If you’re an experienced player, you will likely take just about 10 hours of gameplay from starting the game to finishing it for the first time, though most of it will be spent replaying the first two worlds. It could very well be that the game truly begins once you master the game and start playing it for the high score, but I personally didn’t have the patience to get to that point, nor did the decent controls pull me forward the way that other challenging games have in the past. Whether this is a worthwhile purchase for you comes down to how much tolerance you have for highly punishing mechanics so that you can push through to the enjoyable sense of mastery it eventually offers.

The intuitive mechanics are still as addictive as the first time around, but a larger number of maps and the addition of Salmon Run cements Splatoon 2 as an excellent standalone value.

Unfortunately, the entirety of De Mambo can be summed up with the initial letter sent by the developers. Yes, the style, music, level design, and ideas are all awesome. It is clear the developers put a ton of thought and heart into the game, pouring all their creative ideas into the title. Unfortunately, it never comes together in a package I am comfortable playing. The physics are abnormal and not easy to get used to, while the lack of online and health bar are weird oversights for a game like this. Overall, De Mambo nails down the unique factor for the game, but it does so without the basic building blocks required beforehand.

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.

Death Squared is a nice surprise to the puzzle genre, delivering comic relief at all the right moments. It really does teach you to laugh at yourself, while not taking itself as a video game too seriously. Some great things come in small packages, and this one’s got nuts…and bolts. And lasers. And explosions.

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.

So, is Farming Simulator 18 on 3DS worth it? Making a direct comparison to the PC and console versions, of course it comes in weighing on the lighter side. But, as I stated in the beginning, the core experience is still very much here. Everything has been simplified, but it works very well. I kept switching between the PC and 3DS versions just to see how big of a difference it would be, but I was surprised that the 3DS version held up so well. Even the controls felt fine. For younger players, or those who just want a casual, laidback experience on their 3DS, Farming Simulator 18 is actually a pretty solid buy.

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

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.

All in all, I’ve been really enjoying my time with Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers. If you aren’t a fan of the genre, this won’t be a game that changes your mind, and while some feel the $39.99 price tag is a bit too high for the game, I’ve gotten a ton of enjoyment from it thus far. As a Street Fighter veteran, this is a nice package that you can bring with you anywhere you want, and the additional content makes one of the greatest fighting games a bit more modern for Switch owners. It’s not for everyone, but if you love 2D fighters or retro games, this is a must own for your Nintendo Switch.

The first Urban Trial Freestyle was already a pretty fun game, so this sequel simply took a solid foundation and built upon it. With the hefty amount of courses, a track builder, online leaderboards, great visuals and engaging gameplay, I can definitely say that this game is worth picking up if you’re into racers and/or physics-based titles. Seeing that it only costs $7, you really don’t have much to lose. While there is a bit of a learning curve, once you get the hang of it, the experience is pretty fun.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia really surprised me. What I thought would be a simple spin-off game ended up being arguably the best Fire Emblem game I’ve played. There’s more than enough new things to spice things up for series die-hards, and newcomers will enjoy things like being able to turn off “permadeath.” With some of the best presentation on the 3DS, Fire Emblem Echoes is a must own for RPG fans.

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

Overall, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an excellent package. The entire DLC and battle mode, in addition to the base game, makes Mario Kart Deluxe well worth its price tag. However, fans who own the original title and are short on change may come away a bit disappointed with Deluxe. $60 is a lot to ask for a game that you already own, and other than battle mode there isn’t much to justify buying the game again. Nevertheless, as a standalone title, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands out as an exemplary buy for your new Nintendo Switch console. Deluxe’s gorgeous visuals, variety of modes, and excellent kart racing gameplay will make it a title you continue to come back to for months.

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.

