The game now relies more on luck than actual skill and thinking; things such as mini-games, Charabom battles/merging and Coin Battle in Battle Mode have been taken out; and the game just seems too “cute” at times.

The thing about roller coasters is that even some of the best ones have moments of downtime, but ultimately remain thrilling and fun. The ride didn’t leave me changed in any way, but I certainly want to get back on and go again.

Atari Flashback Classics may be missing some slices of the golden age of arcade history, but the licences and features it does have are enough to warrant a purchase for the casual collector. Despite there being a huge amount of games on offer, a lot of them are either copycat concoctions of more successful games which are still found here or multiple system ports of the same game. It’s also more of a collection for the old school fan to simply tinker through rather than to bang hours besting high scores and playing to completion. Either way, it does stand as a cheaper and more convenient alternative to Atari’s physical renditions found in your local gadget shop with the added benefit of quality emulation of true arcade classics.

This isn’t a perfect port to Nintendo Swich, but it’s certainly an impressive one considering the game’s size and Plants vs. Zombies remains as fun to play as it ever was. If you’re looking for a fun hero shooter with plenty of content to sink your teeth into (no zombie-related pun intended) then Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition might just be the game for you.

In spite of its repetition, Castle Crashers Remastered is an enjoyable and mindless romp that’s best experienced with four players. While it might not hold up as well against my initial 2008 playthrough there’s enough content and fun still to be had that made revisiting Castle Crashers a nostalgic journey worth taking.

Now that I’ve been able to play the fully patched version of Two Point Museum on Nintendo Switch 2, it is a perfect fit for Nintendo’s new hybrid console, but the port needs more work, not only in performance and load times, but also in features. Two Point Studios and SEGA would’ve delivered my favorite version of the game had this shipped with mouse and touchscreen control options in addition to controller support.

Dark Deity 2 is a better game than the original, doing a little bit more of its own thing without losing its passion for a particular era of Fire Emblem. With plenty of character-building options and a bevy of campaign modifiers, this is a game that has plenty to offer those who like to tinker with gameplay systems. The biggest letdown comes from the story, which starts off reasonably well but peaks early. Indeed, that’s an issue with Dark Deity 2 as a whole. A strong improvement, but there’s still room to grow here.

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & The White Guardian probably shouldn’t be anyone’s first entry in the series, and the loading times on the original Nintendo Switch can get pretty annoying over time. The charming characters and breezy set-up are points in its favor, however, and longtime fans of the Atelier games will likely enjoy both the cameos and classic style. It’s also a rather decent choice in general if you’re looking for an RPG to zone out on and don’t mind if you can’t pick up on all the references. Of the three Atelier releases this year, it’s probably the one I’d recommend least, but in the end? I’d still recommend it. Good comfort food.

Picross S5 is definitely a case of ‘more of the same’ which for fans will be music to their ears. What it lacks in ambition it makes up for with hundreds more addictive puzzles ideal for passing those winter hours away.

WarioWare: Move It! delivers another wild and wacky assortment of microgames that make some of the best use we’ve ever seen from the Joy-Con’s motion functionality. The variety of actions you’ll perform is truly impressive and there’s little denying the quality of ideas on display here. In a package more catered to multiplayer though and with few extras and surprises to distract in the longer term, Move It! isn’t likely to keep the attention of those playing alone for much more than a weekend. Still, WarioWare is just as fun and unpredictable its ever been, even if it is a little lighter in content this time around.

For the first time in a long time, Nintendo Switch owners finally have a good, non-management football game to enjoy. It is not going to blow anybody away, but it is by far the best football game on the console. The only feature that the Switch has over PlayStation or Xbox – as it is with any game – is the ability to play it on the go. If this doesn’t interest you, even with the parity in terms of features, you’re still going to want to play the other console versions over this.

Almost too hard.

Despite a couple of gripes, I’d still say this is probably going to be the best version of Beyond Good & Evil. It at least has the strongest intersection between accessibility and quality. The game runs and looks quite good on the system, with the handful of framerate dips not really detracting from the overall experience. I’ll admit, the brilliant quality of Beyond Good & Evil is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here. The remaster overall is quite good, with this Nintendo Switch version just being solid, I’d say. This is a good way to play one of the coolest games from the sixth gen, but there are definitely better places to play this version. If you’re used to concessions made with these kinds of ports though, you’ll probably have as great of a time as I did. While I’m sure Nintendo’s handheld won’t be able to run the second game whenever that resurfaces, I’m certainly a lot more interested in giving it a go than I was before.

