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.

Tetris Effect: Connected is an outstanding iteration of the beloved puzzler, featuring unique levels with mind-boggling visuals. Playing docked doesn't look as great as in handheld mode (particularly on Switch OLED) due to Switch resolution differences, but that doesn't detract from the overall experience. If you're after a fantastic puzzle game on Nintendo Switch, then Tetris Effect: Connected is an easy recommendation.

Hades is a nearly perfect game that excels in every area, be it story, voice acting, music, game design, or dog petting. It's a roguelike action adventure game that values repetition and rewards the player for enjoying it more.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is easily one of the greatest games on the Nintendo Switch. While it may not have the best graphics on the handheld, its mere breadth makes it one of the deepest experiences in the library. Like any great session of D&D or other tabletop role-playing games, it engrosses the player in its setting and characters to the point that you’re able to fully escape into its world. While it may be overwhelming at first, there are dividends to those that decide to make the commitment.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps improves upon the already great foundation set out by Ori and the Blind Forest. Its map is brimming with details and secrets to discover while new weapons and movement abilities create real depth to both combat and platforming. Ori’s journey through Niwen is filled with emotional ups and downs that all feel earned and act as the perfect payoff for fans of the series. The injection of RPG elements like upgrades, side quests, and even a hub area to get attached to all anchor you to this gorgeously realized world, and the fantastic conversion to Switch means that you won’t be missing out on a thing. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best 2D platformers on Switch and a game that shouldn’t be missed.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons ultimately helped me better appreciate the importance of being able to spend time with others. With or without a pandemic, this is one of the best games to have graced Nintendo Switch yet. It’s the purest and most engaging form of Eguchi’s vision, and there’s an unparalleled belonging and meaning that’ll draw me back in for a long time to come.

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.

It’s impossible not to be impressed with the second round of DLC: in every way, it either lives up to or even surpasses even the original game, gives tons of content, and does so all while expanding the possibilities of Mario Kart for the future.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition takes a Wii RPG that was years ahead of its time and gives it new life and the visuals it deserved a decade ago. This is a must-play JRPG full of iconic characters, immersive environments, and addictive combat. There may be some minor technical and visual issues with this re-release, but they're outweighed by the brilliance of the new content and the inarguable timelessness of Xenoblade Chronicles.

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.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury offers two equally fantastic modes with different styles of gameplay. There is a ton of content spread out across both games, providing you with hours' worth of playtime for solo or co-op play.

I have never beaten a sixty-hour game and immediately wanted to jump back in for round two. Fire Emblem: Three Houses pulls you in with its rock-solid grid-based combat. But it keeps you invested by offering rich characters, deep squad customization, and an enthralling story that keeps you guessing. It’s is easily the best RPG of 2019—so far.

Death's Door is a delightful action-adventure indie. It has a lot of heart, great combat, and fantastic exploration, though its difficulty and lack of a map can be off-putting.

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.

Mr. X Nightmare is a fun expansion for Streets of Rage 4. The Survival Mode has a lot of replay value, and the new fighters are amazing additions to the roster.

This is an incredible tool – it lets you create and test with exceptional ease, all without sacrificing the number of possibilities or sense of professionalism in the finished product. Super Mario Maker truly offers you more or less everything you need to create the level of your dreams.

Dusk is a fast-paced, fun retro FPS. Its weapons and enemies are well thought-out, and its gameplay shines above its muddy colors and occasional monotonous levels.

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.

I can’t recommend What Remains of Edith Finch enough if anyone has yet to play it. With so many incredible games that are currently coming to Switch, it’s important to support the special titles coming from publisher Annapurna Interactive. Its explorations of loss and tragedy left me emotional on numerous occasions, yet it also holds an uplifting and edifying emotional core. This experience remains undiminished thanks to a comprehensive port that doesn’t make any drastic sacrifices to the performance and visuals. As far as I’m concerned, it’s required reading for those passionate about storytelling in video games.

Unsighted is an ambitious action RPG. The combat and exploration are thoroughly rewarding. However, the time limit and stamina meter are a bit grating.

The first all-new 2D Metroid in 19 years was well worth the wait. Its movement, combat, and environments are all top-notch, and the pacing will keep you hooked all the way through the end. The story is a wild ride that expands on interesting ideas from Fusion and Samus Returns in meaningful ways. There are a few technical hiccups, frustrating level design choices, and repeated mini-bosses, but my enthusiasm was never swayed thanks to a steady stream of exciting and memorable moments that kept my hands glued to the controller until the credits rolled. Dread is a stellar sequel to Fusion and a triumphant return that easily ranks among the best in the 2D series.

