Pikmin Bloom is a burst of fun that quickly gets marred by paywall greed. [Issue #59 – May/June 2022, p. 26]

This is a fun and challenging little collection, but the fact there's no English dubbing really holds me back from giving it a higher score, and the inclusion of the virtual coin pusher also gives me pause. It's probably better to play this with older kids who don't mind hearing Japanese dialogue. [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 69]

Super Kiwi 64 is a 3D platformer that, true to its name, looks and plays exactly like the games we got on the real Nintendo 64 back in the late '90s. Just know that you'll only be getting one afternoon's worth of enjoyment out of this one, rather than the whole childhood weekend or more you enjoyed with its inspiration, Banjo- Kazooie, back in the day. [Issue #64 – March/April 2023, p. 33]

Not a bad experience, but not a memorable one either. [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 20SW]

There are memorable moments, but you'll have to wade through myriad problems and poor design decisions in order to chomp into the meat of Maneater. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 21]

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]

This game may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 27]

This is a fresh and entertaining multiplayer first-person shooter that carries with it a lot of Metroid Prime's unique style and feel. [Issue #23 – September/October 2016, p.66]

This game is finally tapping into the kind of potential the license provides! [Issue #63 – January/February 2023, p. 68]

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

It's just another microtransaction-dependent puzzle game. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 20]

NUTS is smart, intuitive and very fun. And while it's short, the experience of the game is worth it, especially if you're in a gaming rut – or just a nut! [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 18]

If Game Freak simply tweaked the battle system to run a little faster and be less rigged, the game could really shine. [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 18SW]

Nintendo's had plenty of cases of poor timing over the years, but Tank Troopers feels like one of the most unfortunate. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 23]

A visually beautiful, constantly eye-catching adventure. [Issue #33 – May/June 2018, p. 75]

I appreciate Ringo's lack of structure. It feels real to me. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 17]

If you're a complete newbie to RPG Maker, then I would not recommend this being your starting point. [Issue #29, p. 70]

Cobra Kai the game forges its own path, and similar to the show, it's surprisingly good. [Issue #50 – January/February 2021, p. 70]

It's trial and error (and error, and error) until you complete the exact right sequence of moves to trigger a story continuation . . . for a story that is not really worth continuing at all. It's frustrating as a video game experience, giving you no real sense of payoff since the only thing you earn is a sense of regret for suffering through it all. [Issue #58 – March/April 2022, p. 27]

Hopefully the first footstep (or in this case, wingflap) toward flying back into the larger Panzer Dragoon world. [Issue #46 – May/June 2020, p. 29]

If you were hoping for the second coming of NBA Jam, or at least something you and your friends can enjoy, you won't it find here. [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 19]

Chance and strategy don't go together. [Issue #26 – March/April 2017, p.18]

There is a Sephiroth parody named Chefinoff, and that's enough to give it a pass in my book. [Issue #47 – July/August 2020, p. 24]

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]

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

Sadly, about 10% of the game stands in the way of enjoying the other 90. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 63]

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]

Folks that are attracted to these superfast future racers will likely love Redout 2 and generally forgive its curious design choices, but most gamers will want to steer clear of this one. [Issue #62 – November/December 2022, p. 21]

Super Bomberman R is far from a bad game, but it clearly needed more time in the oven. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 68]

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

Mario Sports Superstars is not the ultimate collection of athletic adaptations some were hoping for. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 71]

As someone who's played every version of Minecraft to date, this New 3DS edition is the one I'm going to come back to the least. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 28E]

Overall, LEGO Dimensions takes the LEGO gaming experience to its logical next level – perhaps beyond. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.64]

World's End Club is more interesting than it is traditionally "good," so how much you're able to invest in this kind of story will determine how much enjoyment you'll be able to get out of your time with it. When you really break it down, most aspects of the game leave a lot to be desired, but for the right audience, World's End Club will be more than the sum of its parts. [Issue #55 – October 2021, p. 73]

As a lifelong Ranger fan, I still feel that this is a pretty good package as far as budget titles go. [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 19]

One of the most esoteric games I've ever played, I can only recommend Gal Metal to the narrowest set of musically blessed Japanophiles around. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 23]

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]

This definitely won't be the last game to feature Goku and his pals, though, so skip this warmed-over patty and sit tight for a juicy Angus on a toasted pretzel bun. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.68]

In spite of its faults, there's a lot to love about Skelattack, and I'd definitely play a sequel. With more polish, this world would be worth revisiting. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 26]

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

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]

"Mario & Sonic" needs something truly new to recapture its novelty – something that isn't just another Olympics. [Issue #22 – July/August 2016, p.75]

If you're looking for a title that is written for the modern romance game fan and/or dog lover in mind, this one is worth fetching. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 22]

Only X8 makes Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 worthy of serious consideration. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 65]

Nintendo's normally better than this. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.76]

Mario Party: The Top 100 has its joyous moments, but it can't top 2016's Star Rush. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 34E]

After the disappointing slog that was The Lost Valley, Skytree Village is a breath of fresh air. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.76]

It's just you, a virtual catalog of different generically themed LEGOs, billions of bricks and your imagination to use as you wish, whether it be build or explore. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 63]

As a first installment in a planned episodic series, it leaves a bit to be desired. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.21]

I sincerely hope that investors see this as a wake-up call that's harmful to Nintendo's long-term reputation. [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 26SW]

