Everything about Sonic Colors should work, but like so many 3D Sonic games before it, its ultimate potential remains just out of reach. There's fun to be had, and the high points are incredibly cool, but the shoddy gameplay boils the entire thing down to a surprisingly mediocre experience that's tragically unworthy of what this concept deserves. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 74]

This really does feel like a big step forward for a series that famously plays things safe, and I'm excited to see where the franchise will go next! [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 72]

Chicory is a must-play game – one of the best offerings from 2021 and an excellent antidote to more terrifying titles. Depending on your personal control preferences, the Switch might not be the ideal system to use to play it, but if you've ever wished for a roleplaying game coloring book, you'll quickly fall in love with Chicory. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 31]

Eschatos' dedication to being unremarkable is actually pretty special. They rarely make them this ordinary anymore. Just don't say we didn't warn you! There are no twists here, just bullets. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 29]

I haven't played many games that gave me as much agency as Arcadia Fallen, and who doesn't want to be the hero (or anti-hero) of a fantasy story? Check this one out if you're looking for a game where you can really be yourself – or someone completely different! [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 28]

It's trial and error (and error, and error) until you complete the exact right sequence of moves to trigger a story continuation . . . for a story that is not really worth continuing at all. It's frustrating as a video game experience, giving you no real sense of payoff since the only thing you earn is a sense of regret for suffering through it all. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 27]

I've had fun with Hexceed, but it feels like a first pass at an idea that could be cleaned up in several areas. Here's hoping it doesn't bomb so its devs keep it sweeping! [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 25]

If worse comes to worst and we face the actual end of human civilization here on planet Earth, don't worry! You'll be able to book passage off-world – you just need to happen to be one of the most disgustingly rich people alive. Then you'll be all set! [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 24]

Skunkape has really delivered on the goods here, folks. They've taken one of the best modern adventure games and updated it to something far beyond its former glory. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 23]

Save the World's streamlined verb-free take on point-and-click design remains enjoyable to this day and makes the entire game's narrative easy to sit back and enjoy without getting stumped for hours. Remakes rarely highlight the strengths of a game this well! [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 22]

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

If you haven't heard anything about Spiritfarer and you enjoy amazing narratives filled with varying emotions coupled with light platforming and farming/crafting simulation, then drop everything and go buy this game! [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 20]

All in all, Death's Door is itself quite a Shiny Thing. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 19]

What a journey! After eight years of waiting, the fifth installment of MegaTen is finally here, and it manages to deliver a satisfying experience. It may not have the deepest plot or most interesting cast of human characters, but it's fun, and I appreciate that it challenged me to think more about myself, my beliefs and how I view the world around me. And how many games can do that? [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 76]

If you enjoy cozy games, Second Light is a no-brainer to recommend; just don't go into it expecting anything demanding or super innovative. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 73]

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]

As a total package, Mario Party Superstars is indeed pretty super. But is it more super than Super Mario Party? That's the real question, now that the Switch is hosting two distinctly different Mario soirées. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 71]

If you've been considering a purchase of the NERF Legends game, go ahead and stop considering it. Take the dollars you would have spent on this video game and use them to buy more real NERF weapons and ammo instead. You'll have a whole lot more fun that way. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 68]

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]

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]

If you really liked Happy Home Designer, you'll be very happy with how Happy Home Paradise improves on its formula, especially after you've worked your way up the ranks. If you're not interested in interior decorating, the only things you'll be missing out on of any note would be the ability to craft room dividers and redecorating your neighbors' homes. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 27]

When it peaks, all of Tetris Effect: Connected's separate parts meld together and your mind melts away. It's the most feel-good, fully featured and fun version of Tetris to date. Get your brain on Tetris and feel the bliss! [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 23]

If you dare to step inside the Pocket Dungeon, I'd recommend an extreme degree of caution and being prepared to dial the difficulty down right away. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 22]

A game with such a grand reputation deserves better than this bare-minimum approach of a port. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 21]

This is easily one of the most fun strategy/sim games I've played, and if you like British humor and/or imagining exactly what a Ghostato or Unicorn Bacon would taste like in real life, then add Epic Chef to your grocery list. It's magically delicious! [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 20]

It's a brainteaser like no other. More importantly, it really feels like it fits alongside the FPS action of the primary DUSK. You'll need to consider how to use the environment to your advantage while eliminating your enemies in the same way, just with fewer animations and less in-your-face pressure. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 19]

DUSK's smarts are what really make it work. Every level is brilliantly paced and thoughtfully spaced to inspire on-the fly strategies to survive this wholly unfair onslaught of terror. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 19]