The Escapists: Complete Edition is not a game that everyone will enjoy and I doubt it will be on anyone’s must-buy list. It suffers, to begin with, and you may think it’s a very one-dimensional sandbox game. But, give it time and it will show you just how much fun you can have planning a prison escape in an 8-bit world. The crafting system can be very much guesswork though as nothing’s explained, meaning that there is little to no indication on exactly what you can do. Having said that, once you start to work it all out, you then see just how much depth there is and coming up with a winning escape plan can be tons of fun.

As a throwback to an arcade favourite, Raging Justice does a decent enough job to provide you with the short and shallow candy fix that made the genre appealing in the first place. It may be ugly in design, in a 90s 3D model pre-rendered kind of way, but it does have a plasticine charm to it all to make it visually stand out.

If all you’re looking to do in New Pokémon Snap is take pictures of your favourite Pokémon, then you’re going to have a great time because that is literally what it’s all about, and that’s what it does best. There are moments of genuine Pokémon magic here in an absolutely beautiful game clearly made for the fans, but just be prepared to grind.

Very repetitive. However, anyone who enjoys old school button mashers will quickly adapt to this game and enjoy it. Because the graphics look as nice as they do, fans of the series will likely enjoy this in any capacity.

At its heart, art of rally is a solid racing experience with a good assortment of cars to try, tracks to tackle and handling that’s both challenging yet satisfying. Unfortunately, the visuals struggle massively on Nintendo Switch resulting in a game that looks fine at best and barren at worst. This is easily the weakest version of the game and if you own an Xbox Series or PC you’re better off going for those superior versions.

All in all, Meetup in Bellabel Park is an entertaining addition to what was an already excellent adventure. While it’s not the New Super Luigi U-sized expansion many were likely hoping, it manages to deliver just enough meat to chew on both for platforming challenge-seekers and group-based shenanigans.

Featuring a unique blend of horror and a charming, chibi-like art style, Yomawari: The Long Night Collection is a decent two-game bundle that fans of the genre will enjoy. The monsters you encounter on your journey will scare the hell out of you. Having said that, the trial and error elements hinder the experience, as does the general scare factor once you get into the second game.

If you’re new to all of this, you’ll probably want to start your journey with the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection. It’s not that you can’t jump in with Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection, but the included games aren’t quite up to the highs of their predecessors. Star Force adheres too closely to Battle Network for its own good, and where it does make changes they are generally for the worse. With all that said, it’s hard to fault Capcom’s work here on dressing these games in their Sunday best and getting them back out there.

Moving Out is a silly, simple but enjoyable romp that follows the successful blueprint of series like Overcooked very closely. As a result, you have a game that delivers the same style of loud and manic cooperative fun but at the same time fails to do much that’s new and surprising. In the end, Moving Out is perfect for those hungry for ‘another one of those’ but perhaps a tad too safe for others who have since moved on.

The underpinning fundamentals are certainly there, the attention to detail is coded in nicely, and the continuous improvements made since launch display a progressive attitude to evolve. I may not have quite warmed towards Project Warlock as much as I would have hoped, but I for one am very much looking forward to seeing Jacob Cislo’s next chapter in game development.

New Star Soccer presently surprised me and it got me hooked from the first minute of switching it on. The gameplay loop is satisfying and scoring goals feels great. It’s just a shame then, that I found a nailed on way of scoring every time, which eventually caused the game to become too easy and samey. If Football Manager interests you, but you would rather have a little more input during the matches, then this might just be the game for you. An unexpectedly good and different take on a football management sim.

This is a pretty interesting Trails game that I think is really for a certain type of Daybreak fan. I had heard it was divisive, and I definitely get why. Its mistakes are disappointing, but I think overall the successes outweigh them. This is the kind of game I think I needed before moving into the conclusion games of the arc, cementing Calvard as one of the most fleshed out countries in such a massive series. This cast is lovely, and the ongoing mysteries left from this game have me excited to see how this ends up. I’d probably recommend checking this one out on any platform but the Nintendo Switch if you have the option, but I’m eager to see how Trails Beyond The Horizon will feel with a native Nintendo Switch 2 version.

