I want to love Little Dragons Cafe, and up until a certain point in the game I did. But its buggy performance and overall shaky platforming hinder what could be an amazing game.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a game worth picking up if you have someone you can play with locally. The game is not only fun and fulfilling, but I genuinely think it improved communication between my partner and me. Although I wish the latter levels introduced new modules, the game still does a good job introducing new hazards and variations to keep adrenaline running until the end of the game. At 15 dollars, the game is well worth a purchase for a few nights of wonderful bomb disposal.

My first dive into the game left a really sour taste in my mouth. There was a broken AI system that simply did not allow me to get gold in any of the races in order to unlock the rest of the characters. Most of them are generic in design, minus a few interesting ones with special attacks. I was really hard on the game for having a broken system. Even with the patch, I still can’t shake what I initially had played. I was simply hoping for a more enjoyable experience. It feels more like something that you would find on Early Access or a concept, not a full-fledged release.

Zombie is a perfect fit for the Switch. It’s something that feels more fun to experience on the go instead of playing at home. The game is easy to pick up but can be difficult if you’re trying to get all three stars. While not great, it’s an enjoyable way to kill some time. It’s a nice palette cleanser from all of the AAA games on the market at the moment. If you’re into short experiences and casual games that you can have fun with a few minutes at a time, I, Zombie is worth checking out.

This is the quintessential video game for the Switch. People who travel often should buy Flat Heroes. If you like challenging gameplay, buy Flat Heroes. If playing with friends is your ideal way to experience a game, buy Flat Heroes. What I’m trying to say is that Flat Heroes is a game that all Switch owners should have in their library. It’s a fantastic experience that I will be playing for months to come.

Overcooked 2 is something of a perfect sequel. It takes what the original did well, cleans it up, and then adds a few new elements.

When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, Slam Land is a local-only party game with a genuinely likable art style and a great concept. The audio is bouncy, fun, and accompanies the game’s overall feel. Other than that, it really doesn’t have much else going for it.

Robonauts is one of the most fun games I have ever played on the Switch. It is very accessible, vibrant, and great for gamers of all skill sets. Also, its character designs are really fascinating and, in some cases, adorable at the same time.

If you’re willing to get the hang of it, VSR is a pretty cool title, albeit a very small one. With only three ships and eight courses, there isn’t that much content here. Truly, any longevity is mostly reliant on constant retries.

All in all, Pool Panic is a unique experience, though not for everybody. If you enjoy puzzle games packed with content, it may be worth your time. I never felt the desire to go back through and complete all the challenges for each stage–just wanted to get through to see what was next. Pool Panic is a fun and crazy game hampered by sometimes inaccurate or finicky controls and a lack of camera manipulation.

Ultimately, Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 is only worth buying if you really love the X series formula and are willing to experience it in bizarre and inferior forms. Mega Man X8 is the singular high-quality X title to be had here, so you have to ask yourself if X8 plus three not-so-terrific titles is worth your $19.99. I love Mega Man in all his forms, so it’s worth it for me. But for you? Maybe not.

With Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1, you’re paying $19.99 for some of the greatest action platformers ever. That in itself justifies the purchase, even if X Challenge is a bit underwhelming. Anyone who has never played Mega Man X should absolutely buy this collection and change that. And for those who have played these games before, it’s probably worth their time and money to play them again.

From an aesthetic and button layout perspective, Code of Princess EX is really good. If its story was more layered, its characters were more fleshed out, and you could split the Joy-Con, this would have easily been one of the top games of the year.

While I did enjoy the game, the more missions and challenges I completed, the more repetitive they felt even though they involved different tasks. I felt like less of a fighter pilot and more like an errand boy a quarter through the game because of every mission having a point A and a point B, and nothing to really break the cycle. With that being said, Galak-Z: Variant S is a beautiful game, I just wish it did not feel so repetitive in its gameplay.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker highlights one of the best secondary characters in the Super Mario universe, and gives him a stellar adventure. Fans of the Wii U version should pick it up for the portable experience and extra levels while those who didn’t play the game in 2014 will find a lot to love. It’s another fantastic addition to the continually growing Switch library, and I can’t wait to see what Nintendo does with Captain Toad in the future.