Mr. Shifty had a really unique spin on the Hotline Miami formula, and I really enjoyed playing through the game at first. It’s unfortunate that simple design decisions and technical problems prevented the title from reaching its full potential, and ultimately Mr. Shifty amounts to an okay Switch indie title. However, that’s not necessarily terrible. There aren’t a whole lot of games right now on the Switch, and $15 isn’t that much to ask for an indie game nowadays. If you’re hankering for a unique action game on Nintendo’s new platform, Mr. Shifty might be just the game to quench your craving.

In the end I became dangerously addicted to Has-Been Heroes. I couldn’t put the game down because of how much depth there is to the gameplay. Chaining melee and spell attacks across the 3 heroes and landing a ton of damage on an enemy is incredibly satisfying. Or that rewarding feeling you get when finally figuring out a strategy to defeat the boss and progressing further into the game. Make no mistake, Has-Been Heroes is a hard game and not for the faint of heart but if you enjoy a fun, rewarding challenge, at $20 it’s a must have for your Switch collection.

All in all, I enjoyed The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ a lot more than I should have. I’ve gotten a lot of playtime from the game and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon, so the $39.99 price point (although higher than the competition) doesn’t bother me to have a nice physical copy and manual. Plus, the Switch version has some exclusive DLC not available on other platforms (yet), so it’s really the best version of Isaac to get. If you are looking for a stroll in hell with dark humor and fun top-down twin stick shooting, The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is a solid addition to the Switch.

It’s by no means a perfect game, as no game can be. But its faults are simply overwhelmed by its positives, and they never detracted from the joy I felt with each passing hour. Indeed, it’s the best Zelda game the company has ever made, and certainly one of its best games of all time. In this, it’s more than just a game for the storied company: it’s a statement that Nintendo continues to have some of the best game developers in the world, and its understanding of joy is second to none.

Super Bomberman R is decent for a launch title on a system that is a little lacking in retail titles, but it has it’s issues. Fans of Bomberman and people who will use the local multiplayer option will get more enjoyment out of this title than the average person, who will probably wait for a price drop. It’s not perfect, but when the game shines, it does shine pretty bright; there’s just not enough moments of that brightness unfortunately.

Shovel Knight and its two expansions feature expertly crafted levels and mechanics, as well as music and visuals that will put a smile on your face. Though it is unfortunate that Switch owners are forced to put an extra $10 down to play a “free” expansion, those that do choose to pick up the package will find it well worth playing, no matter the price.

FAST RMX is arguably the 2nd best launch title on the Nintendo Switch right next to Breath of the Wild. The gameplay is fast and responsive, the presentation is gorgeous, and at $19.99 is the best value on the Nintendo Switch. If you are a fan of games like F-Zero or Wipeout, or racing in general, FAST RMX should be on your Nintendo Switch without a doubt.

If you’re into regularly hosting or attending parties then yes, 1-2-Switch is a game for you and you’ll get your money’s worth out of it. However if you’re thinking of picking this up to play with the family on weekends, you’ll find the game collecting dust fairly quick. The mini-games get old fast and the game gets exponentially less fun with less people. Top that off with its significant price point and you can be sure that 1-2-Switch will be filling up bargain bins within months.

If you are a fan of Wipeout-style games and own a New 3DS, LifeSpeed is a decent option for you to pick up since Nintendo will never put an F-Zero on the 3DS. The poor audio, lack of online multiplayer, and confusing first few races are a bit off putting, but the racing mechanics are solid enough to keep the game fun.

There are still plenty of challenges and content to be found in the ‘3DS version of the game. The uniqueness and musical charm are present, just not in a way that complements the console version of Yoshi’s Woolly World.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is a fantastic addition to the 3DS, and easily one of the best games on the system. Everything is well crafted and highly polished, and there is enough new content and variations that even if you played the PS2 version to death, you will still find lots of surprises and nuances. With high presentation value, a charming story, tons of depth, and a traditional-yet-fun JRPG battle system, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is a must-own for 3DS RPG lovers, and easily an early contender for 2017 game of the year.