There’s still a decent enough fast-paced platformer to be found here, and one that fits snugly with the portable nature of the Nintendo Switch.

The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection definitely proves that there is still a place in the modern-day for Ryu Hayabusa. Just don’t go expecting a Halo: The Master Chief Collection-style package full of version comparisons and celebrations of Team Ninja’s mascot. Just think of it more like a scattered Super Mario 3D All-Stars type deal with far less effort involved.

Beyond a new ability and some rogue-lite elements, Kirby Fighters 2 doesn’t do much to add or change the Kirby formula, and that’s not a bad thing. Kirby’s combat has proven it can sustain itself time and again, and not only is Kirby Fighters 2 no exception, it’s arguably the best out of the bunch.

Despite how generic Saviors of Sapphire Wings felt, it’s a mostly solid DRPG. I wouldn’t recommend either of these for a newcomer, mainly because Saviors of Sapphire Wings is largely uninspired and Stranger of Sword City Revisited can be extremely challenging. However, for people who already enjoy what these types of games have to offer, Stranger of Sword City Revisited is a must-play. The striking art style, unique setting, and plenty of depth in its core mechanics will keep people coming back for more. The ports are good, and you’ll be sure to have a fun time with at least one of these if you’re a fan of the genre. The package is a little lacking, and there are much better DRPGs, but it is worth playing all the same.

PHOGS! is a bright, colourful and highly charming game that will no doubt create a big smile from simply absorbing its cutesy world. The gameplay, unfortunately, can stumble due to its repetition and uneven levels of creativity in terms of puzzles. Still, if you’re looking for an enjoyable co-operative time with two adorable dogs then PHOGS! has you covered.

If you care about just the documentary, interviews, and history section of the Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition and want to have easy access to the SNES prototype from 1992 or the Game Design Bible for Rayman, this is worth buying, but I can’t recommend it at full price right now. Once the music is patched in and bugs ironed out, this will be a lot easier to stomach. I hope we see all of that addressed before the physical release is out because this is one release you’d want to own for the shelf.

Currently a Nintendo Switch exclusive, The House of the Dead Remake does a decent job at staying faithful to its legacy to the best of its ability by keeping the spirit of its campy acting and fast-paced action. The controller handicap the team had to deal with is unfortunate, but also an expected one, given the circumstances. While it’s a game that will guarantee a split opinion amongst fans, based just on frame rate and soundtrack alone, I found enough entertainment here to keep me pretty satisfied and coming back for more.

Jupiter takes an interesting swing with Picross X: Picbits Vs Uzboross, its blend of level-based gameplay, skills and snappy puzzles a refreshing alternative to the slower-paced affairs seen in its other efforts. While some may find its smaller grids limiting compared to those games, what it does instead presents a whole new take on the formula and one that excites me for what the developer may and can do next.

PAC-MAN 99 is yet another decent battle royale distraction that suffers from the same terrible level of guidance and explanation both Super Mario Bros. 35 and Tetris 99 were guilty of too. While it’s unlikely to become my next big time sink, it might perhaps kill five minutes or so between bigger games every now and again.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS games. They probably lean too much on the safe side, not achieving an awful lot to improve on the originals other than a few quality-of-life improvements. The improved Underground sections are a welcome addition, but the missing features from Pokémon Platinum are a big let-down. All in all, though, the Sinnoh region offers just as brilliant of an adventure as it was 15 years ago and the formula that worked back then (and then some) is still as addictive to this day. If you are a fan of classic Pokémon titles, this is a no-brainer.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS games. They probably lean too much on the safe side, not achieving an awful lot to improve on the originals other than a few quality-of-life improvements. The improved Underground sections are a welcome addition, but the missing features from Pokémon Platinum are a big let-down. All in all, though, the Sinnoh region offers just as brilliant of an adventure as it was 15 years ago and the formula that worked back then (and then some) is still as addictive to this day. If you are a fan of classic Pokémon titles, this is a no-brainer.

