If you only have access to an older 3DS model, it's really a hard sell – except if you have incredible patience. But when the game gets plugged into a New Nintendo 3DS or a New 3DS XL, it's a match made in heaven. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.65]

Super Mario Run represents a smart way to translate sidescrolling Mario gameplay to buttonless mobile devices. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.22]

A snazzy package with some neat bonuses that serves as a fun historical compilation of old Sega classics. [Issue #21 – May/June 2016, p.73]

The world in this game must be experienced. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 20]

Star Fox 64 remains the reigning king of this franchise in my book, but Zero is a great Star Fox game too – if you give it a chance. [Issue #21 – May/June 2016, p.75]

It is what it is: a smaller game concept that served its purpose as an E3 tech demo well, and so was polished up to become a nice companion piece for a bigger game. [Issue #21 – May/June 2016, p.76]

One of the most accessible, pleasant and comforting games to ever hit a Nintendo console. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 23]

Criticizing this art piece based on the standard semantics of most video games doesn't do it justice. While there is a story and a goal, and you use a controller to make the character interact with the world, this isn't really a game to be judged alongside Mario and Zelda. If you like the art, you should get the game to experience just how far the artists take the medium. [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 20]

If you missed playing its DS version back in 2011, take this as an opportunity to change your own timeline and experience it now! [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 68]

Named after the developer's pet rabbit Murti and the Bartop style of arcade cabinet, Murtop feels a little different than your average retro '80s arcade throwback. And some of those differences might make things tough for it! [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 21]

The latest in an ever-burgeoning line of Metroidvania games being released on the Switch, and a rather good one at that! [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 20]

If you're looking for a game that will make you think and laugh at the same time, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better one than this! [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 22]

The sense of empowerment, on top of the colorful cast and environments, is enough to inspire players to see the journey to its conclusion. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 21]

With a friend, family member or spouse, Snipperclips shines. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 19]

Over the course of about 10 hours, Paranormasight delivers what is undoubtedly one of the surprise gems of the year and represents a true triumph within the Japanese horror genre. Fans of both adventure games and visual novels should sink their teeth into this Western debut from a much-lauded visual novel dev team! [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 23]

Never Stop Sneakin' is stealth action at its most pure and whimsical. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 21]

Consider picking up Night Trap as a novelty for an afternoon or evening when you have friends over. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 22]

The best game in the series to date. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 17]

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]

This is the game I was expecting back in November. Now I can finally recommend DOOM to friends without having to append a mountain of caveats! [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 74]

It's the cast that makes Night in the Woods so memorable. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 20]

At the end of the day, DNF Duel is one of the best new fighting game IPs of the last few years, and it's an easy recommendation. But, while the Switch port is still a lot of fun (and conveniently portable!), know that it is a step down from what you can get on other platforms. [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 73]

Little Nightmares is a bit of a quandary, as it's both a relaxing, floaty platformer and an unsettling portrait of the macabre. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 21]

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]

Black Bird is small, but if the worst thing you can say about a game is that you want more of it, then that's quite the compliment. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 25]

One heck of an entertaining experience for those willing to jump into it. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 71]

A treasure trove of tantalizing trials for players of every possible persuasion. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p.72]

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]

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]

There are technical limitations inherent with the Switch version of Dark Souls, but if you're from a time where you can fight through it, you should be OK. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 73]

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]

Pixel platformers are a dime a dozen on the Switch eShop, and sometimes it can be hard to find the treasure in the trash. Without a doubt, Bomb Chicken is one of those treasures! [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 23]

Don't let the stick figure graphics turn you off – this is one journey you'll want to saddle up for, especially if you're looking for a new casual RPG, or just a good laugh! [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 23]

This is one of the most gleeful, confident, silly-but-deep games I've played in years. [Issue #23 – September/October 2016, 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]

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]

It feels good to step back to where it all began. [Issue #23 – September/October 2016, p.70]

Generations feels like a half-step sequel in the series instead of a full leap into new territory. [Issue #23 – September/October 2016, p.74]

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]

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]

It's a joy to run back through this vintage adventure. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 24]

Nightdive's doing great work bringing the past back into the present. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 24]

If you're looking to try the series out for the first time, go ahead – you won't be disappointed. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.68]

A challenging but fun time, boosted by great replayability. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 25]

Tribute really managed to capture old-school level-based platforming in a bottle and put their own spin on it. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 26]

The overall evolution of the Pokémon gameplay experience has taken another step forward thanks to DLC. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 28]

To see a developer fully embrace Norse mythology in a way like Jotun is refreshing. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.19S]

If you're a fan of this series, buy this game. You owe it to yourself. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.22S]

Paper Mario: Color Splash is a party from beginning to end. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.14M]

The tutorials alone are worth the price of entry. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.24]

A working, serviceable port of Klei's charming survival adventure. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.27]

I'm more than satisfied with all the craziness that's included here. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.27]

If you're looking for a true value and have some patience, Dragon Quest VII is epic indeed. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.16M]

If you're a fan of horror – especially psychological horror – then this is a party you'll want an invitation to. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.19M]

Collection of Mana is the best way to play these games, in their original forms, as they were meant to be played. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 18]

If you (or your kid) love playing LEGO games, then these ninjas are good to Ninja-go. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 28E]