Octopath Traveler isn’t perfect, but its major faults mostly pertain to the story. Beyond that, the game looks beautiful in a distinct way, interacting with NPCs in the game world is goofy fun, and the combat system is a multifaceted and rewarding revamp of Square Enix’s previous offerings. When you put it all together, Octopath Traveler is an engaging RPG with a unique identity that it can be proud of, even if its narrative falls far short of Square’s other classics.

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.

The end result is a fun local multiplayer title. Even with the learning curve and occasionally slow pace, Super Volley Blast was a hit amongst myself, my friends, and my family. I will be spending some time with Super Volley Blast while hotly anticipating the next Super Blast game.

West of Loathing is a great value for its price and definitely entertaining for what it is. Unfortunately, the actual mechanics lack a lot of depth that keep it from being an experience for everyone. A deep RPG experience this is not. However, if you’re looking for a few hours to kill on a game with funny writing and creative environments, this one is for you.

Overall, regardless of a missed block or two and too many similar modes, One Strike is a fun game to play if you have friends over and want to split the Joy Cons, or even if you have five to ten minutes to spare by yourself.

There are plenty of solid mobile ports on Switch–see Riptide GP: Renegade and Astro Duel Deluxe–but Jumping Joe & Friends is not one of them. The local multiplayer is the game’s best feature, but ultimately the game is just way too bland. It is priced fairly, but I still have a very hard time recommending it. It may serve well as a temporary, kind-of-fun distraction for your kids, but even then, there are much better alternatives out there.

A good story hampered by clunky controls at times, a lack of variety in monsters to battle, and borderline useless sidequests. If you enjoy grinding and maxing everything out in your JRPGs, then this title will get you by. While the story is good, it’s nothing mind-blowing, and the repetitive gameplay, lack of variety, and frustrating lack of travel options might turn some gamers off.

If you decide to pick up 20XX—you’re going to have a bad time. You’re going to die, you’re going to be frustrated, maybe even throw your controller in a fit of rage. If you’re anything like me, you will find small instances of inspiration and confidence to pick up your pad once again and jump back into the fray.

A lot of indie titles have been thriving on Switch and I’m hoping Runbow does as well. If you’re a fan of party games or unique platforming, Runbow is a must-have title in your game library.

While the game is short, the journey is worth it. The art is breathtaking and the gameplay is fun and unique, with some puzzles and enemy encounters that might make you think for a minute before a successful solution or escape.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus for Nintendo Switch packs the same brilliant punch as it did on other platforms. Blasting your way through Nazis and experiencing a fantastic story with some of the most wonderfully-written characters is an impressive and memorable experience. While portable mode let me down, playing docked is at a standard that allows an enjoyable time.

The game’s powerful double-team of uniqueness and wonderful execution means one thing: Limbo demands to be played. It is more than worth your time.

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.

This is not something you will play for hours at a time. As a cheap, content-light package, it is most enjoyable in small doses. Still, Soccer Slammers definitely has a spot in any local multiplayer-oriented catalog. If you and your friends are looking for something immensely frantic and easy to pick up and play, then Soccer Slammers is a worthy addition to your library.

For gamers who love the rhythm genre and want to experience every new thing it has to offer, they should play Lost in Harmony. They will appreciate the game’s experimentation, at the very least. (I did, anyway.) But maybe they should skip the Switch version and play it on a phone instead, the way it was clearly intended. In fact, maybe everyone would be better off just playing the game for free on a phone with touch controls.

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

The game is perfect for the Switch due to its short songs and addicting gameplay. Just Shapes & Beats can be played on the go in short bursts or for long periods of time. Fans of the music genre will find a lot to love, and those who like fast action will be glued to the screen for hours. Switch owners looking for an entertaining indie game should pick up Just Shapes & Beats. Not only is it a fantastic game on the console, it’s one of the best indie games of the year.

Yoku’s Island Express is a great game. Combining Metroidvania exploration with pinball gameplay was an interesting decision that paid off big time. Despite its short length, Yoku’s Island Express is still a complete adventure, one that is relaxing and an absolute pleasure to take in. Anyone seeking a more laid back Metroidvania title with beautiful sights and sounds should play Yoku’s Island Express.