Ultimately, the replay value of Super Mario Maker 2 is an infinity symbol. There is just an insane number of variables that ensure inventive new levels will be created for years to come. Likewise, player rankings and unlockable costumes incentivize players to keep going. And when you start to get fatigued, you can always hop back into Story Mode to relax and recharge. Annoyances like imperfect building controls and laggy online play put a slight damper on things, but they’re not deal-breakers. Super Mario Maker 2 is a mandatory Mario experience.

Monster Hunter Rise manages to continue the series trend of delivering an excellent action RPG while also offering meaningful rewards and addicting gameplay. The game's new additions such as the Palamute and Wirebugs add more depth to what was an already solid foundation. Kamura Village is downright gorgeous, with the surrounding areas teeming with monsters both new and old. I'm excited to continue to play the game for the foreseeable future, playing online with my friends and completing what seems to be nearly endless content.

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.

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.

Quake is still an incredible game that holds up well even today. You get a ton of content for the price, and on top of that, there's so much replayability between the various difficulties and multiplayer options. While I wish some effort would have been made to modernize some archaic elements, they don't take away too much from the overall experience. If you're a fan of shooters at all, Quake should absolutely have a place in your Switch library.

Cuphead feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The boss battles are challenging, breathtaking, and most importantly, fun. I’m excited to see what Studio MDHR is planning next. The developer absolutely knocked it out of the park with this port. If you skipped Cuphead for Xbox One and PC, don’t miss out on this definitive portable version.

Astral Chain packs the punch you would expect from Platinum Games while simultaneously going above and beyond in all other areas. It’s great to see Platinum stepping even further out of its shell with expertly crafted titles like NieR: Automata and now Astral Chain. This marks another game in the studio’s catalog that is nothing short of amazing.

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.

Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition is an overall landmark effort in the realm of video games. It explores various facets of the medium’s abilities with storytelling and evocatively shifts its gameplay and gorgeous visuals to keep things interesting. Paying dividends if you decide to input your own personality, it’s a work of art that I can’t recommend enough.

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.

Enter the Gungeon can be brutal. However, you’ll find yourself laughing at its quirky dialogue and obviously ridiculous weapons, and you’ll dust yourself off and jump back in. And each time, you get a little bit better, get a little bit farther, discover a secret area on the map, and prepare to die — just one more time.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for Switch completely faithfully updates the Game Boy classic for modern audiences, and Zelda fans would be out of their minds not to play it. It is a piece of art in the literal sense with its impeccable presentation. It just doesn’t last very long, Chamber Dungeon is tedious and illogical, and the game won’t surprise longtime players with anything especially big and new. I can’t imagine those factors will bother fans very much though.

Super Mega Baseball 3 provides a fun, arcadey baseball experience that isn't too hard to get into and offers a lot of laughs due to its zany nature.

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.

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.

Streets of Rage 4 is unmistakably a sequel to this classic franchise; the developers understood what made the originals so great, and expanded upon them in ways that make sense. The most lovably crafted and well-designed brawler in ages.

There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension is a fun, clever little experience that anyone will enjoy. Aside from a moment at the end, the puzzles are smart without being too difficult. The writing is spot-on and well-balanced, and everything can be wrapped up in a single sitting, making it a great title for livestreaming or a long travel day. There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension is certainly one of the best games I’ve played this year, and I encourage you to check it out.

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.

Whether you're a newcomer to the franchise or a longtime fan, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles offers something for you. Newcomers will find an excellent entry point into the series, as it does not rely on any prior knowledge. Meanwhile, longtime fans will find yet another quality Ace Attorney adventure, at least on par with the best the series has offered thus far.

The Messenger surpassed my expectations in its first two hours. Then it went on to become one of the most joyful, rewarding, and memorable gaming experiences I’ve ever had. To say developer Sabotage succeeded at making a great platformer is a huge understatement. The Messenger transcends the platformer genre and should be played by everyone, regardless if it’s their style of game.

At the end of the day, we give Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate our highest recommendations based on our experience with it, which has been thoroughly outstanding already in the short time we’ve played it.

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.

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.

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.