I don’t think the Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a perfect collection, especially on Nintendo Switch, but it’s a solid version of two excellent games. If you get this on another platform, I’d probably recommend it without any hesitation for newcomers looking to experience Klonoa for the first time. Despite being announced during a Nintendo Direct, the Switch version of this is rather subpar. This is a solid remaster of two of the best classic platformers you can find on the market, that would, unfortunately, be best played elsewhere. At least it’s nice to see that Klonoa is back!

Pool Panic is wonderfully weird and so imaginative. While this probably won’t please those after something a little more traditional, its focus on physics-based puzzles is certainly an interesting take. Frustrating, lacking direction but with a world full of character and unique ideas, Pool Panic can be a really fun time albeit one that’s known to scratch every so often.

For those that have already wandered the world of Eos, there is little reason to relive the crown prince’s journey in Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD. It is, however, the perfect choice for those that haven’t and, fearing the need to grind out levels, would prefer to play this condensed option. It’s not without its shortcomings, and, despite the commendable depth, battles soon descend into repetition. But, all in all, it can still charm and entertain.

Tick Tock: A Tale For Two is a fun and engaging co-op puzzler quite unlike anything I’ve played on Nintendo Switch. It’s use of two screens and heavy reliance on communication and teamwork offers an interesting wrinkle to the point-and-click genre and results in a rewarding experience – albeit a short two hour one – worth losing an evening to.

Pinstripe is a game that isn’t without its problems. For me, what kept me going was the story and the characters. It feels like it’s a game that accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do and doesn’t try to be anything more. Its simple gameplay might put some off, as will some of the dodgy design flaws such as the backtracking that takes place, but stick with it and you will find an adventure that will stay with you for a long time to come.

Darksiders Genesis is a pretty decent hack-and-slash adventure that takes the series in an interesting new direction. While my experience with the game rarely left me jaw-dropped, I nonetheless had an entertaining time slashing away at demons and finally getting to play as the fourth and final horseman.

Persona 3 Portable, as a game, is incredible and this revisit has made me realize how much it means to me. I get the disappointment, I do, but as a modern version, I think it holds up alright. This game deserves better, and I think if the backgrounds weren’t sticking out like a sore thumb this would be a glowing recommendation. As of now I can really just say that if you play this on Nintendo Switch you’re in for a good time.

Your quest to help Dusty bring peace to the mind again is memorable, even if the adventure is an uneven one. It’s a journey that’s ridden with cringeworthy puns, but made all the more worthwhile thanks to the way that Dusty and Piper bounce off one another and take comfort in the silliness of it all. The lesson that Figment imparts, though, is that if you can summon up enough courage you can fight through your fears rather than let them cripple you forever. The bad jokes thrown in letting you shake off some nerves along the way.

Strikey Sisters is a good fun game, just in a very classic way. There are no frills to speak of, nor does there need to be. It harks back to the olden days of gaming in a very satisfying way and the combination of visuals and the soundtrack make for a good time all around. The co-op gives it a bit more in terms of replayability too. It is definitely worth a look, and it isn’t as creepy as the name suggests.

Since Wild Hearts S has a demo, I recommend downloading it not only to see if you’re ok with the performance, but also because save data carries over. There is no downside to playing it. If you finished that and are wondering how the full game is, I still think Wild Hearts itself is excellent. Wild Hearts S brings all of what I loved from the original together in a lower-priced package for a new platform with improved online play, but it is held back by performance and visual issues that bothered me more when playing in handheld mode. I just wish it had an optional frame rate cap for a more consistent experience for those who want that. Hopefully, it gets some post-launch optimization updates, and that this isn’t the last we see of the IP.

I think I just have unfortunately played too many other visual novels that tackle what this game set out to do that some of the reveals just didn’t work for me. Many of them do though, and it can be quite emotional and thrilling most of the time. It was nice to finally give Root Double the attention it deserved, even if it took me buying it on two other platforms first. If you enjoy science-themed mystery stories, you should definitely check out Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition.

