It's sad to see the Switch get the worst version of a wonderful game. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 63]

It's a testament to how compelling Loop Hero's core gameplay "loop" is that you never feel punished by putting in the extra time as long as you're in the right headspace. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 17]

Odds are you've already experienced it for yourself in the past eight years, but just in case you haven't, it might be worth a shot. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 21]

The best word to wholly describe the experience of Severed is "unsettling." [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.21S]

Nintendo had the chance to knock this one out of the park, but they settled for a bunt. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 72]

Tumblestone's relatively lofty price is worth it for its fresh and fun take on puzzling. [Issue #23 – September/October 2016, p.21]

I wish I liked Slime-san more than I did, but the platforming is hampered for me severely by the confounding views combined with my dislike of the floatier controls and frustrating dash ability. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 23]

As a piece of game history, Final Fantasy VII is indispensable. As a piece of entertainment today, it's hit-and-miss, especially in this half-baked port. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 26]

Overcooked! 2 is a dish worth tasting, as seconds of a great dish can often be more rewarding – especially with the added ingredient of online. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 74]

Despite trying to connect at several times throughout the day, I've never found an opponent online. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 19]

If you're just here to knock monster heads around, you'll get bored quickly. $30 is too much to recommend this one, unless you're a really big fan of kaiju action and story, or you want to get really deep into the customization aspect. Without unlockables or much variety in gameplay, the game's initial punch of awesome fades quickly. Still, this game could be just the start of something bigger. If Dawn of the Monsters turns out to be just the dawn of a new series, perhaps its sequels could build more on the foundation of this one's ruined cityscapes. [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 27]

I'm glad this game made it over, but it's not as special as I'd hoped. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 29E]

OlliOlli takes old-school sensibilities and mixes them up with today's skateboarding culture. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.25]

With fluid animations, strong vocal performances and a cultural variety that most contemporary games regrettably lack, Indivisible is most certainly worthy of our attention. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 66]

Shantae and the Seven Sirens is a fine Metroidvania, but one of the weaker Shantaes. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 18]

Only the most internally motivated robo-shinobi fanatics will bother. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 71]

What most winds up dragging down Melody of Memory, ironically, is that it tries too hard to be a Kingdom Hearts adventure rather than a cohesive rhythm game. [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 69]

If you're a serious Puyo Puyo nut who's always on the hunt for the next blob-dropping challenge, Puyo Puyo 2 feeds you more of what you crave. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 23]

3D Fantasy Zone may sting at times, but at least now you have enough ointment to soothe the burning. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.26]

All the new bells and whistles are great, but I lost interest fairly quickly. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 21]

When the stars align and Sportsball is the main event in a gathering of friends, it shines. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.22]

Someone's bound to get a DBZ action/adventure game right one of these days, but unfortunately this one's a few Dragon Balls short of summoning Shenron, if you know what I mean. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 68]

If you're down for a lengthy adventure filled with frustrating trials and tribulations, then Etrian Mystery Dungeon might by perfect for you. [Issue #15; May/June 2015, p.74]

Not much about the game will stick with you, but if you played a lot of games in the '90s it will be a nice distraction – or at least a call to revisit the games it's trying to mimic. Moonrider would be mid-tier at best in the '90s, but will likely be lost to obscurity in the saturated retro market of today. [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 20]

Ultimately, I'm equally delighted and disappointed. Maybe there's a better version of this game available in another world? [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 22]

Frustrations and rare moments of disgust aside, moon is an unusual experiment in RPG parody/deconstruction that deserves to at least be sampled. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 24]

Anodyne 2 is like nothing I've played before. That in and of itself is a feat in today's oversaturated market. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 23]

Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 is worth picking up, but it pales in comparison to its predecessor. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 67]

You can safely sit this one out unless you're a diehard fan. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 68]

Less than a year ago, ININ Games published Space Invaders Forever on Switch. It has three games for $30. This Invincible Collection has those same three titles, plus eight more, for $60. That's a better deal, but those who bought the earlier release are sure to feel flimflammed. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 26]

It feels more complete, but is still a ways from being great. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 21]

I have never been so completely charmed – and yet so utterly frustrated – by the same game, at the same time. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.67]

I just came away annoyed. [Issue #15; May/June 2015, p.24]

Smash pots, light torches, find secrets and open treasure chests, all in a procedurally built "rogue-lite" world that remakes itself after every era. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 27]

