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]

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]

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]

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]

New Pokémon Snap isn't totally perfect, but it is a lovingly, intelligently updated take on a now 22-year-old original that only came to life because it was imbued with Mr. Iwata's magic. I know seeing this sequel would have made him smile. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 69]

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]

When I first saw Narita Boy, I thought it was too good to be true. Three of my favorite things Ð Tron, beautiful 2D animation and weird indie games Ð all in one package? Somebody pinch me! Overall, the game mostly delivers on that trifecta, but some of it made me sleepy. Thankfully, it ends with the promise of a souped-up sequel in a whole new genre. Here's hoping this modern digital boy is on to bigger and brighter things. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 22]

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]

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]

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]

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]

As a finale, Trails of Cold Steel IV sticks the landing on almost all fronts, and shows Falcom's dedication and ambition in weaving an overarching narrative throughout the Trails games. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 75]

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

The perfect place for anyone to jump in if they're interested in this brand of marsupial madness. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 72]

One of the most stunning spectacles on the Switch. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 71]

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]

Persona 5 Strikers proves to be a beautiful and worthy sequel to the original game, with the cast, story and combat all shining in old and new ways. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 67]

Buy this pair with confidence and get double the bang for your buck. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, 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]

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]

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]

It's competent, but not spectacular, yet it does justice to its source material, despite ending before this chapter's title is really justified. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 20]

Gnosia is a great single-player experience for someone who loves social deduction games. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 19]

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 On a Roll was a primer for 2D platformers, then this follow-up is a tutorial for the 3D variety. [Issue #51 – March/April 2021, p.73]

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]

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]