Ultimately, Strikey Sisters is an excellent value for its price, with exciting arcade gameplay that is as accessible to adults as it is to children. This could be a great game for bridging a generation gap.

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.

Monster Energy Supercross 2 is the same experience on Switch as it is on PC and the other platforms, albeit not as pretty. However, all of the content is exactly the same, unlike with some other multi-platform games on Switch (*cough* FIFA *cough*). There still isn’t a huge amount of racers on Switch, and while this isn’t a traditional entry, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Thus, my feelings for the Switch version of Supercross 2 are the same as its PC brother—it’s a solid racing experience.

Tetris 99 is a game absolutely worth enjoying, and at the low price of absolutely nothing, there is little reason not to give it a download.

With a $19.99 price tag, there is some leeway to be given for what is obviously a mobile port cash grab on the Switch market. However, there are better FPS titles that you can sink your time into than Modern Combat Blackout. This just has the distinction of being the only military shooter on the platform. If that’s what you’re looking for, this will keep you entertained in short bursts before you peter out. Otherwise, spend time on something like Doom or Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus instead.

Cinders is a short but highly replayable visual novel with dynamic characters and sharp writing. The visuals and soundtrack aren’t revolutionary but serve the narrative well. However, slowdown, while infrequent, can be a game-breaking experience when it appears. Ultimately, Cinders is a fun and charming experience, but whether it’s worth its $19.99 price point depends upon your willingness to dig deep and explore all of its different ending types.

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.

OlliOlli: Switch Stance keeps the difficult yet satisfying gameplay of this indie hit intact as it makes its way to Nintendo’s newest console. As long as you’re prepared for a challenge, this is a pretty fun title. Though, a level creator would definitely have added to the package, especially with the Switch’s touchscreen.

Ultimately Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander is a game that’s fun in short bursts with considerable levels of potential that shine through in its combat, but the sheer level of busywork in-between sometimes felt unnecessary and too time-consuming for my liking. While it is a great deal for $19.99, whether you will fully enjoy your time in the galaxy is based on your tolerance for micromanagement gameplay.

Despite the dated, simple, yet sometimes challenging gameplay, the drive to see Dirk’s and Ace’s adventures through is what makes these games great.

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.

While it can never match up to RedLynx’s brilliant racer, this is very much a budget title. The challenges on each level offer you an interesting way into the game and force you to try new things. Physics are used pretty well, and although they can be a little finicky, they are consistent. The visuals work well enough without being spectacular. However, this is a tough game. At the time of writing this, only two people had gotten past the first area, and I was the only one to reach the third area and beyond. If you fancy some 2D skill-based racing, then this might be worth a bit of your cash and some of your time.

As a quick refresher between Grand Prix in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Circle of Sumo will serve well, but that’s the height of its potential. As far as local multiplayer goes, you can do a lot better elsewhere on the Switch eShop, especially in a post-Ultimate world.

JackQuest: The Tale of the Sword is a mediocre effort in the 2D platformer genre. While this review was mostly critical, I should clarify that the game isn’t bad – it just isn’t good either. In a world where we have our pick of the Metroidvania lot, JackQuest simply does nothing to stand out in the crowd. As a result, we’re left with something entirely basic in both design and function.

Head to toe, Wargroove is packed to the brim with quality content. Single player offerings are lengthy and varied, although some punishing mission design led to more frustration than I would have liked. Combined with the beefy multiplayer and the jaw-dropping customization tools, Wargroove is one of the most impressive strategy games I’ve seen in years. Fans of Advance Wars will be right at home with Wargroove, but don’t be surprised if you end up becoming an even bigger Wargroove fan.

Basically, Etrian Odyssey Nexus perfectly satisfies its target audience, and it doesn’t try to do anything else.

Had I not played other snowboarding titles like Steep and Snowboard SuperJam, I probably would have enjoyed this more. But by comparison, it just falls short. This isn’t a terrible snowboarding game; it’s just more tepid than expected. If you’re a fan of the titles I’ve mentioned or other classics like 1080, you’re better off sticking with them.