Because it’s so different from the past games, the fact that it comes under the Steamworld umbrella is a bit jarring, but the whole Western cowboy theme fits in nicely with the game.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a fantastic evolution for the series. Its significantly longer campaign, slew of multiplayer options, and more varied gameplay distinguish it from the more arcadey, speedrun-friendly original to a point that direct comparison is challenging, but Luigi’s Mansion 3 is an obvious step up from Dark Moon, which was already a great game in its own right. The hotel adventure is amazing and the ScareScraper is addictive enough to add hours of gameplay. Series fans have a fantastic sequel to look forward to, and newcomers should take Luigi’s Mansion 3 as an opportunity to jump into one of Nintendo’s most unique franchises while it is firing on all cylinders.

If you are a fan of the genre, this is very easy to recommend. However, I would go further and say that, if you have a passing interest in shooters or are just after something new to play on your Switch, then give this a go.

Sumire is a beautifully told and emotionally resonant story about a young girl struggling to find reasons to be hopeful. A well-paced narrative full of character-driven growth delves deep into themes such as loss and growth, while its watercolor art style and acoustic soundtrack paint a beautiful picture of rural Japanese scenery. A charming world and simple but fun puzzles add variety and are almost enough to forget about issues like frame rate dips. Ultimately, Sumire makes the most of its brief runtime, and it’s a day trip I won’t soon forget.

Whether you have played the originals on the 3DS or not, Gunman Clive HD Collection is worth experiencing again on your big screen.

At its core, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is just as good as the original release. Those that missed out on the chance to play through the Wii version will love the incredible world of Xenoblade, the masterfully told story, and the engaging combat system.

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.

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.

Cadence of Hyrule should prove to Nintendo that handing off iconic IPs to different developers can lead to outstanding results. Even after one playthrough, I’m itching to go back and play Cadence of Hyrule some more. I never knew I wanted a Zelda/rhythm game hybrid before. Now I’m hoping this is the start of a wonderful string of Zelda spinoffs to hit the Switch. Do yourself a favor by grabbing a set of headphones and immerse yourself into the world of Cadence of Hyrule. You won’t regret it.

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.

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.

If you love classic Paper Mario games, Bug Fables is an absolute must-have. It eases you in with everything you know and love from the Nintendo RPGs, then consistently impresses with new tweaks and innovations. It may lack the built-in charm of the Mario brand, but I fell in love with the characters and story just the same. I can confidently say it has earned a spot alongside the games that inspired its creation.

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.

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

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a loving recreation of the cult classic skateboarding games, while also being an impressive iteration on where the series could go next. On Nintendo Switch, the game maintains its best features, including a fantastic variety of well-designed maps, cleverly modernized skating gameplay, endless customization, and a rocking soundtrack. Lower-resolution character models and a lower, albeit stable, frame rate of 30 FPS are meager speed bumps on the road to experiencing one of the best remakes of recent times.

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! is nothing short of a masterpiece and highly recommended to anyone who can handle darker content. It navigates the jump from PC to console well overall, with new mechanics developed to handle gameplay situations that would normally be impossible outside of PC. The extra content, especially the Side Stories, is terrific as well, though it may not be enough to justify a $15 price tag given that the original game is still free on PC.

Pikmin has not taken off to the extent that it deserves, but Pikmin 3 Deluxe just might change that when paired with Nintendo Switch’s software momentum. It’s the perfect entry point for the series with a wonderfully balanced campaign that is structured to the player’s liking. Challenges are tons of fun, this time slightly bolstered by the additional content from Olimar’s Assignment, and Bingo Battle makes for some deceptively fun competitive multiplayer. Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a reminder that this game (and trilogy) succeeds at just about everything it tries. If you have not played Pikmin 3, you really, really should, and Pikmin 3 Deluxe is the perfect opportunity.

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, 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.

The game runs at a smooth 60FPS, and the sprite work and character art are all very well done. Faces are animated, movements are fluid, and everything just has a high level of detail.

The Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster collection is an incredible package, and it comes to the Switch with virtually the same quality and improvements as every other release before it. The lack of speed-up options for battles and no Japanese language audio is a huge blow, but regardless, the ability to have this massive collection of JRPG goodness on the go is a treat that far outweighs those missing features.

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.

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.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a fantastic game. You don’t need to be into bikes, mountains, or sports to enjoy it. The simplicity of riding down a mountain trail, even when you’re trying to beat your personal best time, is an oddly relaxing experience that you can zone out to wherever you’re playing. The short trails are perfect for quick sessions on a commute or while you’re out and about, but there’s definitely potential to sit and play for hours at a time.

