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

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

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

Overall I’m very pleased with what Super Mario Run offers. The price may come off as steep to many players and arguably it is if all you want to do is play through the levels. However for those willing to master the game and embrace it for what it is, it’s well worth the investment. Nintendo has shown that they are masters in game design regardless of platform. They’ve proven to me that they understand the unique aspect of mobile gaming and have delivered a great Nintendo experience for phones and tablets. I eagerly await their next mobile titles hoping their other franchises will see the same smooth transition into a mobile gaming format.

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

Cake Bash is sweet and tasty all-out multiplayer mayhem, even if it lacks a little depth. There’s enough variety in the mini games to keep you playing, especially in Get Tasty mode. However, we wish that unlocking mini games and stages in Recipe mode were more clearly laid out. Things can also get a little hectic and confusing on Nintendo Switch’s handheld display, with docked play definitely preferable. If you’re after another frantic and fun co-op party game, Cake Bash is a great addition to your Switch library.

Moto Rush GT is still capable of providing a great sense of speed while also calling for a gradual improvement in skill. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, reaction-based games, then this should be right up your alley. And if you do happen to own the motorcycle Toy-Con from the Labo Vehicle Kit, then you should enjoy this even more. It’s a simple game, but for what’s supposed to be a small experience, it’s not bad at all. If anything, the head-bopping soundtrack will probably keep you coming back to gradually tackle each level.

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

Arcade Spirits is a unique visual novel. It has a lot of humor as well as dourness, which will have gamers guessing their fate while simultaneously shaping it themselves. As you go from floor assistant to something much more, you’ll find true love along the way. The dream of working a job you adore while finding your soulmate: a hardship in real life, but achievable in a few short hours with Arcade Spirits.

Overlooking the microtransactions, Disc Jam is still a fun game. The trailers got me pumped to play it, and it’s just as fun in-person as it is on video. But, your fun-factor will be determined by your skill level. But if you’re the determined type or one of those special people who are just instantly good at every new thing they try, then you should be able to just jump right in with no issues.

Overall, Rico has quite a bit in terms of randomized levels and tasks to complete in its roguelike first-person shooter setting. However, the game trips over itself when random placements hinder level progression. These instances become more frustrating as level difficulty ramps up. Still, there’s a lot of potential with Rico. I wouldn’t mind revisiting the game after a patch or two. As it stands, its a nice addition to the online multiplayer shooter library on Nintendo Switch.

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

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

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

I really like Defense Grid 2. The Switch version may not be the best, but it still provides a lot of fun for less than $20. And while the visuals are a little lacklustre, the core mechanics and level design are just as good as ever. This is a game that will keep you busy for hours as levels can take up to 40 minutes to complete. You can speed time up but you need to be careful as it’s possible to get overwhelmed before you know it. There are also twelve different ways to play each level, from two-player to having a fixed budget to limited upgrades. If you’re a fan of tower defense titles, then Defense Grid 2 is a game that deserves some space on your Switch.

Railway Empire – Nintendo Switch Edition is definitely a tycoon time-sucker. Seeing your profits go up as your trains steam and roll is satisfying, and watching a tiny bit of history play out is interesting if you’re into it. While this is not the most complex tycoon sim out there, it does have some harder mechanics for those seeking a challenge while also sill being accessible for anyone.

Excellent writing, impressive visuals, and great presentation save the game from the somewhat lackluster battle system and make it a solid game that will provide fun for fans of Mario games and the Paper Mario series.

Project Nimbus: Complete Edition can be a very repetitive experience, but for only $19.99, it’s still an experience fans of the mech combat genre will enjoy. The controls just feel really good, and blowing stuff up is satisfying. And with three difficulty levels, you have a reason to stick around even if Warpath gets too redundant. Consider giving this a shot.

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

Fans of puzzle games, Slayaway Camp, and Friday the 13th will find a lot to love about Killer Puzzle. There are so many things to love. Jason’s first outing on Nintendo Switch is an entertaining and challenging time. It displays the iconic killer in a new light, and I think it can introduce the character to a younger crowd thanks to the PG filter. Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle is a fun treat for the Halloween season. If you’re looking for puzzles, gore, and cute animation, this is a great game for you.

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

Skyhill is a game that had me hooked to my Switch from the opening moments. There aren’t any surprises, the enemy varieties are few, and the gameplay is repetitive. But you know what? I had an absolute blast with Skyhill. Its roguelike elements leave plenty to come back to, the unpredictable nature keeps players on edge, and the gameplay is fun. Switch owners looking for a good game to play for short bursts or on the go should definitely pick up Skyhill.

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

The monochromatic look is great and the splashes of blood really help to elevate it. The story is likewise interesting, with fun and engaging characters. I came across a few frustrating levels, but these were rare and, at the end of the day, made me really appreciate the fun I had been having.

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

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

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

Newcomers may not find as much to be excited about with it when compared to more contemporary racing games, but for fans of the series, Hot Pursuit Remastered is a welcome return to form.