In an age where there’s an abundance of polished 2D indie platformers, Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX may not reach the same impact that the original once did. Nonetheless, this game is an adoring love letter by a team who undoubtedly shared a similar nostalgic childhood memory that I will always personally share and cherish. While a fancy lick of paint and some quality of life features will unlikely ever quite capture the magic that once made the original experience so special, Jankenteam has done its absolute best to beautifully repaint a classic that deserves to be remembered and retold.

It’s by no means very deep, but it accomplishes what it sets out to do – with a few fun little twists along the way, and while managing to come together with a satisfying conclusion. While it’s by no means the best game that I played in 2020, it certainly made the list, and if you’re as much a fan of these same type of unique experiences as I am – I’m willing to bet you’ll find a lot to love about Mad Rat Dead, too.

There are fleeting moments of brilliance to the puzzle design in The Gardens Between, but, between them, the pace meanders to the point where my interest started to wane. There can be no doubt that it’s unlike anything else that you will have played before, but, in turn, the wondrous idea that lies at its core never feels like it blossoms into something that manages to enter its stride. The potential and talent is clear, though, and I greatly look forward to seeing what The Voxel Agents create next.

At this game’s core, it’s a very average game that set the framework for a very great sequel. I think if Square Enix gets an opportunity to do this again with Star Ocean: Second Evolution, I can easily see them knocking it out of the park.

Carrion does many things right when it comes to creating a feel for becoming the monster. The cinematic soundtrack is fantastic too, setting the tone and putting the player in the mindset of the beast perfectly. The way the monster moves under control is excellent, and massacring a room full of scientists and soldiers rarely ever gets old. It’s just unfortunate that the overall structure that surrounds the novelty of the core gameplay mechanic is never quite as unique in comparison.

I had a lot of fun with My Hero One’s Justice. There’s something about the game’s simplicity that felt refreshing in not needing to completely commit myself into learning the ropes. It’s a fun fighter to take on the go, too, allowing for players to split the Joy-Con for a quick, convenient throwdown. It may not have the most robust features in a fighting game, and there is a lot here that could be improved upon, but, despite this, the easy to learn gameplay system and over-the-top combat results in an entertaining score-settler regardless of whether you’re a fan of the series or not.

Dragon Marked For Death is an exceptional co-op 2D action-RPG that struggles to provide the same high-quality entertainment when played solo. While solo play is satisfactory, it is a game that encourages multiplayer. If you plan to play the entire game on your own, be cautioned that the experience can become repetitious. Conversely, if you happen to have a few friends that plan to buy or already have the game, then Dragon Marked For Death will provide many hours of entertainment.

Puyo Puyo Champions feels like a game built with serious fans of the series in mind. Those looking for a gateway into this color-matching puzzler may want to try the far more content-full and approachable Puyo Puyo Tetris. If however, you’re merely after a cheap, multiplayer-focused, no-frills version of Puyo Puyo then Champions delivers.

Mindball Play is an interesting mash-up as it takes the arcade-racing genre and injects an intriguing physics system that helps give the action its own unique flavor. A short but challenging single-player campaign entertains while the local multiplayer proves to be the true star of the show. If you’re looking for something beyond Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (the game has been out for roughly two years now) then Mindball Play is definitely worth checking out.

Jupiter has delivered another satisfying slice of Picross bliss. While Picross S2 might be just more of the same, its hard to imagine a way in which the developer could shake things up without ruining what makes the puzzler so addictive in the first place. If you’re hungry for more Picross or just a new puzzler in general then Picross S2 is a safe recommendation, albeit a rather predictable one.

The improved visuals and dynamic use of shadows in The Final Season really do make a difference to emphasise drama and emotion. Yet, despite the plot of this second episode feeling weaker than the first, the connections and drama between characters still came across much more believable than the big budget tv show.

I would argue that Hammerwatch is best experienced with a group of like-minded adventurers. There’s far more fun to be found in the chaotic mayhem of heroically charging down a corridor together, slinging spells at your enemies, cutting them down to size and knocking back an arrow or two, compared to when having to endure the game’s repetitive design alone. There are enough successes to consider a purchase, and even more so once online support arrives.

It’s completely for the fans. Speaking as one of those fans, I think that’s really admirable and despite some late-game annoyances and sound design flaws, I found Battle For Bikini Bottom absolutely worth going back for. Nostalgia may be a powerful tool, but this game is still worthy of your time regardless.

