The differences from the original game put me off a bit initially, but the more I played, the more I grew to like what this sequel does. Luminous Avenger iX 2 may not be the new apeX of 2D action, but it's still worth a look if this kind of game interests you. [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 25]

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]

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

I fretted about the severe lack of resolution in this intentionally overpixelated world, but that ended up not being much of a problem -- items and characters are difficult to discern when they're built with fewer pixels than Mario got back in 1985, but the vibe works overall. If my 41- year-old eyes can parse these pixels, surely yours could too. [Issue #65 – May/June 2023, p. 22]

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]

Flinthook could have been a perfect 10. As it stands, it's still more than worth latching onto. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 18]

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]

If ARMS is where Nintendo is beginning their first-party efforts for the all-new Switch generation, then I can't wait to see how this system's entire game library is going to look years from now! [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 67]

I think The Caligula Effect 2 will provide a fun experience for fans of the first game and JRPG fans in general. But for those new to the genre, you can find better ones on the Switch that may leave you with fewer regrets. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 75]

I'd first encourage you to play the Wii U version if you have the means, but if you don't own a Wii U, this 3DS take is still great. [Issue #26 – March/April 2017, p.73]

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]

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]

With its mature themes, Digimon Survive provides a refreshing take on the franchise and fits into the series' canon in a really cool way. I hope we get more Digimon games exploring new directions like this! [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 73]

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]

If you're a fan of mysteries in any media, The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story is absolutely worth your time. Its gameplay is engaging. Its presentation is engrossing. And I hope I've made enough of a case for it here for you to want to try it out! [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 25]

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]

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]

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 Order of the Stone succeeds with strong storytelling and captivating choices. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.21]

The game is a joy even without engaging in the Imaginators part. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.20M]

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

Ladies and gentlemen, the greatest Mario Kart track of all time has returned. Waluigi Pinball is back! [Issue #61 – September/October 2022, p. 24]

This is easily one of the best co-op titles on Switch and can't be recommended enough! [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 19]

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

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]

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]

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]

The Switch has ended up with what could easily be called the definitive version of this super tale. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 66]

DOOM 64 is a time capsule, but one worth digging back up. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 20]

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]

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

Basically Dance Dance Revolution for your thumbs. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 21]

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]

Young Souls succeeds when it comes to style, and the world it invites you to explore – both the human world above and the goblins' underworld below – is truly inviting. But for this game, you'd be better served to play on PC, PlayStation or Xbox instead of the Switch. [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 23]

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]

A vibrant invitation to a new kind of fighter. [Issue #21 – May/June 2016, p.70]

Yo-kai Watch is Pokémon's new, modern, more dynamic evolution. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.75]

This is a wonderful sequel/soft reboot for this series, and it's quickly become the new family favorite here. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 77]

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]

Sushi Striker takes a fresh new concept and gives it a fast-paced spin that will keep you entertained for many addictive hours. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 76]

If you've not experienced the Azure Striker Gunvolt series yet, this second installment is a terrific place to start. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.20S]

Ever Oasis is an elegant masterpiece of an adventure that excels at combining so many concepts and ends up crafting a truly fabulous 3DS game. [Issue #29, p. 75]

If you've never played Final Fantasy IX before, I would highly recommend picking this up, despite the graphical and musical shortcomings of this particular port. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 26]

In short bursts, Shift DX doesn't wear out its welcome, and it has no shortage of "Eureka!" moments to share. [Issue #26 – March/April 2017, p.19]

This, at last, is a game worthy of the "Mighty" moniker. [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 24]

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

I award it two "Radicals" and a "Righteous"! [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 23]

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]

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

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]

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]

If you missed out on these two games before, this is a great way to play. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 75]

Natsume deserves our thanks for bringing the Bokujo Monogatari series to the West, but now it's XSEED's turn to shine – and indeed they have. [Issue #15; May/June 2015, p.75]

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]

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]

Two excellent monster-taming games with something for almost every playstyle. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 70]

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

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]

If you're a Fire Emblem fan, there's little reason not to try Langrisser. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 72]

A decent enough package as LEGO games go. [Issue #32 – March/April 2018, p. 68]

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

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]

I am confident in declaring Xenoverse 2 as the best Dragon Ball game in over a decade. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 73]

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

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]

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit has brought my sons more smiles than any other toy I've ever bought them. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 63]

Your enjoyment of The Crown Tundra will largely depend on how much you like Legendary Pokémon. [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 19]

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]

There is a TON to do here. [Issue #38 – March/April 2019, p. 70]

It's not the best fighter on Switch, but it's definitely the most brutal. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 28]

The Mummy Demastered isn't a bad game, but does stand apart from its progenitors in the genre in ways both interesting and annoying. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 22M]

Fun, funny, frequently frustrating and definitely not for kids. [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 17]

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]

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

Playtonic's decision to hew so closely to '90s platformer conventions works both in Yooka-Laylee's favor and to its detriment. [Issue #32 – March/April 2018, p. 17]

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]

A raucous, weird path through the strange world of a strange hero and his relatives that Switch owners should give a look. [Issue #29, p. 21]

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]

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]

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]

In the grand scheme of things the sum of its parts makes for a fuller Fire Emblem, even if casual fans won't really notice some of the differences. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 26]

If you're willing to part with $30, this Picross rocks. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.24]

I Am Setsuna is plagued by a lack of ambition when it comes to several aspects of its narrative, but as a whole it's a perfect pick-up-and-play JRPG. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 22]

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]

While Cannon Dancer – Osman is a wild piece of gaming history, the casual and curious may want to wait for a sale before traveling back in time to '90s Kalamazoo. [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 21]

A Little to the Left is a puzzle game about recognizing patterns, not in abstract shapes, but in household furniture and knickknacks. It's a celebration of tidiness and perfection. [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 26]

The game is definitely worth spending time with, but I'd be hesitant to break it out at a party where people are unfamiliar with the franchise. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 21]

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]

Overall, there's enough charm here in Shakedown: Hawaii to wring out a number of hours of enjoyment. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 28]

Complete or not, this is one incredibly fun fighting game, and a great value for $10. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 22]

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 lack of stuff like Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures, the infamous Atari 2600 port and anything related to Ms. or Jr. Pac-Man is noticeable, but the amount of quality stuffed into this collection more than makes up for any absences. Everything plays really well, too. I'm no Pac Pro, but I didn't notice any sort of game-breaking lag in my time with it. Simply put, this is a fantastic collection that's well worth coming down with a case of Pac-Man fever for! [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 74]

Do you enjoy World 1-1 in the original Super Mario Bros. so much that you'd want to play it hundreds of times? If so, have I got the game for you! [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 26]

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]

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

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]