Like a crusty punk single, it doesn't run for very long, and its brash style defies opportunities to follow the crowd at every turn. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 25]

If you go into Gato Roboto expecting the transportive, sprawling, otherworldly joys of Samus Aran's best, you may be disappointed. But if you want a fierce, high-contrast, bite-sized treat, you're in the right place! [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 21]

An effortlessly fun game to play and come back to. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 21]

A fun little competitive romp, a unique part of the history of fighting games and a heartfelt love letter to SNK all in one. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 23]

It may not be stamped with the Contra emblem, but Blazing Chrome rocks that blood-soaked bandana with greater confidence than any run-and-gun in recent memory. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 22]

Whether you're a diehard fan of the genre or just like to dip your toe in on occasion, Sega Ages: Thunder Force AC is a worthy game to grab. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 25]

Dragon Quest Treasures is ultimately a fun and quirky adventure that, while not reaching the dizzying heights of the best of the series, is enough of a gem to warrant a recommendation to Dragon Quest fans in particular. [Issue #64 – March/April 2023, p. 75]

Even all these years later, L.A. Noire is still an interesting and distinctive experience. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 36E]

Wunderling might look like a straightforward platformer in still screenshots, but it's instead a puzzling challenge: You have to have precise timing to jump at just the right instant, while also bumping your little baddie back and forth off of safe walls to get it redirected in the way you need it to go. [Issue #64 – March/April 2023, p. 76]

The Outer Worlds is a must-play for fans of choice-driven sci-fi roleplaying games. That said, it's hard to recommend the Switch port. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 68]

Whether you're a fan of Flappy Bird or Balloon Trip, Badland's worth checking out. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.30]

Three Houses was an excellent choice to adapt into a Musou, and for my first full experience with the genre, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Seeing my favorite characters in a new light was a treat, and I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment at achieving the "golden" ending after a huge time investment. This is a can't-miss title for FE3H fans wanting to see more of their favorite students! [Issue #61 – September/October 2022, p. 75]

If you put in some time, activate Assist Mode and bring in a few friends to fill out a multiplayer team of up to four simultaneous employees, you can have a ton of fun playing Moving Out. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 69]

Runbow is a playable Skittles commercial. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.31]

A fun but occasionally flustering time. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 73]

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]

Though it can't quite hide the fact that it's a 2011 game here in 2015, the new amiibo support and the strength of the existing game design have combined to make Assault Horizon Legacy+ a winner for a second time. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.70]

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]

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]

With a beautiful presentation and tight controls, Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is a game worth considering. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.74]

All in all, Sunbreak's endgame has more depth, and obviously there's more challenge here too. It brings about creative new creatures to fight and creative new characters to fight alongside. You just may have a hard time convincing your friends to clear their cobwebs to return and fight alongside you too! [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 25]

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]

Overall, Kirby's Dream Buffet is delightful, and makes me hopeful that more mid-tier games starring Nintendo's biggest names could make their way into the eShop in the future. Not every game has to be an epic journey! Sometimes it's nice to just have one slice of cake. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 30]

Oddworld may have the bones of a game that's nearly two decades old, but it's still as wonderful today as it ever was back in the '90s. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.19]

Shutshimi manages to make a delicious dish out of what could have been a forgettable fish tale. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.21]

The Boss Pack is a fun, little ride. It's a fine finale for what has been an impressive DLC array overall. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.25]

Even with its narrative failings, I consider my time with nirvanA Initiative well spent. Whether or not it surpasses the original is entirely down to personal preference, but either way it's a must-play for both veteran and budding visual novel aficionados. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 72]

If you're in the mood for a challenging thinking man's game with a touch of action, pick up Nova-111. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.17]

Ittle Dew 2 continues its series' heart-on-its-sleeve love for classic Zelda. [Issue #32 – March/April 2018, p. 76]

Monkey Barrels is the definition of a solid-but-safe top-down shooter. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 19]

Amid a glut of other Batman stories, this has become one of my all-time favorites. [Issue #32 – March/April 2018, p. 72]

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]

Despite some rough patches, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a worthy addition to any Switch owner's library, especially if you have a predilection for RPGs and enjoyed either of the previous entries in the series. [Issue #32 – March/April 2018, p. 75]

Blek isn't for everyone, and I'm sure it will divide some Wii U owners. But if you approach the game with the right attitude – and accept the game's minimalistic approach to game design – then you might find it to be one of the best puzzle games available in the Wii U eShop. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.28]

Year Walk delivers an eerie and memorable experience based on Swedish folklore. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.21]

Sometimes the framework of the game holds it back, but Eagle Island is an adorable little action platformer that pretty much everyone can enjoy. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 22]

Activision keeps coming up with new ideas to keep Skylanders fresh, and SuperChargers is no different. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.62]

A lot of people are going to get this game just for the included Bowser amiibo figure, but there's still a solid racer underneath! [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.63]

If you love playing and replaying 2D beat-'em-ups for high scores, you'll get your 15 bucks' worth here and more. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 25]

The experience is definitely different than most and is worth exploration. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 25]

A great combination of open-world exploration, silly graphics and sillier humor. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 24]

I enjoyed my time with The Legend of Legacy, but the somewhat archaic take on adventuring found here may turn some off to digging deeper into it. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.69]