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]

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]

The gameplay loop works well as something to play for just a few minutes each day. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 18]

This is the long sought-after bridge that links fans of the anime with hardcore virtual pugilists, and it deserves to serve as the template for all future Dragon Ball fighting games. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 88]

A gameplay hook that's nothing short of genius. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 21]

With personality and polish to spare, Kunai hits its mark. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 19]

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

By the end you'll probably be left wanting more. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 18]

I had a pretty fun time playing Ichidant-R – though it was admittedly all by myself. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 20]

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

Lord Faraday needs to lighten up, but flinging his harpoon around feels great regardless. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 24]

Hopefully there will be a Volume 2, because Konami has a deeper catalog of iconic arcade hits than one collection can contain. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 20]

Double Dragon & Kunio-kun: Retro Brawler Bundle demonstrates a level of commitment toward celebrating a franchise's legacy that puts other port-happy publishers to shame. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 24]

I think it's best to start Sophie 2 knowing exactly what you're getting into. Is it a wholesome, cozy game? Yes. Will its gameplay test your knowledge and skill with complex systems? Also yes. But together, they provide a fun experience that longtime and new Atelier fans will enjoy. [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 69]

This kind of reverent, respectful and thoughtful update is exactly what an '80s arcade title like BurgerTime needed. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 67]

Crypt of the NecroDancer will hurt you and then heal you with beautiful music for hours and hours. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 23]

This is where the fun begins. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 27]

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

The experience that it offers is so different that I'm fine taking the plunge on it. Add to that the fun challenges in the Trial of the Sword and this pack immediately heads back in the right direction. [Issue #29, p. 18]

Death Squared definitely knows how to multiply by the root of fun. [Issue #29, p. 20]

Bubblegum Fatale, the second DLC package, is more substantial . . . the superior of the two DLC bundles. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 26]

I'm reticent to recommend this experience to anyone who hasn't already explored a few other Mystery Dungeons in the past. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 64]

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]

The Ultimate Slasher Edition on Switch might not be the prettiest version of the game, and there are a couple hiccups along the way, but the core experience is still an undeniably fun one. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 67]

Whether you're a newbie like me or not, you won't regret experiencing this part of Fire Emblem and video gaming history. [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 24]

Ryza charms as a lead protagonist, and her adventures in this sequel will engage your mind and your heart. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 71]

My newest, pure, massive timesink on the Switch. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 65]

Considering the Persona games' high school settings, it feels fitting that in order to have the most fun with Persona Q2, you need to do your homework first! [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 68]

Sword & Shield stumble in a few areas and history may not be kind to them, but they're setting up a future that I'm excited to see. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 73]

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]

Mario Strikers: Battle League is best suited for players who'll have the time and inclination to put in enough practice to get good, and who will have similarly dedicated friends to play with and against. Solo players, or those with young kids? Probably safe to give this one a pass if the free demo doesn't click with you. [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 71]

A solid if not exceptional offering that could use a bit of fine-tuning. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 22]

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]

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]

Mr. Shifty could have been a new classic. As it stands, it's a fun little action game with plenty of sequel potential. [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 21]

The soundtrack of Yoshi's Crafted World is abysmal. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 68]

Drancia Saga is a little too barebones to get too excited about. [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 24]

This feels like pants that are pre-ripped for some reason, as opposed to the charming comfort of what came before. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 70]

Fans of the Dragons franchise, and perhaps more so younger fans, should find plenty to enjoy here. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 72]

A cool little puzzler for those who want something with more personality than the usual Picross game. [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 24SW]

If you're looking for '90s nostalgia with a modern bent and don't mind being bombarded with silliness at every turn, Chroma Squad is ready to fight by your side. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 23]

More of a free-friendly mobile game than its predecessors in the Nintendo-aligned app space. [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 28SW]

If you haven't played it and even remotely enjoy the prospect of ghostbusting, then it's absolutely worth a play! [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 16SH]

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]

I didn't expect to enjoy Disney Magical World 2 as much as I did. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.72]