Freedom Planet may have started out as an attempt to recreate Sonic, but it stands on its own as a great platformer.

Shin Megami Tensei V on Nintendo Switch retains all the strategic combat elements that the Atlus RPG franchise is known for, but it radically revolutionizes its world design to create an adventure that is completely addicting and flawlessly complements the battle system. It’s a truly remarkable achievement, resulting in easily one of the best games of 2021 and one of the best games on Nintendo Switch in general.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mushihimesama was ahead of the pack when it came out two decades ago, and that hasn't changed at all in 2021. This is still a remarkable shmup and a must-play for hardcore fans, but thanks to the wealth of difficulty options it provides, it's the perfect way for newcomers to dip their feet into the genre too.

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.

Superhot is a wild ride. It’s exhilarating when, against all odds, you shatter every combatant into pieces and make it through a stage unscathed. While the game’s length is disappointing and its gyroscope controls are hard to perfect, it’s such a fresh idea that it’s hard not to recommend. Give it a download even if you’re not into the FPS genre. Above all, Superhot is a title that is about quick thinking and adapting to any situation, even when it goes south.

Having access to BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite and their associated DLC in BioShock: The Collection makes it well worth the asking price, especially with Switch portability factored in. They’re relatively old titles, but they’re packed full of entertaining content and remastered for an overall better experience. There are three incredibly unique experiences to be had with this collection. Each one is a journey that you’ll remember in its own right for years after you’ve played it. They’ll have you constantly questioning the reality you’re in, both in the games and in real life. Don’t pass up the opportunity to play them.

Infernax is an action platformer that pays homage to '80s NES classics such as Zelda II and Castlevania II in its own satisfying way. It features a level-up system, lots of gore, and an interesting choice mechanic that adds up to a worthwhile adventure with plenty of replay value.

That is because ultimately, in what the game tries to do, it succeeds completely: it creates an incredible, breathtaking, awe-inspiring world that is an absolute joy to run around in, to fight in, to collect in, to look around in, to be in. It may not have done so flawlessly, but Xenoblade Chronicles X gave me one of the finest worlds gaming has to offer, and it populated that world with incredible things to do.

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.

Regardless of these minor quibbles, Spiritfarer is a journey I wholeheartedly recommend taking, even if management sims are not your thing. The main lessons of accepting loss and the importance of leaving something behind are important to learn. The heavy topics your colleagues discuss with you are also necessary to navigate and leave a lasting gut punch. The title is also wonderfully animated and the music is superb, with its main theme receiving a number of variations throughout the experience that well up deep feelings inside of you. Give it a go if you are ready to ugly cry and smile at the same time!

Timespinner kept me wide awake in the late hours of the night. I simply couldn’t put it down until I defeated the final boss. Luckily, tons of collectibles and a new game plus mode give me a reason to jump back in. If you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, Timespinner is a must play on Nintendo Switch.

Ape Out is simply an outstanding and utterly enjoyable experience. The moment I became that big, angry monkey, I was glued to the screen and never wanted the action to end. The music dropped my jaw, the visuals made my eyes go wide, and the addictive gameplay kept me entranced until I reached the final level. The ape is truly out, my friends.

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.

Much as it pains me to say, Ni no Kuni — an otherwise masterpiece — is not worth your time on the Nintendo Switch. Its issues are simply too frustrating to work around or forgive. The game is in dire need of patches that overhaul how the game performs on the handheld. I was hoping with talk of a new game in the series and this Switch port that the future of the franchise would be positive. For right now, I’m just disappointed that Nintendo fans have gotten the short end of the stick.

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.

VA-11 HALL-A is a game I think everyone should try out. Its interesting characters, compelling stories, and flawless soundtrack help it stand out in the visual novel genre. It’s simply a must play on the Nintendo Switch.

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.

Alien: Isolation might be one of the best licensed games ever made, and Feral Interactive has succeeded in preserving its harrowing gameplay on Nintendo Switch.

There is nothing like Loop Hero, and it feels born for Nintendo Switch. Those who love roguelikes must absolutely play this refreshingly weird game, and even people who detest roguelikes may find themselves captivated by this game's unique and imaginative mechanics. Loop Hero is the best example of indie ingenuity.

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.