A great story for both Pokémon fans and mystery fans – of all ages! [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 73]

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]

Slipstream may not be perfect, but it was clearly made with a specific vision and a ton of love. There are plenty of other options out there for sure, but if you're really into drifting and retro racers, you may get better mileage here than most. [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 24]

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]

Fight Crab isn't great, but it is awesome, and that has to count for something. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 32]

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]

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]

Yo-kai Watch 2 isn't worth your time, no matter how stinking cute Jibanyan is. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.13M]

Compared to the original, Fairune 2's highs are higher, but the lows are lower, proving that bigger isn't always better. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.20]

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

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]

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

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]

Individuals who can effortlessly slip in and out of relaxation will find it a thought-provoking playground, but if you're like me, Paradise Marsh may wind up just another item cleared from your backlog. [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 18]

If gamers flock to Tipping Stars and really embrace the level creator, we could see a thriving community that provides tons of innovative levels for years to come. If people skip the game, you're stuck with another by-the-numbers sequel in this long-running series. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.30]

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

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]

This is an OK RPG – it's just not a great one. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 85]

Like many of Wada's previous titles, Little Dragons Café is heartwarming from beginning to end, but it has a few flaws in its design that detract from the overall experience. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 84]

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]

I expected that I'd like Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. – what I didn't expect was to love it. This is a game that fires on all cylinders right from the start and never lets up – it's seriously challenging, charmingly funny and packed with entirely new design ideas every step of the way. Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a triumph. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.68]

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]

Final Fantasy Explorers is a fun, if shallow, cooperative adventure, but the game pales in comparison to the titles it mimics. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.73]

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

I hope Tribute Games keeps doing their thing until the end of time, but this run-and-gun just didn't do it for me. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, 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]

It just feels particularly unnecessary thanks to the existence of Marvel Superheroes. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.72]

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

If you crave 100-hour, card- based strategy games, hold onto your combat gi! [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 70]

Even though it misses a few chances to do more, Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure is still the best version of this classic puzzler so far. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.21]

Sonic Frontiers is a brave experiment that struggles to express its intentions while still committing many of its series' 3D sins. But if you're able to commit to learning its idiosyncrasies, you'll discover a fun, addictive journey unlike any in Sonic's past. [Issue #64 – March/April 2023, p. 71]

If you've got the time and patience for the assembly process, the reward of getting to enjoy this world is worth it. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 90]

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's an imperfect debut, but in spurts and with friends, De Mambo is a fun and chaotic trip. [Issue #29, p. 21]

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]

I like it – but it's really still just a proof of concept. [Issue #29, p. 22]

Fire Emblem Warriors on the New Nintendo 3DS is almost as good as its big-screen sibling. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 65]

By and large, Hey! Pikmin is a wonderful twist on the franchise with a lot to enjoy. Stay open-minded, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. [Issue #29, p. 73]

Though there is room to improve, Mario & Sonic nevertheless do what they do best, and that's deliver a fun experience from beginning to end. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 60]

Once again this is a port of a port. Or a slightly tweaked emulation of a port? It's journeyed from GameCube to Wii to Switch, and there's evidence of every one of those stops on the journey still in place here as it's reached its final destination. [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 19]

Give Dragalia Lost a pass for now. For the same amount of money and time, you could support a developer by buying and playing an actual, full game. [Issue #38 – March/April 2019, p. 20]

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

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]

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]

Daemon X Machina has a lot of personality when it comes to moment-to-moment action, but everything else sometimes feels like an afterthought. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 72]

I enjoyed my time with Rune Factory 5 and I'm hopeful that its shortcomings will result in an even better entry in the future if we get one. (And hopefully sooner than a decade away, too.) Rune Factory 5 captures what matters most in a farming sim: a charming world and cast, and a cozy experience that will keep you coming back whenever you want to take it easy. [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 76]

If you've got a hunger for factory management sims and know how to think like a well-oiled machine, you'll want to pick this one up. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 23]

It's probably best to just pick Q.U.B.E. up on PC at a discount, letting this version stay unsolved. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.17]

This is an experience tailored solely for rabid JoJo fans and no one else. On the bright side, it makes for a perfect excuse to finally hop aboard the JoJo train! Only after emerging from that rabbit hole can you enjoy All-Star Battle R for what it is. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 73]