Radiantflux: Fractal is cheap at $2.99, and the price is suitable. It’s short, it’s weird, and some people won’t like it, but I think it has a certain charm to it that made it pretty enjoyable. If you like more obscure style games, or shmups, this one may be up your alley.

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.

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

Exile’s End is not a game you should avoid, but with the many quality games on eShop, it makes it hard to recommend. The game does a nice job to recreate the experience it was looking for, but failed at making what these games make fun: the interesting level design and challenge.

Overall, Pokemon Sun and Moon take two generational steps forward, but also take one step back. Small new intricacies like battle enhancements and a refined presentation vastly improve the moment-to-moment experience of playing Pokemon. However, a sparse catalog of new Pokemon, shallow end game, and lack of launch Pokemon Bank support hold the titles back from being truly exceptional.

Overall, Pokemon Sun and Moon take two generational steps forward, but also take one step back. Small new intricacies like battle enhancements and a refined presentation vastly improve the moment-to-moment experience of playing Pokemon. However, a sparse catalog of new Pokemon, shallow end game, and lack of launch Pokemon Bank support hold the titles back from being truly exceptional.

Mario Party: Star Rush isn’t the Mario Party game we all were hoping for and a return to form for the series, but I think it’s a step in the right direction after the questionable Mario Party 10 on the Wii U. The party isn’t as hype as it needs to be, but some will be able to find a good bit of enjoyment in this title.

The original Yo-kai Watch got a pass when it came to battle depth and strategy, but Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls do not enjoy the same luxury. The battle system is not improved in any way, and as a result is both shallow and slow.

Unfortunately flying as your dragon feels like steering a double-decker bus underwater that occasionally gets pulled up by a crane. You will be unfairly killed by the game due to the terrible camera and everything (even the music) slowing down to a crawl during boss fights.

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.

The game is simple but challenging, yet it still manages to be enjoyable.

Soul Axiom for Wii U is a rough port of an interesting first-person puzzler that just doesn’t quite live up to its potential. The combination of frustrating controls, poor graphics that don’t live up to the PC version, and intentionally slow storytelling may be too much for anyone that is not a huge fan of the first person puzzle genre.

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.

On one hand, SMT IV is one of the best games on the 3DS and is surely worth a playthrough by every 3DS owner. Apocalypse, however, is more or less a re-skin of the 2013 title with a new story perspective. Those that are looking to dive back into an SMT title with an expanded story and don’t mind retreading familiar ground will surely find a lot of recognizable fun in Apocalypse.

While some people may not like the older sort of play style, I think it works great in this game. Couple that with a good story, mostly solid graphics, and an excellent musical score, and Dragon Quest VII is yet another “must-own” JRPG on the Nintendo 3DS.

Tadpole Treble isn’t the most complex eShop game, but it deserves to be one of the most popular.

This game is great. If you like hand-drawn art in games like Muramasa and epic boss battles akin to Monster Hunter then this is the game for you. Overall the presentation, music, sound, and level design is just as epic as the story. The biggest issue I had involves a crash in The Crater due to the Wii U chugging on an abundance of lighting effects.

The entire experience is an homage to the classic video game that often does the right thing. While there are so many instances of greatness found throughout the 6-7 hour campaign, problems dealing with some of the core features of the genre hinder the overall experience.

Not a good game at all. When you find yourself just wanting to complete levels to see if the game ever changes and gets better, that’s a sign that something is very wrong. The core gameplay is simplistic, boring, and not the level of quality one would expect from a Metroid game. Other M may have been the most fan-derided Metroid game until now, but Federation Force will easily take the crown from here on out.

Other than that, the game is nice little package. It’s bursting with color and charm and the gameplay, while not new, is still pretty fun. While this definitely isn’t the kind of game that you’d be expecting to play on a home console, it’s still nice to have nonetheless. At only $5, Sunbreak Games’ semi-infinite runner should be a great addition to anyone looking for a fun, simple game for younger Wii U players.