As it always has been, Ikaruga is a must-play for anyone even remotely interested in shoot ‘em ups. Truthfully, its budget price and extreme quality make it a worthwhile foray into the genre even for those who have never been interested in shmups. The difficulty is daunting, but does not detract from the rewarding experience, and polarity-switching makes for a unique and addictive experience.

Raging Justice is the perfect game to run through in a single sitting or try to complete the list of challenges for each level. Fans of the genre will find many resemblances to games like Final Fight and Streets of Rage. There’s enough replay value to invite you in—just don’t let the difficulty scare you away.

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.

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

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition comes packed with a ton of content to sink your teeth into. The game is overflowing with fan-service that any Zelda fan can appreciate. With impressive cinematics, smooth combat, and loads of bonus content, this is best Hyrule Warriors has ever been.

Brakes Are For Losers is like a toy you find in a Happy Meal. A cheap distraction good for a few minutes of entertainment. It’s not meant to be played on its own. Instead, it is at best the sort of game that you mess around with for ten minutes while cooling off between sessions with meatier games. BAFL is reasonably fun, but a novelty at best.

Light Fall is an interesting experiment, and it’s fun to play through for most of it. Unfortunately, the lack of content makes it hard to recommend a purchase, and the endgame is disappointing. I’ve got high hopes for future releases from the developer Bishop Games, and I’d love to see this mechanic again, but unfortunately, Light Fall is too simple in execution.

The gorgeous art design, bright graphics, and smooth animations are all still intact and improved by the higher resolution in docked mode. Controls are still sharp and make the tough platforming achievable.

I have to say that I have had a lot of fun with Rogue Aces. It’s not the kind of game where you will be playing it for hours at a time, though you could and may start that way. It’s the perfect game to take out and about with you and have a 5-10 minute blast on. It can get a little repetitive but in short bursts and playing across the various modes this is a cracking little game to have in your library.

Skies of Fury DX will surprise a lot of players, given a seemingly paradoxical situation where the game is simultaneously a mobile port and a polished, satisfying experience. Still, if repetition is an issue for you, then Skies of Fury is one of the worst games your money can buy. The amazing gameplay is the key here: if you enjoy that, and do not mind playing a handful of very similar missions over and over, then Skies of Fury DX will treat you well.

At its finest, Clusterpuck 99 is fun for a little bit, but your friends will be begging to play something, anything else long before you exhaust the game’s available stages and features.

Oddly Shaped Pixels did a fantastic job with Super Rocket Shootout. Any fans of taking on your friends in frantic action-platformers should look into the game, as it’s a great title to play on your big screen TV at home, or on the daily bus ride from home to work.

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.

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.

Outlast II is one of the best looking games on Switch that uses a realistic art style. It’s a showcase of what the hardware is capable of. The game’s story is a wild ride, its setting is terrifying, and there are tons of intense moments as you try to escape from murderous cult members and gut-wrenchingly scary humanoid enemies that are around every corner. I would consider it a must play if you’re a fan of horror games.

At its core, Kirby Star Allies is just another Kirby game with a fresh coat of paint and slightly different mechanics from Kirby games of the past. It is a step up in quality and graphics but can be far too simple for older fans and doesn’t provide a way to change the difficulty setting.

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.

There is not much to say on Guilt Battle Arena because there is almost nothing to it. You cannot avoid stagnation when playing this game. It is inevitable. In my opinion, Guilt Battle Arena is not worth your time or money. Brawling against your friends with only one in the chamber is interesting and even fairly entertaining at first. Once that short initial novelty wears off, the game becomes a poorly executed slog through a few highly repetitive and wholly mediocre gameplay variants. It is generous to say that this game is fun for longer than an hour, which compels me once more to mention that Guilt Battle Arena somehow costs a completely unjustified $15. There are restaurant meals out there that cost less, are more satisfying, and somehow last longer than Guilt Battle Arena. Stay far away.

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!

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.

Perfect Chronology’s additions are substantial enough that those who are craving a return to Radiant Historia will be more than satisfied, thanks to the Sub-History timeline’s exploration of entertaining what-if scenarios and the expansion of the game’s lore. JRPG enthusiasts who never played the original Radiant Historia owe it to themselves to check this one out, and even those who already enjoyed the original should strongly consider a return to Vanqueur.