While I liked it well enough, I think it's the bigger Cars enthusiasts that will get the most out of this one. [Issue #29, p. 71]

Even hardcore tennis fans will most likely find themselves with nothing exciting to experience after having the game for a week. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.76]

I prefer the Dr. Marios that I can pay for just one time, then play as much as I want for a few decades thereafter. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 20]

A great example of "Free-to-Start" done right. [Issue #15; May/June 2015, p.28]

Let's chalk this one up to a fairly young development team biting off a bit more than they can chew and hope that their next effort is a little less ambitious and a lot more polished. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 73]

As a brawler, Senran Kagura 2 isn't half bad. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.73]

This is one party game that, like balloons and other party favors, will only be dusted off for gatherings and then quickly put back into storage. [Issue #27 – May/June 2017, p. 66]

Regardless of what you think of Kirby, he deserves better for his 25th birthday. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 23E]

Typoman has a great creative concept that falls short in length and execution. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.24]

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]

Fossil Fighters: Frontier is simply a good introductory RPG packed to the brim with dinosaurs – and that may be just what the young gamer in your life will want soon, when the dino-craze takes over once more. [Issue #15; May/June 2015, p.76]

Anyone born later than the '80s probably won't be able to get too invested in this one. [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 72]

In the context of being a free extra attached to Planet Robobot, I thought Team Kirby Clash was great. Like this? Not so much. [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 19]

Dementium was a revelation on DS in 2007, but it just hasn't aged as well as we might have hoped. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.25]

As a short film, Armikrog would have been truly amazing. As a game, it stumbles. [Issue #24 – November/December 2016, p.19S]

If you have the patience of a saint and like the pick-up-and-play experience, Pokémon Shuffle might be perfect for you. If you don't like the idea of being nickel-and-dimed to experience puzzling at a normal pace, this game's sure to get your blood boiling. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.24]

The scattered blessings of Deadly Premonition 2 are often disguised by the game's many blemishes, but I'm still more than happy that I got to drink in another adventure with York and company. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 67]

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]

The next time it's a rainy afternoon and you're feeling stressed, you could do a lot worse than sinking a couple of dollars into the eShop and spending half an hour as a little green squid. [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 23]

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]

If you've got a young gamer in your life, show them the Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia trailer video, then sit back and watch their reaction. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p. 72]

It feels a lot like they took one game out of Mario Party and attempted to make it a full eShop title. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 20]

I wish BonusXP had the chance to utilize their talents with a different IP, because the whole approach here is flawed. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 19]

Playing Loop8 left me feeling like everything I'd done meant nothing, and wishing that, like Nini, I could go back in time and play something else. [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 72]

Nobody likes seeing a great concept fail to live up to its potential, and SuperMash is a perfect example of that. [Issue #49 – November/December 2020, p. 19]

Developer Just Add Water was onto something here, piping in some great concepts from past 3D platformers, but the follow-through is a swing and a miss! [Issue #45 – March/April 2020, p. 70]

My fingers are crossed that Comcept gets their act together and can create a sequel that is the Mega Man 2 to this underwhelming original. [Issue #23 – September/October 2016, p.68]

A broken game that really isn't worth your time, especially when Splatoon already does all of this extraordinarily better. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 19]

If you can accept IronFall as dumb fun, then you might derive some enjoyment from its multiplayer – but it has too many issues to fully recommend it. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.28]

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]

While there are some creative innovations Tabot implemented that Marvelous could've considered, The Lost Valley lacks the soul that previous Harvest Moons had. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.71]

It isn't the worst game on the 3DS, but given its source material, it should have been one of the better offerings on the system. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.75]

Everything adds up to a rushed project that demonstrates promise early on, but quickly yields to typical licensed game rubbish. [Issue #16 – July/August 2015, p.25]

I just can't shake the idea that the board game alone would have made a much better eShop title. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.66]

This incarnation of Rodea is but a sad monument of broken dreams and unrealized potential. [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.72]

Some aspects of Devil's Third are top-notch, in both design and polish . . . though I wouldn't trust it to do my taxes. [Issue #19 – January/February 2016, p.71]

For all its perplexing, strange and sometimes outright defiant design decisions, I still had fun playing it. And that's what matters most, right? [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 13SH]

In the end, Nickelodeon Kart Racers is just kind of passable (and compared to others, I'm being generous with it). [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 75]

This game is far too undercooked. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 73]

Battle Crashers feels like the sort of game you'd play for free on Cartoon Network's website. [Issue #25 – January/February 2017, p.73]

I greatly enjoyed my experience with Flipnote Studio 3D and especially appreciate the new 3D options. [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.21]

The Majora's Mask pack is my favorite out of all the Hyrule Warriors DLC options – it ticks all the right boxes for me. Don't miss it! [Issue #14: Old vs. New – March/April 2015, p.25]

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]

If the idea of blinking LED lights as a game doesn't excited you, stay far away from Dot Arcade. [Issue #15; May/June 2015, p.25]

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a modern classic that everyone with even a passing interest in top-down action/exploration games should try. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.23]

You'll get your money's worth whichever you choose, but you'll also get a good dose of frustration to go along with it. [Issue #17 – September/October 2015, p.24]

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]

My advice? Buy Rodea the Sky Soldier for Wii U, toss the Wii U disc into a nearby sewage canal, pop the Wii disc into your machine and let 'er spin! [Issue #18 – November/December 2015, p.73]