Astalon's quality is undeniable. Its character animation, puzzles and power-up progression are all top- notch, and the copious extras (like a mode where you play as one of the campaign's reoccurring bosses), all show that this was a labor of love. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 18]

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]

If you're looking to get the most enjoyment out of this title, it's best to play with family or invite a bunch of friends over – it's a solid collection for get-togethers, but lacking in the solo play department. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 74]

Cruis'n Blast is a wild time from top to bottom, and what it might lack in quantity, it makes up for in quality and replayability. If you like arcade racing, don't let this pass you by. It truly is a blast! [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 73]

Hot Wheels Unleashed is hard. Like, unnecessarily so. I hope that the developers, after reading feedback about the too-tough difficulty level, will patch the game to be more accessible to Hot Wheels' biggest fans: small kids! [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 72]

It is glorious. Maybe not perfect, but still very good. It has everything I loved from Banana Blitz HD, and little of what I didn't. I highly recommend checking it out if you're new to the series, or if you just want to see a Dreamcast in a ball. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 71]

A lot of the game feels like a rough draft, but it's simplistic enough for families to jump into for a quick match and have a lot of fun. Just don't expect to spend a ton of time with it. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 70]

The plot and scenario kept me engaged even in its tedium, and while the game is different from the stellar original, it is brilliant in its own right. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 69]

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]

Even with Samus Returns under their belt, I'll admit to being slightly worried that MercurySteam wouldn't be able to live up to the standards set by Sakamoto's original Metroid crew at Nintendo R&D1. With Dread, my worries proved to be unfounded! This is a magnificent new benchmark for the franchise! [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 66]

Each of these games is an excellent individual effort and would be well worth revisiting alone. All together, for the equivalent of a few bucks apiece, the value is incredible! [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 28]

I finished Eastward burdened with regret and melancholy, but I can't deny the joy it inspired, nor the many, many colorful friends who made this darkly hopeful tale all the more memorable. Maybe this is a sign that I ought to appreciate what I found rather than lament what I missed. Not a bad takeaway, wouldn't you say? [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 26]

TOEM isn't a long game, and it's not a difficult one, but it's perfect if you want to enjoy a cute, low-key gaming experience that's built around a photo mode. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 25]

Even if the writing and characters were somewhat weak at times, Road 96 was still a heart-pounding emotional road trip that doesn't pull any punches. You might win freedom, but what will you end up losing in the end? [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 24]

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]

Shantae has been kind of the guinea pig for a new emulation initiative. It isn't as in-depth as a Shantae re-release could have been, but the base game itself is still so charming that it's worth a look on Switch even without extra bells and whistles. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 22]

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]

If you think that Super Smash Bros. Brawl's "1/100 chance of tripping" mechanic ruined the game, then SkateBIRD definitely isn't for you. But if you'd like to embrace a little chaos while getting wild in a virtual skatepark made of paperclips and duct tape, then we're birds of a feather, and this is a game you should flock to. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 20]

I can't say how long every game should be, but I can tell you that Steel Assault made me think about arcade-era design in a whole new way, and I was glued to my screen for the full 90 minutes it took me to see it through from start to finish. [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 18]

So now that he's here, is Sora a fitting addition to Smash? Honestly, very much so. Sora has been designed to be extremely accessible, with a basic sword-like moveset, and little emphasis on gimmicks like stances or meters. Don't be surprised if we see a number of Sora mains at the next big Smash tourney, especially from first-time entrants! [Issue #56 – November/December 2021, p. 17]

Ys IX is a great game and a worthy follow-up to VIII. I'd recommend playing VIII first, but if you like that one, play this! [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 74]

World's End Club is more interesting than it is traditionally "good," so how much you're able to invest in this kind of story will determine how much enjoyment you'll be able to get out of your time with it. When you really break it down, most aspects of the game leave a lot to be desired, but for the right audience, World's End Club will be more than the sum of its parts. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 73]

If you're a mature gamer (I can't recommend this game to anyone still in high school, considering some of the subject matter that gets explored within) and you're looking for a horror story that doesn't depend on cheap shots or jump scares to entertain, then I'd suggest joining the Doki Doki Literature Club. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 72]

Playing through this game brought me back to my childhood, when I played the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sacred Cards on my old Game Boys. We haven't seen many collectible card games like those on the Switch in recent years, but Shadowverse: Champion's Battle fits their mold well. So, if you're longing for that anime card game experience, give it a try and get ready to duel! [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 71]

As much as I enjoyed NEO, there were a few aspects that worked against it: the characters, the difficulty levels and the time between installments. It's a great action RPG, but it was made for the TWEWY fan in mind, so if you've never played the original, do that first and see if it's up your alley before diving into this sequel. And if you are a TWEWY fan, what are you waiting for? [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 69]

