racing game on Switch for the time being. It’s difficult but remains a lot of fun. With GRID also on the way, perhaps the racing sim genre is making a real return to Nintendo platforms.

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.

With colorful characters, amazing music, and liberal references to classic games, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition has a lot going for it, but players who don't already have an attachment to the Scott Pilgrim franchise may not be impressed with its sluggishness and the little issues that remain from the original release.

Those who take a chance on Biped will find a charming, inventive romp that manages a whole lot with its complicated controls, but that very same control scheme, along with its short length and uninspired single-player component, means that it’s not something for everyone. If you’re looking for a fun cooperative title to play with a friend or family member, then the game might be worth a try. However, if your prospective partner lacks video game experience, if you don’t have a partner at all, or if you’d prefer something that will outlast an afternoon, tell Biped to take a hike.

A fascinating collection that brings attention to a crucial moment in video game history. These aren't all the best ways to play these games (and some of them are just not fun at all), but that isn't necessarily the point. Unreleased games and new "bonus" titles not available anywhere else make this a must-have for history enthusiasts.

A fascinating collection that brings attention to a crucial moment in video game history. These aren't all the best ways to play these games (and some of them are just not fun at all), but that isn't necessarily the point. Unreleased games and new "bonus" titles not available anywhere else make this a must-have for history enthusiasts.

Ultimately, Bloo Kid 2 is an extremely compelling title for traditional platforming fans.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars insures us that this series is still just fun and addictive as ever. Its new online ‘tipping’ system is original, and gives gamers more incentive to keep building.

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.

NAIRI: Tower of Shirin is a gorgeous and entertaining puzzle adventure with charming characters. It lasted me, a puzzle novice, 8-10 hours, but mileage will vary. If you can forgive the awful cliffhanger ending, this is a game worth buying. But wait a couple weeks so the developer can fix the serious game-stopping bugs!

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.

It’s not an epic RPG adventure, but more something lighthearted akin to the Fantasy Life on the 3DS.

The levels were varied and the boss battles were spectacular. It is such a shame that the game does not have more meat on it, because in the current form I can only recommend Noitu Love: Devolution to the biggest arcade fans.

Amazing Princess Sarah is a 2D platformer that combines the dungeon action of Castlevania with the throwing mechanic from Super Mario Bros. 2. The result is a fun title, despite some repetitive design and unresponsive controls.

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.

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.

The game can be a bit frustrating at times due to some cheaply placed obstacles, and the graphics leave a bit to be desired, but as a whole, the game is a solid purchase for 3DS owners.

Oceanhorn is an interesting game that some people will enjoy and some people will hate. The inspiration drawn from Zelda oozes all throughout the game, and that can be a bit off-putting for some. For myself however, I think Zelda-clones should end up becoming a new thing. Considering the amount of years we have to wait between Zelda entries, why not embrace games that capture the spirit of a classic franchise? Oceanhorn isn’t original, it isn’t perfect, and it isn’t necessarily memorable, but not every game can be. It’s a simple, fun Zelda-clone that will bring fans of the franchise great enjoyment in between sessions of Breath of the Wild.

Pumpkin Jack is great for what it is: an atmospheric Halloween romp with some fun platforming moments paired with familiar frustrations.

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.

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.

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.