At the end of the day, I enjoyed my time with BOXBOXBOY!. The is simple, yet charming.

It’s a simple, cheap, nostalgia-feeling arcade game that can be very addicting. A little more variety in the visuals and audio would have helped, but as it stands, if you are looking for a cheap and fun game, Reptilian Rebellion will give you a good bang for your buck if you enjoy high-score driven games.

As a Star Wars and LEGO fan, I found it extremely hard to dislike LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens. But, after playing through it in its entirety, I can’t help but feel robbed of my money.

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

Ultimately, Mighty No. 9 is just not worth the price. It has a satisfying set of mechanics, but that is all it has going for it.

If you happen to be a fan of word games, though, then this should be right up your alley.

At the end of the day, with a price-tag of only $2, you really won’t be losing much if you decide to try the game out of pure curiosity.

At the end of day, Kick & Fennick was a truly surprising experience.

With a price-tag of only $10, MixedBag Srl’s colorful shooter is easily one of the most original and enjoyable games out on the Wii U eShop right now.

However, those that decide to pick up the latest Shin Megami Tensei title will be pleasantly delighted by its gameplay and dungeon deisgn. With a near barren summer release schedule this year, Tokyo Mirage Session is the perfect game to sink hours and hours into.

The budget retail release of $39.99 will probably tempt some parents, but you can find better kid friendly games for the system for that price or cheaper.

Even though its presentation isn’t perfect, Toy Defense still manages to be a solid, little title. It definitely isn’t the deepest game in the 3DS’ eShop, but I found it to be a good title for passing time.

All in all, A Beggar’s Ride is a short, simple, and ultimately quite enjoyable puzzle platformer. If you’ve got six bucks to spare, then the charming visuals, impressively developed mixture of atmosphere and story, and solid puzzles will make the game worth a purchase.

A fantastic addition to the 3DS library with a well polished gameplay experience that doesn’t feel ‘dumbed down’ or like a mobile game. Clever level design, nice visuals, and the added mech-suit really make Planet Robobot stand out as a Kirby title, and is one of his most enjoyable entries to date. If you enjoy classic Kirby games and are looking for a game with some real value, Kirby: Planet Robobot should be on your radar.

Overall, Pocket Card Jockey is a surprisingly fun title that is definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of either solitaire or horse races.

Pokemon Rumble World isn’t necessarily a bad game, but it’s not of the quality I would expect from Nintendo.

Paranautical Activity isn’t a bad game, it is just is very flawed. Sadists and FPS fans looking for something quirky and somewhat enjoyable might get a little amusement out of the game, but it’s hard to recommend it with these glaring issues for most gamers.

While the ‘shoot-em-up’ genre isn’t new, Shutshimi has managed to take an age-old formula and make it its own.

With beautifully done 3D effects, a solid selection of games, and a myriad of options for those games, SEGA 3D Classics Collection is a very solid purchase for fans of the classic SEGA arcade era.

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

I loved the experience Star Fox Zero provided. I felt my skills improve every time I ran a new mission and I still get cravings to just go back into the game for the feeling it offers of flying and shooting down enemies. It’s extremely disappointing that there isn’t more content to offer above its 20 levels as the Gameplay is incredibly fun for those who take the time to master it. I truly believe this could have been regarded as one of the Wii Us must-have titles, but unfortunately, the limited content and unintuitive controls hold the game back from its potential.

Either way though, no matter if you played the original, if you want a beautiful, exciting, and well designed modern take on classic JRPGs, you will feel right at home with Bravely Second: End Layer.

All in all, Replay: VHS Is Not Dead is a brilliant game. It may not have particularly compelling visuals, music, or stories, but the gameplay is just superb. If you’ve got puzzle-platformer on the brain, Replay: VHS Is Not Dead is for you.