No More Heroes III is a violent action game, an open-world do-gooder sim, a dorky dad story and a tribute/parody of "popcorn classic blockbusters" all in one. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 67]

I think fans of gothic literature, visual novels and/ or engrossing stories will find something to love about this game. Just know that if you start it, you've got to reach the end to really appreciate what it has to offer. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 28]

It is pure joy. Truly – I'm hard- pressed to recall any other games I've ever played that are so full of delight and whimsy! If you ever tried to use your imagination to bring the illustrations of any children's book to life when you were younger, that's what this is. They did it. It's static, still, two-dimensional crowd scenes so brilliantly awakened with activity that it's honestly amazing. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 27]

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]

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]

It's brilliant, challenging and an absolute joy to strategize with the cards randomly dealt to you. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 24]

While some of the challenges have been too tough for my 5-year-old to tackle on his own, he never gets tired of trying. He's actually playing the game right now as I write this, laughing at Fart Cat's flatulence and working hard to find a key to a new stage. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 23]

If you missed Quake back in the day, this port is a fantastic way to experience this genre-defining work, especially for fans of 2016's DOOM. While a lot of the old-school design choices may feel simple by modern standards, it results in an elegantly intense game that's still an addicting delight to pick up for even a short session of a few minutes. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 22]

There are memorable moments, but you'll have to wade through myriad problems and poor design decisions in order to chomp into the meat of Maneater. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 21]

The missing element – one of the biggest challenges in game design – is a satisfying game feel. There's not enough feedback from using the gust ability; mechs never feel like they're delivering a strong blow. Combat in Stonefly essentially feels like blowing through a straw to try to move a pebble – it's tiresome, ineffective and tedious. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 20]

Axiom Verge 2 is amazing. Many have tried to make games that can work as light entertainment and heavy, honest stories about their own lives at the same time. Few have succeeded as well as this one. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 19]

If you're a fan of the original Alex Kidd in Miracle World, then this remake gives you just about everything you could want, and more, and you can add a good point or so to my score. If some of the rougher aspects of the original turned you away, the new unlimited lives option might be enough to compensate . . . or it might not. And if you've never played Alex Kidd before, then you might consider looking at the cheaper SEGA AGES version and decide from there if you want a bigger and better version of that. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 76]

Skyward Sword still suffers from a few low-point problems, but on the whole, and especially now with all this HD edition's improvements, it's a wonderful adventure that I would wholeheartedly recommend to all Legend of Zelda fans. Newcomers might want to start simpler with a game like Link's Awakening before leaping into this one, but once you've got a bit of gaming experience under your belt, you're ready to soar these skies. And veterans? It seems like 10 years is right around the right amount of time for memories of a first playthrough to fade, so if you only played this quest once before on Wii, definitely give it a second look now. It'll feel like a brand-new Zelda! [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 75]

Given another pass of polish, some deeper gameplay, a greater variety of missions and a larger roster of hero characters, a potential Battlegrounds sequel could be something special. The developers at Coatsink have built a solid starting structure here. With luck, maybe they'll get the chance to enhance it further! [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 73]

Anyone born later than the '80s probably won't be able to get too invested in this one. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 72]

Monster Hunter Stories 2's story and gameplay work in tandem to make this entry a standout in the franchise and in the creature collection genre as a whole. The gameplay is addictive, and the story and characters kept me invested in the finer details of the world. Plus, there is plenty to do after you've completed the story. If you're intrigued about this series or a fan who's wondering if it's worth your while, I say give this one a shot. And ride on! [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 71]

If you've never played any of the Ace Attorney titles before, this is an excellent place to start – but it's also a good example of how far we've come since the franchise first was released in the West over 15 years ago! With all the smooth 3D visuals, the excellent music, the extensively researched setting and the great cast of characters, it's leaps and bounds ahead of the original Ace Attorney trilogy, and the story shines just as brightly as the original. If not brighter! [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 69]

In all, it's incredible, and a great purchase for fans of past installments. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 67]

I recommend Boomerang X, but with one last caveat – consider its PC version before taking the plunge on Switch. I did well with this edition, but I think mouse-and-keyboard controls might have made me like it even more. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 29]

The whole Streets of Rage 4 experience now finally does feel complete. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 28]

If you're ever feeling a bit villainous though or want to test your skills of manipulation, Overboard! is a fun one to dive into. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 27]