If you're looking for a slow enigma of a game, forma.8 is worth it [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 25]

I've got to give credit to the incredible sprite art and wonderful animation of the characters, but don't let their cutesy appearance fool you: Cursed to Golf is a truly punishing experience that isn't well suited for kids who might otherwise be drawn in by its style. Hit these links only if you're a dedicated golfer who's ready to tap into the fullest extent of your patience. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 27]

If you absolutely adore Waluigi as a character, you need to own Mario Tennis Aces for him alone. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 60]

I'm glad it exists, despite my hesitation to give it a strong recommendation. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 89]

Alwa's Awakening is perhaps a bit more of a throwback to the NES era than it should have been. But it's still quite charming! [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 25]

ToeJam & Earl's endearing retro motif is right up my alley, but there simply isn't enough charm here to elevate this new entry over its source material. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 29]

If you like Doraemon, you'll probably like this tale, but as a Story of Seasons fan, I would rather not spend my farming life in Natura. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 18]

A fascinating but flawed journey down a roaring river. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 23M]

The Stretchers is the epitome of simple fun, with all of the strings that come along with that promise. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 24]

It takes some great steps in the right direction in terms of modernizing this series – but it doesn't quite stick the landing. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 22]

If anything, go back and check out The Legend of Legacy. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 69]

Like their previous Recharged title, Atari isn't trying to reinvent the wheel here. Its back-to-basics design is limited, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a blast while it lasted! [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 23]

It falters when it focuses more on completion and less on just seeing the countryside. It's fun for stretches, but maybe not for completionists. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 72]

While I love this game's style, the character of Renata and her faithful frog/gun the Frogun itself, the reality of actually playing the game sadly doesn't inspire quite as much of a smile as I got when I first saw this adventure revealed. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 24]

The biggest issue with the game is its brevity: I knocked it out in an afternoon, and was surprised because it seemed like an RPG of sorts. There were also several instances where I thought areas would open up after a boss battle, but the game blocks off areas for humor, almost teasing the player into thinking the adventure is bigger. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 23]

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS is the barebones, no-frills, no-extra-options-selected factory model version of its original, tricked-out 2015 Wii U release. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.64]

My opinion of the Yo-kai Watch franchise has faltered. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 72]

Despite its shortcomings, Kirby Star Allies is a fun, casual outing. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 67]

Tri Force Heroes is hit-or-miss depending on how you play it, but overall it's an adventure worth experiencing. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.70]

I honestly think ILCA's decision to play it safe was the biggest thing that hurt Brilliant Diamond. Maybe if it had included a few more of the story beats and improvements that were introduced in Platinum, I'd be giving it a higher grade. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 66]

There's a lot holding this one back from being as fun as the MCU – but it is a fun game if you follow its parameters. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 70]

If you're a Switch owner looking to play a Pokémon game, this pair should be your third choice after the Let's Go games and Sword & Shield. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 67]

Garden Story's on the short side, but it has plenty of options and content to really stretch your experience toward 100% completion. It's grape for all ages! [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 21]

There's a lot of game packed into this little package, but it takes a long time to get going. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.69]

It may not be perfect, but if you're a fan of the source material, it's well worth the price of admission. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 23]

Trying to graft emotions onto avatars with very little expression by simply adding grunts, simple animations or long pauses can be done, but it's a big ask for the viewer. Feel free to discard any plans to play this one and move on. [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 23]

While it may not solidify the burgeoning franchise as an alternative to Pokémon, Yo-kai Watch 2 is nonetheless another solid RPG in 3DS's library, especially for younger gamers. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.12M]

Mario, Sonic and Crash don't have to worry about losing their parking spots with anyone but the most diehard Nick fans. But as these things go? They did all right. [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 71]

I was looking to scratch my 3D platformer itch, but in the end, Molty couldn't quite offer the relief I so desperately crave! [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 21]

Is it something I can see myself playing for a long time? In all honesty, no. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 21M]

After finishing Cris Tales, I kept asking myself, "Was this game about time worth 20+ hours of my time?" Honestly, I don't think it was. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 72]

Tanuki Justice is a real "your mileage may vary" type of situation. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 19]

Don't let the Gacha getcha! [Issue #26 – March/April 2017, p.17]

As a lapsed fan of the Dragon Ball series, Fusions was, for the most part, a delightful return trip to this action-packed and often ridiculous world. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.68]