I have to say, I really enjoyed My Memory of Us. It manages to tell a challenging story that reflects the Holocaust and concentration camps, all while maintaining a youthful innocence and focusing on the fun the characters are having together. The music is great and the narration is top-notch. It’s a game that has stayed with me for the last couple of days since I completed it. I will certainly be keeping an eye on Juggler Games to see what they do in the future.

I wanted to like YIIK: A Post-Modern RPG a lot more than I did. There’s some rich creativity in its style, and the music is worth a listen even outside of playing. However, a lot of the fresh ideas with the battle system and Mind Dungeon simply don’t respect the player’s time. When I’m sighing after accidentally bumping into an avoidable enemy, that’s a problem.

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.

If you’re a super-serious racing fan, then Horizon Chase Turbo might come off as being a bit too simplistic. But, I think it strikes a good balance between having a fun arcade feel with some challenging aspects also being present in order to keep you coming back again and again. As stated, I find the Switch version to be the best suited for the task. Thus, I’d arguably consider it to be the definitive version of the game just for the sake of being able to play it at any time.

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.

I have to say, overall, I found New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe to be a bit of a disappointment. It isn’t that it’s a bad game, far from it in fact. However, it is one of the weaker Mario games. There’s a lot of fun to be had, but not much by way of wow factor. The visuals are bright and appealing but lack depth and interest. The music is great, but it’s nearly all stuff that we have heard before. Of course, the platforming is spot on, but again, it doesn’t add anything new. If you can only afford to pick up one Nintendo 2D platformer, then you should get Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. However, if you want even more Mario in your life, then New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is still worth your time.

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.

While GRIP isn’t perfect by any means, the game’s change of pace from my standard racing fare in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was welcome and somewhat addicting. For Nintendo Switch owners who are looking for a racing game that differs from the “kart” scene, the low-gravity and speedy thrill of GRIP is the way to go.

Battle Princess Madelyn is certainly a time capsule from a few decades ago for better and worse. Where the game succeeds, it does so well and with style. But, the multitude of minor pitfalls that inhibits gameplay progression and causes frustration held Madelyn back from being a true indie gem.

Aaero was my favorite game of last year, and with the move to Switch it’s now one of my favorite titles of 2018. It’s one of those games that will have a permanent spot on my console. The way that Mad Fellows has reinvigorated the rhythm action genre is nothing short of brilliant. If you have any interest in the genre, EDM, or just great games, then this is something that you really should add to your collection.

Despite all the great things, you can figure out enemy patterns through repetitive play, the online community is lacking, and unless you have people to play with, the overall experience outstays its welcome after a while. Still, those looking for a unique indie on the Switch will definitely find some fun in Rival Megagun.

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.

The fun, however brief, is in the friendly couch competitions. That’s the only place a game like this can be enjoyed so that players can feed off each other’s excitement to bolster the experience. But, if your party is going to last much longer than an hour, you better ensure that you’re packing additional entertainment options when the thrill wears off.

If long-form strategy/sim titles are your cup of tea, then Project Highrise was made for you. This is certainly not an everyman’s game, as those without an acquired taste may likely become very bored. In fact, one of my friends watched me play it for a few moments and (seemingly sarcastically) said: “Wow, you must have a lot of patience.” And they had a point: You need patience in this type of game, especially if you plan on going through all the scenarios. Still, it’s a rewarding experience once you get the hang of it all.

RCTA isn’t a bad game, but the lack of any real challenge and overly-simplified design aspects may very well turn away season virtual park builders. As a result, I’m extremely hesitant to call this a simulator, as it feels far more like a casual game.

Desert Child is that kid you knew who watched a whole lot of Cowboy Bebop thinking it’d be cool to dress like Spike Spiegel in school. We appreciate the effort, but looking cool is different from actually being cool. This isn’t the poser of video games, but it gets close to it.

Overall, Gear.Club Unlimited is pretty much a missed opportunity. Eden Games took a second chance, but this may as well be a content update to the first game since virtually no real improvements have been made. This is, absurdly, a $60 title, vastly outclassed by similarly-priced games like Forza Horizon 4. Take a detour and wait for other racers like V-Rally 4 and GRID; this is just a tire blowout.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a great party game that has a beating heart of a really complex fighter within it. It’s faster, prettier, and jam-packed with content. While the single-player World of Light mode disappointed, every other aspect of the game is showered with tender love and care. Not only is it the best Smash Bros. game of all time, but it makes me ponder on how Nintendo will top this in future iterations. I suspect that this is a game most Switch owners will be keeping on their micro SD card for years to come.