It's a game where you literally can't lose. There are no Game Overs, just slight delays in your inevitable move through the plot. By refusing to say "No!" to the player with an occasional fail state, the game leads you to feel like your choices don't matter. It's oddly disempowering for a game about taking charge, and the main reason why I can't give this a more enthusiastic "Yes!" [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 26]

While I can't overlook the addition of a dedicated honk button, Mighty Goose just doesn't hold up past a few hours of play. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 25]

The problem with Wave Break being such a straight-up clone at its core is that it has a major barrier to entry. I was able to leap in well enough thanks to my own history playing Tony Hawk titles, but I could not recommend this game to anyone who doesn't also have experience with that series. The tutorial here is thin, and the gameplay will be nearly inscrutable to total newcomers. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 24]

Make no mistake: Asha in Monster World is a fun game, and there's plenty here to enjoy. The game's delightful old-school framework is nice, even without being caked in a layer of nostalgia. There's a reason, after all, that Monster World IV warranted a remake in the first place. As far as HD remakes go, though, this isn't exactly Link's Awakening. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 23]

If you're a fan of LEGO but you're tired of the usual slapstick smashy gameplay, or if you like simple puzzle games, LEGO Builder's Journey is a hidden gem that might be exactly the game you're looking for on a rainy day. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 22]

Without the context of what came before it, the mechanics will likely come off as overly complicated, and the story would lose most if not all of its meaning. Once you've played its prequels though, Blaster Master Zero 3 stands as one of the most well- made games of its kind, and delivers the promised conclusion that the series deserves. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 21]

These three games are very much a product of their time, but underneath their flaws lies some of the best ninja action ever put in a video game. No matter how you slice it, (or what you slice it with) Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is an extraordinary value. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 19]

I had high expectations for R-Type Final 2; its direct predecessor is one of my favorite games in the genre. To this day, I still rant to strangers about its massive collection of bizarre ships, its daringly cryptic branching paths and its boldly avant-garde final stage. The sequel doesn't quite soar to the same heights, but after you start unlocking its better content, it "finally" becomes a solid, compelling, long overdue return to the beloved, iconic series. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 74]

Miitopia is a fun first RPG for young kids, and while it can also be fun for adults, the game quickly gets repetitive and unrewarding. It would be better as a multiplayer game on Switch, or even an online outing that had more to do. It really defeats itself as a solo game. Its real appeal lies not in the RPG adventure itself, then, but in how wildly robust the new Mii-making interface is. Some people may want to pick up the game for that feature alone. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 73]

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]

DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power gets way more right than it gets wrong. The cast is delightfully diverse both in terms of ethnicity and body types, and while the plot isn't going to win any awards, the characters are fun and endearing. If you or anyone you know has ever expressed any interest in this game or the show it's based on, you likely won't be disappointed. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 70]

New Pokémon Snap isn't totally perfect, but it is a lovingly, intelligently updated take on a now 22-year-old original that only came to life because it was imbued with Mr. Iwata's magic. I know seeing this sequel would have made him smile. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 69]

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]

When I first saw Narita Boy, I thought it was too good to be true. Three of my favorite things Ð Tron, beautiful 2D animation and weird indie games Ð all in one package? Somebody pinch me! Overall, the game mostly delivers on that trifecta, but some of it made me sleepy. Thankfully, it ends with the promise of a souped-up sequel in a whole new genre. Here's hoping this modern digital boy is on to bigger and brighter things. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 22]

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]

Being a free game (outside of DLC options), it's a very welcome distraction from the grief of losing Super Mario Bros. 35. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 20]

If you're a fan of visual novels, adventure games and/or mysteries, I think you'll enjoy what Famicom Detective Club has to offer. Just be prepared for the gameplay to test your patience! [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 19]

If you're a fan of visual novels, adventure games and/or mysteries, I think you'll enjoy what Famicom Detective Club has to offer. Just be prepared for the gameplay to test your patience! [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 19]

Subnautica: Below Zero is a great example of a game that succeeds by simply offering its players a choice of how they'd like to play. Had I been forced into Survival mode, I would not have liked it nearly as much. But as it is, it's great! [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 17]

As a finale, Trails of Cold Steel IV sticks the landing on almost all fronts, and shows Falcom's dedication and ambition in weaving an overarching narrative throughout the Trails games. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 75]

This game is far too undercooked. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 73]

The perfect place for anyone to jump in if they're interested in this brand of marsupial madness. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 72]

One of the most stunning spectacles on the Switch. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 71]

Bravely Default II is one of the Switch's best RPGs, and that's not small praise for an RPG on a system that's already home to some of the genre's best. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 69]

Persona 5 Strikers proves to be a beautiful and worthy sequel to the original game, with the cast, story and combat all shining in old and new ways. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 67]