The Bridge is without doubt a brilliant idea that features clever puzzles and beautiful artwork. It is without doubt a great addition to the Wii U library, and a must have for puzzle lovers – though it may be quite frustrating for those not experienced in the genre.

Overall, Infinity Runner isn’t a bad game, and it can certainly be an enjoyable experience especially if you are a fan of the genre.

Project X Zone 2 does a great job improving on almost every element from the previous game. The problem is that they also made the game easier; this removed any strategy needed, and so the experience has become rather dull. It is admirable that they made so many improvements, but with the total lack of challenge, it was all for naught.

Steel Rivals was a game that could have been a decent little fighter similar to Soul Calibur, but it is an obviously very rushed and incomplete fighting game that should be avoided by even the most hardcore fighting fans.

Alphadia is a game that is faithful in its homage to JRPGs of yore, yet cannot quite match them in its execution.

Hyrule Warriors Legends does something a lot of games can’t do: take a console version and improve upon it. Loss of graphical fidelity aside, Legends breathes new life into Hyrule Warriors and offers up a fantastic and deep handheld experience that will have you up at the wee hours of the night saying “just one more battle” until the sun comes up.

Nothing about the game is really satisfying, nothing about the game stands out, and poor and lazy design choices make it feel much more like a cash-grab than a full fledged experience.

Mutant Mudds Super Challenge is, for better or worse, more of the same – just a bit harder.

For all my grumbling and complaining, I hesitate to be too hard on LEGO Avengers 3DS. Even with its problems, it is an awesome idea that does quite a bit right, and a TON of people will enjoy it.

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

The puzzle element is more tedious than mentally stimulating, and the platforming ranges from average to horrendous.

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

Chasing Dead had promise, but fails on every single basic level of game design and playability. I honestly do hope the team is able to salvage this game in the future with updates, because I think if the performance of the game was at a decent level it could be a fun game. As it stands, this is the worst title I’ve played in 2016, and should be avoided at all costs.

If you have ever been interested in playing the games that got Mega Man his start, this is a solid addition to any library.

Twilight Princess HD is yet another must-have for the Wii U library. Considering this game is one of my Top 5 favorite Zelda games, the HD treatment is a true treat to behold.

I appreciated the very dark nature of the story. Usually, when playing through games with moral choices I usually choose the options that are “good.” The story is actually pretty hard to swallow in Conquest. The game has no problem killing off good characters, and on multiple occasions I was devastated to see the way that the story would play out.

While I wish the story had more twists and that the main character had more depth, Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright is fantastic package with a lot to offer.

It’s short, the game doesn’t give you feedback, and is incredibly basic, but the gameplay was fun—even if I had no idea what I was doing half the time.

All things considered, Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty is a fine addition to the Wii U eShop lineup. It’s one of the more polished titles on the service, and has a good length and value to it.

All in all, Outside the Realm is not great. At just fifty cents at launch, it may be worth a playthrough if you want something mindless to play for thirty minutes.

FreezeME probably won’t go down as being one of the greatest games in eShop history, but I can say that considering this was almost completely created by just one guy, it would be a lie to say that I was completely let down.

Star Sky is a brief experience that will be enjoyed by some and hated by others.

All in all, Level 22 is a very worthwhile purchase if you are in the market for a top down stealth game.

In the end, Lionel was an overall disappointment. There are much older games with a lot more features than this, and a much higher level of fun.

There are many great games on the Nintendo eShop, but unfortunately Shadow Puppeteer is not one of these games.

Those looking for a deep story or compelling adventure gameplay may not find it, but there’s a lot to love in this first episode. It’s just not for everyone.

Final Fantasy Explorers just feels shallow. It’s not that it is a bad game, it’s just painfully average in almost every respect.

The level design is totally unremarkable, the length is short, and the visuals and music, while mostly not unpleasant, are just unimpressive. Even so, those that like rolling a ball through an obstacle course will find something to enjoy here.

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