Bayonetta gets a welcome reissue on Switch. The game’s fluid gameplay and tough as nails difficulty remain firmly intact. There’s a nice nod to the ecosystem the game now finds itself on with some cool costumes based on Nintendo royalty. Otherwise, it’s the same game as before. The graphics may not have been improved but with the game only being eight years old, they hold up quite well. The framerate allows for some super smooth action in both docked and handheld mode. If you’re a fan of hack-and-slash games then this is a must-buy. If you have even a passing interest in the genre then you should seriously consider adding it to your collection, just be prepared to take some deep breaths and try again.

It’s without a doubt, one of the greatest action games in the past decade.

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.

Dragon Quest Builders takes all its notes from Minecraft, that’s no secret. Its cutesy art-style and bubbly characters feel right at home on a Nintendo platform. If you’re a fan of Minecraft and want something familiar with a different style and finesse, Dragon Quest Builders will scratch that itch. Unfortunately for die-hard Dragon Quest fans, you won’t get much out of this game that’s set in a universe you’re passionate about. Dragon Quest Builders on Switch brings near-PS4 quality graphics with the portable aspect of the PS Vita. If you’re going to play it anywhere, I recommend the Nintendo Switch.

I consider Aqua Moto Racing Utopia to just be a sub-par release. Again, it’s not bad, it’s just not great. Maybe casual/younger race fans might find some enjoyment out of it, but don’t jump into this pool unless you find standing around in the shallow end to be fun.

Ultimately, like Aqua Moto Racing Utopia, Snow Moto Racing Freedom just feels very unrefined. Even if the framerate was actually tolerable, the core game is pretty basic and gets boring rather quickly. The one thing going for this game is that there’s currently a lack of racing titles on the Switch and so far this is the only one dedicated to winter sports. Even so, despite there not being much else to choose from, I wouldn’t bother with this in its current state. If the framerate issues are ever addressed, then perhaps it might be fun for younger gamers, but even then it just doesn’t have much lasting appeal.

If you do happen to be a driving simulator fan and already played this on another platform, then the question is—is it worth it to double-dip for the Switch version? GIANTS Software has done a great job at preserving the core Farming Simulator experience here on Switch, so you’ll certainly feel right at home. If you’re willing to give up mods, multiplayer and DLC in exchange for portability, then I’d say the Switch Edition does deserve a look. But, I have to note that it is a letdown that the Switch Edition is currently going for $50. That is rather high considering the missing content and year-later release.

There is a lot to like about InnerSpace, especially for fans of flight simulators. As already stated, the game looks and sounds great. There are numerous areas to explore, several vehicles to unlock, and a handful of really dynamic boss encounters. The real shame is that is not enough to really make InnerSpace fun to play. At best it feels like a chore and at worst you’ll want to snap your Switch in half. If you can grasp the flight controls and are looking for a nonlinear story games then InnerSpace is available now on the Nintendo Switch.

All in all, Monolith Soft has achieved something here that is obviously related to their past work, but manages to feel very, very different. Reinvention is a task that vexes the best of developers; to do it in the time frame this game was delivered in is frankly astonishing. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is flawed, as tragically as the heroes and villains it portrays. But I’ve grown to love them, nonetheless. Maybe you will, too.

Overall, I found Blossom Tales to be a very good 2D Zelda clone. It was put together more competently than I expected from an Indie developer. That’s not a dig on Indie devs – it’s praise for a game done well enough that it only fell a few notches short of games like Minish Cap (though even shorter). If you are looking for an Adventure game that follows the top-down Zelda formula closely, there might not be a better game for you on the Nintendo Switch eShop than this one.

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.

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, Mutant Mudds Collection is well worth its budget price tag. It is a killer title to have if you’re a retro-fan like myself, but it’s also worth the buy for its array of gameplay options. The collection as a whole was obviously given care, and the fact is made obvious by its sleek presentation. Its visuals are incredibly gorgeous, the unique chiptune sounds will have you jamming in no time, and the gameplay is perfect – Mutant Mudds Collection is a stand-out title on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

If you haven’t played the Revelations games before, this is a great way to do such. Switch-specific features, solid gameplay, good graphics, and fun online are the highlights of this collection, and being able to play them anywhere is a great convenience.