I was impressed with the concept. I just craved more of it and was left with a melancholy feeling myself once the memories ceased. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 19]

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]

While each title has its own appeal, brawlers are inherently repetitive by nature, so the focus on a single style of gameplay can be exhausting after a bit. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 20]

It doesn't quite feel like the boundary- pushing fount of innovation the series was originally known for. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 70]

If you're itching for a new take on the maze-action genre, Kokopolo is just the scratching, dashing cat to call! [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 21]

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

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]

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]

I was charmed by the game from the get-go, but after an hour or so, I was a little worn out. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 24]

A fun and solid if not outstanding package, and definitely worth a look. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 22]

A charming design that puts an inventive twist on puzzle platformers. If you can stomach some moments of frustration, Snake Pass is certainly worth a look. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 25]

Your time may be better invested elsewhere. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 70]

A good port of a good game. Had it been given more time for extra bug testing, it might have been great! [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 69]

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]

Trio of Towns needed something more substantial than just "furmiliars" to make it worthy of being the series' 20th anniversary title. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 70]

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]

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]

It might be a little rough around the edges, but it's a glorious Zelda nostalgia trip with some fun action. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 75]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Don't go into this expecting the next step in the evolution of Splatoon. This one's more of a detour. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 20]

Those who were introduced to Monster Hunter by World may find Ultimate dense and unwelcoming at first blush, but stick with the game and you'll uncover much to enjoy. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 74]

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

Worth playing if you missed it in 2014, but this Switch port is disappointing and not its best version. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 62]

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]

Fans who grew up with the originals or hardcore challenge seekers may very well love this collection. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 67]

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]

An interesting and painless way to dip a toe into the world of computer science without actually having to get your feet wet. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.23]

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

With Nintendo still in-explicably hesitant about putting F-Zero games on the Switch, anyone looking to scratch their sci-fi racer itch could do worse than this. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 25]

Golf With Your Friends isn't quite top caliber, and it has a few flaws and glitches, but even at its most basic, it can be a fun and even relaxing time. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 27]

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a good game, don't get me wrong, but boy, waiting for it to become great has been a job in itself! [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 72]

If you were a fan of the original Friends of Mineral Town titles, this is a great dose of nostalgia, with plenty of quality-of-life improvements over the original and a fresh new localization. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 73]

If you loved Detective Pikachu, you're going to love Jenny LeClue. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 20]

This is a good, short game to be enjoyed after something intense. It has a cute plot, a satisfying end and plenty of entertaining characters. [Issue #64 – March/April 2023, p. 29]

M2 did well with what they had to work with; there just wasn't very much there to begin with. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.31]

A Fold Apart probably isn't "fun" when it's all said and done. It is unique, though, and may give you a greater appreciation for your loved ones who live far away. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 17]

Perhaps appropriately, it is merely a "good" game. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 20]

Although I hope her next adventure stands on its own a little more, Katrielle has proven herself worthy of the Layton name, and then some. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 27E]

Atari Mania doesn't get everything right, but it's so full of heart and reverence for these ancient properties that it's really hard not to love. [Issue #64 – March/April 2023, p. 34]

Developer Sanzaru Games seems to have taken the criticisms of Shattered Crystal to heart. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.22M]

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 only problem you'll have is finding a quiet place to play. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.22]

Disney Art Academy is the kind of tool that parents could use to see if their kids have any real interest in art. [Issue #22 – July/August 2016, p.76]

It's not a bad game, but after four or so years, it just feels like it ought to be better. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 35E]

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]

Battle & Fighters gets a very conditional sort of recommendation. If you have to choose, go with the 2nd Stadium releases. But if you are a huge fan of Mega Man, of demakes or of Neo Geo Pocket Color games, this is a good addition to any Mega Man collection. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 23]

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]

Card Shark is an interesting concept with an imaginative story, great visuals and great music, but it was a little on the short side, and the cons with a lot of moving parts got repetitive. If Aviary Attorney whetted your appetite for games set in historic France, follow it up with this one! [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 26]

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]