There are fleeting moments of enjoyment, but those are few and far between. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 21]

Bear & Breakfast has its share of issues, but it's filled with great characters, wonderful visuals and pretty sweet music. Hopefully it's a little more stable by the time this issue goes to print, and the devs implement some more U.I. improvements. My 3-star review: It's OK, but would be better with some extra polish. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 28]

Spidersaurs is pretty hard to recommend, at least on a gameplay level, to anyone but the most hardcore run-and-gun enthusiasts. [Issue #61 – September/October 2022, p. 21]

It feels like the very narrow gap between Japan's release date and ours worked against it, and I would not have minded waiting a few more months for a more polished final release. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 72]

While My Time at Portia has some great ideas, performance issues hold the Switch version back. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 69]

LEGO Jurassic World is as "more of the same" as a game gets. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.74]

If you're a diehard Octopath fan and want to dive further into the lore, then this game is for you; otherwise, it's going to go completely over your head, and you'd be better off sticking with the core series on the Switch. [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 24]

A great story for both Pokémon fans and mystery fans – of all ages! [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 73]

Slipstream may not be perfect, but it was clearly made with a specific vision and a ton of love. There are plenty of other options out there for sure, but if you're really into drifting and retro racers, you may get better mileage here than most. [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 24]

Fight Crab isn't great, but it is awesome, and that has to count for something. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 32]

Yo-kai Watch 2 isn't worth your time, no matter how stinking cute Jibanyan is. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.13M]

Compared to the original, Fairune 2's highs are higher, but the lows are lower, proving that bigger isn't always better. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.20]

Individuals who can effortlessly slip in and out of relaxation will find it a thought-provoking playground, but if you're like me, Paradise Marsh may wind up just another item cleared from your backlog. [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 18]

If gamers flock to Tipping Stars and really embrace the level creator, we could see a thriving community that provides tons of innovative levels for years to come. If people skip the game, you're stuck with another by-the-numbers sequel in this long-running series. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.30]

This is an OK RPG – it's just not a great one. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 85]

Like many of Wada's previous titles, Little Dragons Café is heartwarming from beginning to end, but it has a few flaws in its design that detract from the overall experience. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 84]

The Jedi Knight games remain the best Star Wars games on the Nintendo Switch, but if you keep your expectations low and take Republic Commando for what it is, you can certainly have fun with this imperfect sci-fi shooter. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 21]

Final Fantasy Explorers is a fun, if shallow, cooperative adventure, but the game pales in comparison to the titles it mimics. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.73]

I hope Tribute Games keeps doing their thing until the end of time, but this run-and-gun just didn't do it for me. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 19]

It just feels particularly unnecessary thanks to the existence of Marvel Superheroes. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.72]

If you crave 100-hour, card- based strategy games, hold onto your combat gi! [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 70]

Sonic Frontiers is a brave experiment that struggles to express its intentions while still committing many of its series' 3D sins. But if you're able to commit to learning its idiosyncrasies, you'll discover a fun, addictive journey unlike any in Sonic's past. [Issue #64 – March/April 2023, p. 71]

It's an imperfect debut, but in spurts and with friends, De Mambo is a fun and chaotic trip. [Issue #29, p. 21]

Give Dragalia Lost a pass for now. For the same amount of money and time, you could support a developer by buying and playing an actual, full game. [Issue #38 – March/April 2019, p. 20]

Daemon X Machina has a lot of personality when it comes to moment-to-moment action, but everything else sometimes feels like an afterthought. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 72]

If you've got a hunger for factory management sims and know how to think like a well-oiled machine, you'll want to pick this one up. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 23]

It's probably best to just pick Q.U.B.E. up on PC at a discount, letting this version stay unsolved. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.17]

This is an experience tailored solely for rabid JoJo fans and no one else. On the bright side, it makes for a perfect excuse to finally hop aboard the JoJo train! Only after emerging from that rabbit hole can you enjoy All-Star Battle R for what it is. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 73]

Big props to WayForward for the attempt, but Kunio-tachi no Banka doesn't deserve to be placed on such a high pedestal. All Zero is good for is rounding out your Kunio-kun collection . . . and savoring Megan McDuffee's infectious tunes. [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 19]

If you're a fan of environmental puzzles, Doomsday Vault makes traversing the post-apocalypse surprisingly relaxing and, well, downright pleasant. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 25]