Starlink as a new franchise isn't perfect, but it's still a whole lot of fun. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 71]

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

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]

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

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

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]

It's hilarious in its best moments, causing delightful fits of giggles, but it's not that long in the tooth and doesn't hold up as well to repeated play sessions. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, 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]

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]

This is leagues above the effort produced for the Secret of Mana remake. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 72]

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]

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]

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]

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]

If you've missed out on the initial Luigi's Mansion over the years or have been wanting to replay it, the 3DS version is well worth checking out. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 78]

This, then, is Ooblets: a tremendously well-made game that mashes together disparate wholesome game genres to create something unique and clever, with a tremendously memorable art style and sense of humor. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 22]

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

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

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]

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

If you're looking for a traditional top-down action/puzzler to play in short bursts, Kamiko won't disappoint. [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 22]

A fresh experience for both the trading card and board game enthusiast. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 76]

Sega Ages: Columns II offers the most enjoyment I've managed to get out of this series to date [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 20]

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]

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]

Overwhelm is a worthwhile experiment in good, clean, nerve-wracking, terrifying fun. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 19]

Until they decide to tackle virtual reality, this release is the best way to preserve and play a piece of arcade history. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 25]

Harvestella is exactly the kind of game that would theoretically get everything right in a sequel. Its mix of action and farming isn't what every sim fan wants, its combat is hacky and it was clearly made on a budget. But its seeds have now been sown, and I hope they get a chance to flourish. [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 72]

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]

The game's simple charm matched with a deep level creation toolset makes Chicken Wiggle a pretty enjoyable package! [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 24]

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]

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

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

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]

On the whole, Rainbow Curse is an inventive, charming game that does a wonderful job of living up to the legacy of Canvas Curse. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.73]

The best way to spend your 30-minute train commute to work. [Issue #15; May/June 2015, p.70]

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]

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]

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

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

Much like its predecessor, Project X Zone 2 is a lighthearted, fun time – and it manages to improve on that first game. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.76]

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]

The experience has big highs and lows that cancel each other out in the long run. [Issue #32 – March/April 2018, p. 19]

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

A flawed but fascinating addition to an excellent action film franchise. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 70]

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]

I would have liked to see a better payoff to the story's setup at the end of the game. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 69]

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

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]

All in all, there may be some call for a bit of complaint here, but not much. The promise of 48 new tracks for $24.99 works out math-wise to just 52 cents per track, and I just can't see how anyone could argue the value of that! [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 19]

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]

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]

If an official Zelda sequel were commissioned for players under the age of 7, it would certainly end up a lot like this. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 20M]

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]

Depending on how much you enjoy pushing yourself, the fun of Big Brain Academy may wear thin relatively quickly for solo players, but if you're in a situation where you can play with others locally – like quarantining at home with your spouse and kids for nearly a full two years now – Big Brain Academy is an absolute must-buy. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 76]

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

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]

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]

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]

I'll have to ding it a point due to the control issues, but the game itself is near perfect. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 21]

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]

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]

Just like the Franken-console it first called home, this groundbreaking Nintendo-published, Platinum-developed game felt like an amalgamation of everything both storied studios did best. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 76]

Its borrowed elements are sometimes lacking, but the story, characters and combat make for a stroll down the garden path that's far from ordinary. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.70]

A pretty capable set of classics to help you wait for the arrival of a true Switch Virtual Console. [Issue #29, p. 71]

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]

As it stands at launch, Nintendo Switch Sports is a good game and a fun way to revisit the spirit of the Wii Sports era. But if you're on the fence, wait a few months (or a year) to see if the added-later content adds more value. [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 68]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

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]

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]

If you're looking for an experience that's never the same twice, The Swindle will not leave you disappointed. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.21]

It works well as a game you can just pick up and poke at as desired to kill just a bit of time. [Issue #21 – May/June 2016, p.28]

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]

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

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet definitely suffer from underdone development, and I hope the final behind-the-scenes reaction at Nintendo and Game Freak is to give the series' dev team more time to work on future sequels. We don't need new generations so often! But the adventure of these games, the wonderful new set of Pokémon, the winning cast of human characters and a sensational story all work to save the experience and make them worth playing and enjoying, warts and all. [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 75]

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]

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]

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]

If regular kart racing has begun to feel too routine, then you should definitely give this one a go! [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 72]

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

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]

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet definitely suffer from underdone development, and I hope the final behind-the-scenes reaction at Nintendo and Game Freak is to give the series' dev team more time to work on future sequels. We don't need new generations so often! But the adventure of these games, the wonderful new set of Pokémon, the winning cast of human characters and a sensational story all work to save the experience and make them worth playing and enjoying, warts and all. [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 75]

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]

It's wonderfully rewarding when you execute the plans you've made in your brain and see them actually work as intended. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 24]

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

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]