Beholder: Complete Edition is the kind of game that gets overshadowed by its theme and setting. The dire situations you are placed under with little hope attached gets exhausting and, frankly, depressing. Not all games are meant to represent having a happy-go-lucky time, but the experience of overcoming it should be palpable. That is unfortunately not the case here.

If you enjoy the old-school nature of Toki and are willing to explore every nook and cranny, then this is a remake very much worth your time. It’s not a long playthrough in one go at less than an hour, but it will take you more than that to master. Give this monkey a spitting chance.

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.

Overall, Guacamelee! 2 feels like a beefed up version of the original game. And I don’t mean that in a derogatory sense, as the original Guacamelee! is a masterclass of game design. This sequel offers rock-solid platforming, funny dialogue, and addicting-as-ever Metroidvania mechanics. It’s challenging, rewarding and full of spunk. I recommend it as a must play for anyone who likes platformers, co-op titles, and of course, Metroidvania games.

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!

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.

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.

It can be really hard to put down, especially if you have some competitive friends over. Not too many games these days can boast having a fun couch multiplayer experience like this. Even if you don’t have three friends, bots can be set with 5 different levels of difficulty to choose from. Otherwise, jam out with your friends and play this.

Rewinding back to 2013: Guacamelee! had me hooked from the second I started playing. The comedy in the game is genius-level and the platforming is damn near perfect. It’s the definition of what a great Metroidvania/platformer is. Fast forward to 2018 and Guacamelee! easily sits among some of the best offerings on Nintendo Switch.

Collidalot is fast, easy to pick up, and hard to put down. The Switch’s local multiplayer catalog is growing rapidly, but Collidalot’s take on bumper-cars-in-the-sky sticks out. Collidalot is cemented as a great complement for games like Towerfall, Ultimate Chicken Horse, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Grunka Munka has done a great job here, creating another unique, memorable Switch multiplayer title.

Despite the difficulty, the customization, intense action, and infinite replayability make Battlezone Gold Edition worth getting. Whether you want to play alone or cooperatively (offline and online), there is a lot of fun to be had. If you’re looking for an old-school game with modern charm or are interested in a nostalgia-fueled journey, Battlezone Gold Edition is the right game to play.

In Road Redemption, you’ll find plenty levels of challenging combat and races. The upgrade system is forgiving enough to bring you back into the game for multiple playthroughs. It’s a shame that there isn’t an online community for matches as this would have carried the experience that much farther. But as it stands, there’s enough here to warrant a purchase if you’re looking for an ass-kicking good time on the couch.

Varion is a fairly unique and pretty fun multiplayer game. It may be worth a look if you are wanting something new and are okay with a fairly light package. Deathmatches are a lot of fun, dodging to just barely avoid a shot is exhilarating, and bouncing a laser off the wall to knock your friend out takes a satisfying degree of precision. While it is hard to recommend Varion over the rest of the Switch’s fastly-improving local multiplayer catalog, you could certainly do much, much worse.

Merrily exploring Kanto with the new controls, rather than catching wild Pokemon, isn’t terrible. The use of a single Joy-Con to get around becomes somewhat convenient. It’s easy to understand why, as it gives you, the player, far more freedom in regards to sitting down and progressing through the world. This proved to be too inconsistent a method, though, as catching monsters repeatedly is a core gameplay element forced onto you too much in the game.

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.

Unlike the Wii days, Sports Party stands mostly alone in its genre on Switch. But, there are still alternatives. Personally, I would check out Bandai Namco’s Go Vacation before this. If this title really speaks to you though, I would only give it consideration at $20 or less.

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.

Ultimately, Mutant Football League Dynasty Edition does most right. In fact, there’s no single element I can point to that genuinely hurt my experience with it. It’s not a masterpiece by any stretch, as it doesn’t do enough to truly cement itself as wholly worthwhile. With that being said, there’s no denying the great fun to be had with the game. Old school, arcade-raised gamers will dig Mutant Football League Dynasty Edition, as will the modern sports fan.