Long after money has exchanged hands, Penny-Punching Princess will be remembered for the pun-packed, zany adventure that it casts you out on. The game’s inherently repetitive nature will mean it’s best chipped away at over time, but, while some imbalance with the difficulty can irritate, bribing everything in sight with the magical calculator allows it to leave a lasting impression than others on the portable home console.

All things considered, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers a fully playable experience that is good handheld, but the developer should’ve done more for the visuals and performance when playing docked. I would still play it here over PC handhelds I own, but it is hard to recommend the Switch 2 version to play on TV if you have access to PS5 or Xbox Series X.

Road to Ballhalla is a simple idea with enough neat additions of its own to keep you engaged throughout its twenty-plus levels. Filling that Super Monkey Ball sized gap nicely, this fiendishly difficult ball rolling experience may be a little on the short side but should please those after a challenge they can easily jump in and out of.

If you already own One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, the One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack is worth it for handheld play, but docked, I’m a bit conflicted right now since you do get visual improvements and an increased enemy count, but the performance is not as good as it was via backward compatibility. For newcomers, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition with DLC is worth getting, even if you aren’t a fan of One Piece. Just don’t bother with the standalone base game right now.

Thankfully, as an old fan of the series I actually did get quite a kick out of Cyanide and Happiness: Freakpocalypse. Its short length is disappointing, but the fact that I found myself wanting more from the game is probably a good sign of things to come.

When it works, it clicks into place and offers something more than so many racing games on the market. It’s an ideal game to dip in and out of through handheld as races don’t take long and you won’t lose any skill from taking a brief break. With a little patience, Road Redemption is a hell of a ride.

After playing so many highly tense puzzlers, Hexologic is a nice change of pace delivering a much more chilled experience that’s as easy to unwind with as it is to pick up. A lack of content might make this a rather short-lived experience but it’s one that feels fair for the low price it asks. The eShop may not exactly be short of puzzlers at the moment but Hexologic’s pleasant vibe and satisfying brainteasers are enough to make this cheaper release worth a look.

The Stone of Madness is a decent game in a genre that is quite niche nowadays, make no mistake about that. However, if you’re a fan of top-down strategy-stealth games, want something new, and don’t mind a challenge, then you will find lots of enjoyment here. It’s not perfect, but despite its flaws, The Stone of Madness brings together enough new ideas and great aesthetics to help breathe some new life into a dying genre.

The games in the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle may be short, shallow and repetitive by nature, but these arcade classics are an important slice of gaming history and still make for a perfect high score wager between friends. In any case, for £17.99, it is an affordable catch up for those that are either interested in the history of the beat ’em up genre or fancy an interactive trip down memory lane.

I love visual novels, and I love strategy games. For a subsection of gamers, Digimon Survive will hit the perfect sweet spot between both of those. It’s got everything you’d expect from a digestible entry with a focus on presentation. However, I couldn’t help but feel that the game is just shy of greatness. Make no mistake, Digimon Survive is good. However, despite its best efforts, I found that the pacing drags and the combat mechanics are unremarkable. If you have enough patience to engage with its story and gameplay, the positives will far outweigh the negatives. It’s flawed, but the heart shines through and it goes down easy thanks to being one of the best-looking anime-style games released in years. Are there better SRPGs to play right now? Sure, but none offer Digimon’s unique brand of SRPG and I think it hits more than it misses.

Still a fun time albeit one that could do with a healthier dose of fresh content in this Switch version. Walking the line between platformer and puzzler, the game’s light sprinkling of elements from both help create an experience that’s fun for all ages.

Ultra Space Battle Brawl is a great quick fix multiplayer game to pull out amongst a gathering of friends and alcohol. It may not offer depth in either gameplay or features, but that raw competitive nerve will undoubtedly stand in the end whenever there is a score to settle. With 2 vs 2 options (or even 2 vs 1 for the less modest gamer), there are plenty of reasons here to bang balls around in space together.

One may even argue that in terms of pure functionality, the 3DS port is more loyal than even the Switch with its built-in dual screens and microphone support.