Big props to WayForward for the attempt, but Kunio-tachi no Banka doesn't deserve to be placed on such a high pedestal. All Zero is good for is rounding out your Kunio-kun collection . . . and savoring Megan McDuffee's infectious tunes. [Issue #60 – July/August 2022, p. 19]

Mario Party: Star Rush is far and away the most fun I've ever had with a Mario Party game. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.17M]

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

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 just a shame that half of the crawl is getting past the game's process – and ego. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 68]

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]

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

Lord of Magna's not a bad game, it just feels unfinished. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.72]

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]

Punch Club is one of the best fantasies about being a grown-up that I've ever played. [Issue #26 – March/April 2017, p.19]

A hit-and-miss mix painted up in '80s neon. It's not bad – just not as rad as it could've been. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 25]

Pirate Pop Plus isn't what I'd call a bad game, it's just exceedingly average. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.20]

After the attention-grabbing opening, the greatness of the story never lets up for a moment. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.22]

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]

A fair spin-off that could have been better if it had leaned even further into the parody that ultimately wound up just being inconsequential window dressing for gameplay that's not at all related to Ghostbusters. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 69]

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]

Legend of Kay: Anniversary is a questionable re-release, but most mascot platformer fans should give it a go at some point. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.72]

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]

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]

Suda51 games exist so that we can play something that only Suda51 could make, and in doing so, see who he is from the inside out. By that measure, this is his most successful game in years. [Issue #38 – March/April 2019, p. 69]

A fair spin-off that could have been better if it had leaned even further into the parody that ultimately wound up just being inconsequential window dressing for gameplay that's not at all related to Ghostbusters. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 69]

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

"You cast the characters" is a cool idea, but just not one that's suited to a 30+ hour RPG. [Issue #29, p. 69]

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]

If you enjoy stressful games, then Mr. Tako may just be your next best friend. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 18]

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]

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

With a few minor tweaks to the overall approach, Fitness Boxing could have been a more engaging way to fit some exercise in. [Issue #38 – March/April 2019, p. 74]

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms leads with an incredible premise and promising gameplay tools, only to become encumbered by those very same elements. Your dreams of hot-blooded conquest in imperial China can be realized eventually, though you'll wish that experience had been available right from the beginning! [Issue #61 – September/October 2022, p. 27]

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]

While I don't think that Ultra Street Fighter II will set anyone's world on fire, I got some enjoyment out of it. [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 73]

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]

The idea of a randomly generated auto-runner just seems at odds with the legacy of Meat Boy itself. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 30]

If you're rocking it solo, don't even bother picking up the controller. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.18]

FATE looks and sounds great, but it drops a lot of the rhythm-action elements, and loses some specialness along with them. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 21]

Whether you're hunting down four of your friends as an embodiment of King Koopa himself in Bowser Party mode, fighting over the steering wheel in Mario Party mode or tapping your amiibo to the GamePad again and again and again in amiibo Party mode, you'll have a blast if you're in the company of good friends. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.67]

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

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]

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]

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

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]

A really confusing game, in that it takes some of what made the modern era of Wolfenstein so great, then copies and pastes modern looter-shooter tropes on top. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 76]

Super Kirby Clash is a much better title, and it's free! [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 20]

One of the funniest video games in years! [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 71]

Frustrations aside, I will say that at its core, Pac-Man World Re-Pac is still a solid platformer. You have to get yourself into a 1999 frame of mind in order to appreciate its action, but once you do, you can genuinely enjoy the quest to rescue Pac-Man's guests. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 69]

GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon may be pretty to look at and enjoyable enough to play, but the snail's pace of its upgrade system flies counter to the appeal of roguelikes. Without more streamlined growth and acquisition, the incentive to dive back in for another run takes a massive hit. Barring a balance update, it'll remain a textbook case of "slow close, yet so far." [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 21]

The pioneering protagonist is portrayed by the acclaimed Ashly Burch, and her vocal performance earnestly sells the entire premise. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 28]

Play it on a long train ride. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.31]

SolSeraph feels like slightly more than half a game. Even if you remember ActRaiser and are really pining for a modern follow-up, approach with caution. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 23]