I wanted to like Roarr!. I really did. It just fails on so many levels. While the game engine worked without any issues, everything added to it falls somewhat short. I know this is only a $10 purchase, but I would much rather the developer had spent a little more time and upped the price. As it is, I just can’t recommend Roarr!: Jurassic Edition, not even to dinosaur-obsessed little boys.

Rogue Legacy has found a loving home on Switch. If you have played Rogue Legacy before, and want just a bit more of it in your life, a portable version is a great pick-up. If you have not tried it before, the Switch edition is a perfect entry point.

Pinstripe is a delightful little game. It has a great narrative and colorful characters, at least in terms of style and flair. The art style is lovely and the music fits well, adding nice texture without ever being obtrusive. It may be a little on the short side in terms of content, but this is a budget title. I completed the game in around three or four hours. The fact that the PC release of Pinstripe was made entirely by one man shines through and helps to give this a cohesive vision. If you’re a fan of titles like Limbo, Toby: The Secret Mine, and Little Nightmares, then Pinstripe is something you should check out.

While it is unlikely that Black and White Bushido will ever compel you to turn away from TowerFall for very long, it’s great for a quick match every now and then. Just don’t pick this up expecting to be blown away.

My Hero One’s Justice won’t recruit new people to the franchise, but in terms of anime adaptations, this game is faithful to the source material, and that’s all a fan can really ask for.

Pizza Titan Ultra is solid at best, frustrating at worst, and is overall just a bit above average. That’s a shame because I had higher hopes for this title, but ultimately, I am not walking away too disappointed. If you find this title as intriguing as I did, it may still be worth a shot–just keep in mind that Pizza Titan Ultra is thin crust through and through.

Diablo III in 2018 is an outstanding game, and the Switch port really does the game justice. This Eternal Collection includes all the content released for the game and all the updates that have refined it into the modern classic it is. I may have put more time into my characters on the Xbox One version, but I really think the Switch will be my platform of choice going forward. Being able to play it on the go just feels so good. Diablo III: Eternal Collection comes very highly recommended.

The Low Road seems like it would have been a better short animated film than a video game. The gameplay sections are annoying at worst and bland at best. The crude yet eye-catching animation works with the comedic tone, however, and the characters were fun to spend time with. Unfortunately, we don’t get enough time with them. Perhaps a rework with more phone call puzzles would have elevated it. Otherwise, there are better experiences to be had in the modern point-and-click genre.

Supergiant Games created another beautiful story arc accented by an inventive combat system and an artistic world design with a vibrant color palette. The musical composition complements the visuals and action in a way that makes the title feel like all of its elements are unified and synchronous to a radical degree. Supergiant has made it clear that stories are important to them. Players seeking a game with strategic combat and simply a great, unique story need not look any further than Transistor.

911 Operator is fun little title, but you have to get past a lot of repetition. The difficulty can be a little harsh too when you don’t understand everything that’s going on. I lost quite a few units at the beginning of the game as I didn’t know what I was sending my police officers into. By the end, though, I was flying through the scenarios with ease. You could comfortably finish the game in a few hours, but for such a budget title I think that is reasonable. If you fancy challenging your mind for a few hours with something that isn’t too frenetic, then you might want to give this a go.

If you can look past Mr. Tako‘s frustrations, you’ll find a heartwarming story with various intricacies that call attention to the cruelty of the world. If you cannot, you will find that the game’s visuals, sound, and a tale of love and peace conquering hatred and war aren’t enough to save it from its myriad gameplay issues.

The best experiences in SkyScrappers will be against your friends, since it is a multiplayer game first and foremost. A decent game, but nothing groundbreaking, SkyScrappers is not among the eShop’s best local multiplayer games. It is par for the course, but the novelty wears thin after only a few rounds. The low price tag may make it worth the plunge for some, but most will unfortunately find that this is not worth the investment.

While the massive roster will please fans, the similarities between characters, the convoluted story, the barebones RPG elements, and the technical issues make Warriors Orochi 4 a low point in an otherwise fun series. There’s so much potential with Warriors Orochi 4; unfortunately, the latest installment misses the mark on so many of the shots that it takes.

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.