Mantis Burn Racing was an OK racer on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One that became a good racer through the release of DLC. On Switch, the game comes as a complete package and is all the better for it. It feels right at home on the console with both handheld and docked modes providing fantastic racing. With great multiplayer and a wealth of singleplayer content, this is a game that will keep you coming back for a long time to come. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may well still be the best racing game on the system but Mantis Burn Racing comes a close second and well ahead of any other racers out there.

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.

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.

The Nintendo Switch version of Rocket League is a worthy port. It is welcomed, fun, and brings Switch owner’s into the light. Now excuse me while I recline and match wits in my Paladin.

I wanted to love Gear Club Unlimited, I really did, but I’m sorry to say that I don’t. I have been a big fan of Eden Games since their V-Rally days, but I think they have dropped the ball a little here. I understand that this is a port of their racing game for iOS and Android, but this could have been the first and definitive realistic racer on Switch. Unfortunately, it only succeeds in being the first realistic racer on the system. There is a reasonable amount of fun to be had here for racing game fans, but this isn’t going to be the crossover hit that games like Forza or Gran Turismo are on their respective platforms. If you want an arcade racer on Switch you’d be a fool not to buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If you really want a more realistic-style racer then Gear Club Unlimited is worth trying, just don’t expect too much.

L.A Noire is a fantastic game that finds a home on the Nintendo Switch, and the portability aspect really helps. While each case is pretty large, the ability to save (along with auto-saves) at any time makes this a perfect game for on the go or at home. Rockstar put the effort into this port and it shows. Sure, it’s a bit of an older game and does show some age from time to time, but L.A. Noire is another great triple-A third party release that shouldn’t be overshadowed by games like Skyrim and DOOM. If you are looking for a fantastic story-driven game with unique gameplay, L.A. Noire should be in your Switch library.

Overall, the game definitely feels like a re-run. While the integration of the world has improved, the storyline has been lackluster at best. Compared to Pokémon X and Y which introduced 3D models and multi-dimensional terrain, Pokémon Ultra Moon feels like a re-mastered version of your typical 7/10 cookie-cutter game. It’s pretty much just like the extra Poké beans you get when you buy a Pinap Juice at the Pokémon Café. Don’t over-hype the game, and you’ll enjoy it just fine.

While in some aspects the Switch version shows its age with dated graphics and stiff animations, it’s so easy to look past when there’s a vast world in your view with the sense of discovery around every corner.

Chess Ultra is a nice little game to own. When Nintendo first began marketing the Switch, they really hammered home the idea of taking it where you go, and playing it to pass the time. I feel that this title is a perfect example of that. If a player has a few hours to kill, it’s probably best to play a big game like Super Mario Odyssey or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. On the other hand, if someone has a mere few minutes to spare, turning on the Switch and playing a match of Chess would surely suffice.

Unfortunately, I just don’t see how Mario Party is supposed to be enjoyable playing solo on a handheld when there isn’t even a fully fleshed out board games to play on. It’s just a series of 1min mini-games that award you 1-3 stars feeling very much like this should have been a mobile game. The mini-games are fun, but the model in which they’re presented to players feels very out of place on the 3DS. This might be a good pick-up for families with a few kids at home but I can’t recommend it to fans of the series or an older audience that have so many better titles to choose from on this platform.

If you are a seasoned DOOM player, there’s nothing new to see here, but the portability aspect could lure you in. If you are brand new to DOOM and own a Switch, it’s worth picking up. It’s fast, it’s fun, there’s tons of content, and it’s an extremely solid port of a technical beast.

It’s not a great game, but it’s solid. It looks nice, plays smooth, and the gameplay variety is solid. It’s an average 3D Sonic game at a budget price, and that’s not really a bad thing.

This is the Police isn’t a bad game, but it feels like the game could have been much more interesting with a little more variety in the actual gameplay. Managing your cops can be fun, and some interesting things happen throughout the course of the game, but a little more variety to keep things fresh throughout would have went a long way with the game. As it stands This is the Police is a decent game that, for many, will overstay its welcome.

3Souls is a short but solid game. The puzzle setup has potential, but was lacking in execution and accessibility options. Even though it took three hours to complete, I would still recommend it for those who want to give this game a try.

Super Mario Odyssey is the best game available on Nintendo Switch, and just might be my favorite game of the year. It isn’t just a masterclass of level and sound design, it’s a celebration of the Super Mario franchise, and one of helluva celebration to take part in.