Endless Ocean Luminous is worth the plunge, and, along with other experiences like Nintendo Labo and Game Builder Garage, demonstrates a commitment to broadening what Nintendo Switch can offer beyond simply being a “games” console. It’s a welcome change of pace from the regular bustle of modern-day gaming experiences, offering a relaxing underwater diversion that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Hitman World of Assassination Signature Edition offers fantastic value, but it is hard to recommend at full price right now, given the unstable performance. A 30 frames per second cap would help a lot, but even with performance issues aside, the online focus is a bit of an annoyance when playing on a portable system. As someone who has enjoyed the three Hitman games that are now part of Hitman World of Assassination Signature Edition enough to buy them on multiple platforms, I’m glad to see it finally arrive in a good-looking version on Nintendo Switch 2 content complete, but it really needs some patches to make it an easy recommendation.

As someone who wasn’t particularly attached to the first game, I thought PixelJunk Eden 2 was fun and unique, but didn’t think of it too far beyond that. For those who were waiting for a sequel to PixelJunk Eden or simply want a different type of game that will relax them, I have no doubt that you’re going to love this, complete all of the gardens and their variations, collect all the Grimps and really make the most out of it.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a fun and approachable multiplayer game for players of all ages and a wonderful recreation of an old school classic. With that said, the Nintendo eShop price tag that accompanies it can be pretty hard to swallow, especially when you consider that most players with a bit of gaming experience will have it beat in a couple of hours at best. Perfecting its three-star demands will certainly add a few more hours to the clock, but it seems like a rather easy post to lean on when there’s far more potential in building upon the jetstream mechanics to contribute towards a higher level count.

All-Star Fruit Racing is a decent enough kart racer that offers a few interesting ideas of its own but unfortunately suffers in a few areas whether it’s the awkward control scheme, confusing weapon system or even a general lack of online features. There’s fun to be had from this fruit-inspired title, sure, but perhaps a little ripening could have helped sweeten this uneven racer.

Broken Sword 5: The Serpent’s Curse doesn’t do anything special for the point-and-click genre, but that’s perfectly fine as it does exactly what it sets out to do. As a fan of the first two games, this was what I wanted. Not everything is perfect, such as the animations and some inconsistent voice acting. However, if you’re a fan, you will find a lot more to love than the average player.

Hexagroove: Tactical DJ is flawed – from one minigame and a lack of guidance. The problem is, that minigame is a big part of truly nailing a set. It’s a scratch in an otherwise very clean, very good record.

There was always going to be the worry that Untitled Goose Game would be a case of all hype without the delivery. Fortunately what we got is a unique, charming and often amusing experience that’s only dampened by some frustratingly tough puzzles and occasionally clumsy controls. It’s far from perfect, sure, but it’s certainly a game I’ll remember with a smile on my face. Honk!

The controls in the game are very responsive and are very tight.

This might come off as rather strict, but that’s because I do think these games are classics that deserve the best. I don’t want to be overdramatic though, because this Legacy Collection is still the best we’ve ever gotten. I think more could have been done, but I don’t want to downplay the work that went into bringing Mega Man Battle Network back like this. While I’m unsure if modern audiences would click with these, I think kids might still get a lot out of them even today. They’re all fantastic freshman RPG experiences that don’t explicitly treat their audience in a condescending manner. This is a great collection, but it could have been a legendary one.

Despite its technical issues, Black Future ’88 is everything you would want from a good roguelike shooter. Dedicating myself towards certain layouts and advantages while learning the deceitful risks that accompany them never seems to get old. I’ve managed to beat the game once-over several times but not yet looped a playthrough twice – giving me the realisation that I’ve only just scratched the surface. After looping the game, there then becomes the conundrum of looking how to keep that precious time topped up for it doesn’t reset even after beating the final boss. It looks like I’ll just have to have another go then, and maybe one more after that…

SaGa Frontier Remastered is not a game for everyone. I wasn’t able to notice any of the new content in this initial playthrough, but I’m excited to play more and uncover all of the secrets. SaGa Frontier has always been known as being unfinished, but all of the restored content (which can be toggled off at the beginning of the playthrough for those wanting an original experience) and amazing quality of life improvements makes this the definitive version of this game. This is now the new bar for Square Enix remasters, one I hope they continue to meet.