You would need to be a really hardcore SpongeBob SquarePants, Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan to prefer this. I don’t doubt that there is a really good game that could be made with the Nickelodeon license, but it needs to have much better core mechanics. And with such a great library of Nickelodeon properties available, you can’t help but feel it should be using more of them.

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.

Pilot Sports just comes off as a poor man’s attempt at trying to recreate Pilotwings. It simply does not have the same level of polish. Thus, the old saying, “An original is better than a copy,” definitely applies here. If anything, playing this made me want Nintendo to release a new authentic Pilotwings even more than before. But in the meantime, you’re much better off looking at past entries in that franchise rather than playing this.

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.

The game isn’t for everyone but definitely has its audience. If you’re looking for a fast-paced auto-running platformer to play with friends, Joggernauts is probably up your alley. Just don’t go in expecting more than a fun, little title to keep yourself entertained with for just a little while.

If Overcooked 2 left you wanting more, then absolutely check out Surf ‘n’ Turf. These kitchens are some of the best levels in the series, requiring strategy, coordination, and being ready to switch everything up on the fly. As orders and chaos start to pile up, even Overcooked pros will have their hands and heads full. Surf ‘n’ Turf expands the original game with a wonderfully challenging few hours of content. A worthy follow-up to a great game–get it. You won’t be disappointed.

A fantastic video game and an interesting port for Nintendo Switch. It features some of the best combat around, memorable boss battles, difficult gameplay, and wonderful set pieces.

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.

Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 is a worthwhile experience. It’s the perfect game to plop down on the couch and run through in a weekend. Heck, you could probably even do it in a single sitting. There are plenty of weapons and enemy variety. But, be warned, the button layout isn’t that inviting–and not remappable, either. Still, the game hits right in that sweet spot that an action platformer should hit. There’s enough action to carry you through the game, with challenges and light exploration. It’s a fun platformer with moments of ultraviolence and comedy. Sometimes the jokes miss their mark, but for the most part, it’s the perfect helping of delicious goodness.

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.

Despite my criticisms, Feral Fury is a largely inoffensive roguelite shooter. The biggest crime it commits is that it doesn’t go nearly as far as its contemporaries to stand out. It’s worth a few romps if you’re a fan of the twin-stick shooter genre, but there are more fulfilling options on Switch. I hope the developers at Scandivania Games look to add to this in a future update. At the very least I’d like to see an Image Comics run.

Haunted Dungeons: Hyakki Castle is a unique exploration RPG on Switch that doesn’t live up to its concept. I wanted to really love it, but the pacing is sluggish, the combat is lackluster, the party system needs some work, the HUD is distracting, there are annoying puzzles, and the gameplay is overwhelming. Although there are some good elements (audio, atmosphere, slightly creepy), it is a forgettable game that left me more frustrated than excited. Horror fans looking for a scary experience should look elsewhere.

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

Rise and Shine is undoubtedly one of the best-looking games on the Switch. The animations, level design, and characters are nothing short of a feast for the eyes. While this is all well and good, the rest of the game never really finds its footing because of its brevity and lack of focus. If you’re planning on jumping into this adventure, be prepared for a game with elements of an action platformer, with bullet hell moments, that is constantly stifled by the need to be everything all at once.

If you buy Oh My Godheads, you will get an exciting local-multiplayer CTF game with a few tacked-on, lesser modes. There is not much to it outside of Capture the Head, and even that probably will not hold your attention for too long. Frankly, it is hard to recommend when party games like Ultimate Chicken Horse and Towerfall are available on Switch.

The Gardens Between is delightful, its soundtrack is beautiful and calming, its art style is pleasing, its characters are charming and expressive, and its story is touching and melancholic, and I found myself truly amazed by the consistently great level design. After initially thinking the time-warping mechanic would get dull after time, I was delighted to be proven wrong by The Voxel Agents, who kept reinventing themselves and providing clever new ways to solve puzzles to keep me on my toes, as well as having a perfect duration of the experience, and ending with a simple, beautiful, and touching moment I won’t forget for a long time.

I ended up getting sucked in surprisingly quickly, and I can see myself spending a lot more time trying to build up my city. It’s essentially a game you can keep playing forever, after all. If the framerate can be improved at all and gyro + touchscreen controls can be added, then this will make for a truly stellar port. Nevertheless, it’s still a surprise that Cities has been brought to Switch at all, and it’s managed to be competent enough to be worth a try.