If the frame-rate was smooth and the game was more technically sound, I could see potential for a fun horror game. The atmosphere is nice, the audio is extremely well done, and the story seems pretty interesting as well. It’s just a shame that the frame-rate is so bad that you probably won’t make it til the end to see the conclusion.

Rogue Trooper Redux isn’t the worst remaster to be released. The narrative is campy, the gameplay is interesting, and it’s great to see how it influenced other shooters that came after the 2006 original. While there are some innovations in the campaign, there’s no denying that for a remastered video game, there are a bunch of problems. The gameplay still feels rooted in 2006, despite some tweaks, the cover system which was once revolutionary is now a nuisance, and the graphics aren’t anything to rave about. With that being said, Switch owners interested in a game to waste a few hours with mindless fun will find enough to enjoy about Rogue Trooper Redux. Fans of the original game and the comic book series will have a lot of fun. There’s no denying the impact that Rogue Trooper has had on the modern shooter; the game just didn’t leave me with a great impression.

Ultimately, Neon Chrome is a game for a certain audience. If you’re one for sci-fi, retro-style action games, definitely pick this one up. However, if none of what I mentioned piques your interest, feel free to skip Neon Chrome.

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.

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.

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.

Overall, Minecraft on New 3DS is exactly what I imagined it to be: a portable version of a game we’ve all played several times. If you’re in the market for a portable version of Minecraft, just get it on Nintendo’s newest system, the Switch.

All in all, I didn’t expect to like Pokken Tournament DX as much as I ended up liking it. The learning curve and adjustment were pretty brutal, but once I got in tune with how the game operated, I found myself playing for hours and hours. If you didn’t pick up the Wii U version of the game, I highly suggest you check out Pokken Tournament DX as it really is the best version of the game. If you are a Wii U veteran of the series, there may not be enough here to warrant a second purchase, but diehard Pokken fans will want to check it out. Pokken Tournament DX is another fantastic Switch release and a game that fighting fans will want to check out.

Metroid: Samus Returns is a great return to form after the Federation Forces debacle and should make fans of the series happy with the final product. Aside from a few presentation hiccups and difficulty curve, the improved visuals and added content make for a solid entry in the Metroid universe.

Monster Hunter Stories is a delightful game that surprised the hell out of me. It’s pretty, it’s fun, it’s fresh, and a real departure from the original series but still retains elements to keep it familiar. If you like JRPG’s or monster collecting games like Pokemon, Monster Hunter Stories is a must own. Just don’t go into the game expecting a traditional style, and you will be surprised with how good it is.

Overall, Slime-san is a surprising and insanely fun downloadable title that platforming fans should not hesitate picking up. The style is gorgeous and the music is catchy, while the moment-to-moment gameplay is incredible. Super Meat Boy may still be months from launch, but those looking for a twitch-based platforming experience should not hesitate downloading Slime-san today.

Although I hoped Flip Wars would turn out to be a fun online and party game when I first saw its footage, the title turned out to be a disappointment void of any real merit. The gameplay is clunky, content is slim, and power-ups do little to remedy the experience. The lack of a single-player mode and virtually nonexistent online make recommending this title even more. Ultimately, Flip Wars’ release made my disappointed Nintendo published an unfinished game like it in the first place.

Overcooked: Special Edition is a spectacular downloadable title for Switch owners to play with their friends locally. I easily lost hours playing right next to a buddy on a couch, screaming obscenities and the names of food items. Anyone looking for a fun party game or a fun cooperative Switch experience should pick up Overcooked immediately. Unfortunately, the exciting nature of the game will wear off for those who don’t have others to play with, which should surely be a consideration for anyone thinking of picking the game up.

As a huge fan of Dynasty Warriors, Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star is an exceptional video game. Although the graphics on the PlayStation 4 version of the game are superior to that of the Nintendo Switch, this port feels like the definitive version of the game. Fans of action games and Nintendo Switch owners should go out and buy Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star. It’s one of the best third party games currently on the console. I’ll definitely be playing this for the foreseeable future.

If the game were a dollar, maybe that experience would be worth killing an hour for. At $7 for the download, however, the game’s utter simplicity and lack of any standout quality would likely leave you disappointed with the purchase.