There’s no denying this is a great remake of the PlayStation classic, however, it’s also one where you can feel its limitations and archaic systems creaking along. Going back to the original ways of Resident Evil is a little awkward, sure, but it’s still an enjoyable survival horror experience and one dripping in atmosphere.

Granted, by today’s standards Dragons Lair may even be considered as a pretty awful game in every angle outside its drop-dead gorgeous Disney-flavoured smut. However, Dragon’s Lair Trilogy is another important slice of gaming history and one that can now be added to the growing museum on the Nintendo Switch.

Having enjoyed the first Pac-Man World remake, I went into the sequel with pretty high expectations. What I wound up with was another well-made remake, and sure, it’s definitely a platformer of its time, but it proved to be a fun and nostalgic trip with plenty to see and do. Bring on Pac-Man World 3 Re-Pac, I say!

Mouse: P.I. For Hire should’ve been shorter, but I still really enjoyed my time with it. The Nintendo Switch 2 port definitely needs more time in the oven because of the performance issues and delayed updates compared to other platforms. I will revisit the game once it gets patched on Switch 2 to address some of the performance issues and potentially add gyro controls.

The story that INMOST sets out to tell is the sort that’ll stick in your mind long after you’ve reached its conclusion. As for actually playing the game, despite some dragged out moments, there’s a good mix of puzzle and platforming to be found here that coupled with some truly unsettling and atmospheric visuals create a hauntingly intriguing experience but one you better be prepared for.

I really wish that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Persona 3 Reload didn’t have the technical problems it does. Without them, this would be a slam-dunk recommendation for any and all RPG fans. With them, I have to load that endorsement with a number of conditions. If you’re planning to play mainly in handheld mode and are even lightly sensitive to frame pacing or stuttering, you might want to hold off for a performance update. Those looking to play in docked mode will have a more tolerable time of it. Persona 3 Reload is an excellent RPG, but you might want to play it elsewhere if you have the option.

There is a lot to love about Double Dragon & Kunio-Kun: Retro Brawler Bundle, whether it be the silly expression on a player’s face after getting the wind knocked out of them with a soccer ball or launching a panel from a broken hurdle at a rival during a foot race in Downtown Nekketsu March Super-Awesome Field Day! There’s just something special about the oddities of what’s included that can often seem dated, yet somewhat ahead of their time as the barriers of logic get kicked towards an insane level of absurdity.

As I’m a newcomer to the Simon the Sorcerer series, I can’t really speak to how authentic this prequel is. But a bit of research tells me this franchise has been through some tough times, so fans will hopefully have some forgiveness for a good-hearted effort even if it doesn’t quite hit the mark. As for myself, as someone who has enjoyed adventure games through the highs and lows, I had a solid time with Simon the Sorcerer Origins. Not every reference landed, but the game wasn’t so obsessed with them as to make me feel lost. The story was engaging and the puzzles were largely fair, and that’s a big part of what I like to see in games from this genre. Fans of Broken Sword or Monkey Island might want to give this a shot, even if they don’t know Simon from a hole in the wall.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma might not be the most polished game, with all of its systems not being fully cohesive, but it was the entry point to Rune Factory I’ve been looking for. The skill floor is pretty low, with simple combat mechanics and easy-to-manage farming. While it might not have the tightest design in a farming simulator or an ARPG, I think it presents a breezy and fun combination of both genres. I’d like to see another spin-off tackle this approach again, because I think there’s a lot of potential in the series going in this new direction. Hopefully, next time, though, the Nintendo Switch 2 version could get a bit more love.

Mulaka’s strength as a game comes from the painstaking effort that has been made to sufficiently portray the culture of the Tarahumara people, and, as such, there is much joy to be found in exploring the sun-baked region and learning from those that inhabit it.

I can’t understate how important it is that this game exists and the awareness that it will raise.

It may not be as daring as it needs to be in design, but Mercenaries Saga Chronicles will help to scratch that strategy itch until something else comes along.

Cronos: The New Dawn is, by default, the best Nintendo Switch 2-only horror game out there at the moment, and it’s further proof that Bloober Team are very good horror game makers. While it never fully feels unique, it’s a fun and captivating horror title that borrows from the very best in the genre and the perfect game to get you ready for Halloween season.