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.

The old-school gameplay will please fans, and the new mechanics will offer players (both old and new) a challenging experience. Despite having a repetitive story like the rest of the franchise, Mega Man 11 is everything I’ve wanted from the Blue Bomber and Capcom for the last few years.

Boot up TowerFall, and the ultra-intense matches will be an instant hit with your friends. Before you know it, it’ll be two in the morning and still nearly impossible to set the controller down. If you indulge in local multiplayer at all, this is one of the best games that your money can buy, indie or otherwise. TowerFall has always been an all-time great local multiplayer title–that has not changed on Switch.

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.

Armello is a game that has a promising concept and a top-shelf presentation but falls far short of its potential. Despite its adept systems the game often proves a slow, monotonous affair that suffers from balancing issues. Tabletop enthusiasts and strategy game fans may glean some joy from this game. However, your time would still be better spent playing a myriad of other games that offer more entertainment than Armello.

Despite its shortcomings, Defunct is still a mostly enjoyable little game. Though, it’s hard to determine if it has any real lasting appeal. Given its short playtime, if you do go through the trouble of exploring every level to the absolute maximum, you may be able to squeeze a handful more hours out of it. But, there really isn’t much to come back to after that. I’d say this is a game better picked up on sale if it ever drops below the $10 mark. Defunct is a fun distraction, but it’s hard to consider it to be any more than that.

Ultimate Chicken Horse is very easily one of the best party games on Switch. It has a unique blend of creativity and platforming, it is widely accessible with intuitive, fluid controls, and it has loads of content and potential. There was one issue with the port job: Within a few hours of play, I had the game crash on me twice. However, outside of those rare instances, this is one of the most fun experiences on my Switch. If you play your Switch with friends, ever, then you need Ultimate Chicken Horse.

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.

The Dust Switch port is great. Now that the sound bug present at launch has been taken care of, the game runs smoothly all around. Thanks to the plethora of side quests and shorter objectives, the game can be picked up for short bursts of play, meaning it fits perfectly on a portable, though it is still, of course, an engrossing experience that can eat up hours of your time. The game itself is a few years old now, but it holds up perfectly fine. If you have not played Dust: An Elysian Tale yet, or if you just feel like revisiting it, the Switch port is a perfect destination.

Simply put, Bastion is an indie masterwork. It fits right at home on the Nintendo Switch, being exactly the type of game suitable for mobile play. The gameplay’s simplistic nature makes it an easy game to hop in and out of on the go. And the optional challenges highlight the game’s thrilling and addictive combat, making it easy to come back to over and over again. My only regret is that I didn’t acknowledge this game sooner. Any gripes I might have towards Bastion seem nitpicky at this point. Seven years ago, Supergiant Games delivered a solid action RPG title. Now, it gets another chance to bask in the sun thanks to the Nintendo Switch.

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.

Despite its issues, NBA 2K19 is by far the best installment in the franchise’s history. No matter which team I play as, no matter the late-game situation, it does a tremendous job of pulling me in. Its presentation enriches me with tons of basketball info and insight, plus its gameplay makes me more anxious for the actual NBA season to start (in a good way). There are still improvements that can be made for next year’s game, but 2K Sports and Visual Concepts shows their dominance while also celebrating 20 years of NBA 2K basketball.

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition is fantastic–one of the best games on Switch indie or otherwise. You are doing yourself a disservice by not playing it. A wonderfully unique and ensnaring world boasting beautiful sounds and imagery is complemented perfectly by the incredibly smooth combat. On top of the portability and smooth performance, the special edition tune-up offers some peripheral new content for returning players such as new items and outfits. Abylight should be commended for this marvelous porting job, and Heart Machine deserves all of the praise they have received for this magnificent game.

Depending on how quickly the player moves, this game can be completed in 4 or 5 hours. It is a title that might speak to fans of narrative-driven experiences. That’s not to say there is an entirely rich narrative here, but the mysteries surrounding the astronaut’s circumstances could drive one’s desire to progress. And the imaginative wonder that this journey’s final note ends with is poetic to a degree. The question is whether that is enough for you to invest here. Otherwise, platformer fans should look elsewhere to satiate their genre needs.