On the general scale of things, SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC is a great addition to the catalogue. The emulation is crisp and clean and pretty much on par on with what you would expect from M2. If a bit of online score chasing is your thing or you just want to casually blast away for the ride, then SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC is certainly one worth giving a shot.

The Picross S games aren’t exactly known for reinventing the wheel but Picross S8 is arguably the most straightforward entry so far. Having the option to play with a team of four is certainly an interesting addition but, other than that, you’re looking at yet another safe but reliably fun episode of Picross.

The lack of an upgrade path for existing Nintendo Switch owners and technical issues definitely hold it back, but Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is an excellent release, especially if you play in handheld mode. Having now played it on every platform since launch, this is the best portable version with its many input options and all the content included from the get-go. The small install size also means I don’t need to stress over leaving it installed on my Switch 2, with how much I’ve been juggling other games since launch.

All in all, Capcom Fighting Collection is a very welcome addition to anyone who enjoys stockpiling retro classics for the Nintendo Switch. Many of the games on the list may not be the most famous entries when it comes to Capcom’s back catalogue, but that doesn’t mean that they are any less fun or important. The visuals, sound and gameplay mechanics across the board are still as beautiful and interestingly presented today as they ever were. Furthermore, Capcom Fighting Collection sets a firm reminder of classic Capcom’s creativity at its best.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! is a dizzyingly weird but wonderful rhythm game that’s both easy to pick up but ever so tough to master. Those playing with the drum set will undoubtedly have the best time but even if you opt for its more traditional control scheme there’s still enough fun to be had making your way through the game’s unique song list or facing off against your friends in its party games.

Octahedron: Transfixed Edition is an eye-catching game whose platforming keeps things simple without sacrificing its challenge. It’s that kind of ‘one more try’ feeling, fast-paced action experience the Switch was born to do and despite some frustrations, I had a great, and rewarding, time building platforms and navigating Octahedron’s luminous playgrounds.

After nearly a decade, Trine Enchanted Edition still looks and plays as wondrously as ever. Its progressive reward system and ability to cater for gameplay variety keeps the adventure entertaining for the half a dozen hours or so it takes to complete the game. As a result, it suits the Nintendo Switch nicely despite the fact that the importance of a Right Stick makes split Joy-Con accessibility a missing feature. If you do happen to have a few sets of Joy-Con and Pro Controllers spare though, it’s certainly worth having a crack at multiplayer. For Trine Enchanted Edition is best served as a team effort with allies you can depend upon.

If you want to experience a bit of gaming history, then this little title may very well be up your ladder. It plays great on the TV and its quick fix gameplay works perfectly for a handheld. Sure, it may not tickle the taste buds of those seeking complexity, but with a great building mechanic and tons of levels to play through, there’s plenty here to keep you occupied under a tight budget.

The tough difficulty spikes found can be off-putting, but if you love a good challenge then this could be the game for you. Death Road To Canada is easily one of my favourite surprises on the Switch currently.

Civilization VI has been one of the most demanding experiences I’ve ever played and while the barrier to entry will be intimidating to newcomers, it’s a game that rewards those willing to put in the time. You wouldn’t think a PC series would work so well on the Nintendo Switch but Firaxis has accomplished quite the feat and delivered one of the strongest third-party offerings the console has seen.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a great port of a fantastic, beautiful game that’s just a little bit too bloated with frustrating content for completionists. When it works it really soars above most modern platformers, but much like Crash itself it feels like it has a problem focusing on one thing at once.

The lack of Wii-like motion controls hurts this release, as it means this isn’t the best way to play the game. However, the fact you can play it on the go for the first time is probably the next best thing. If you have somehow managed to miss playing this title in the past 15 years, then go ahead and add another point to the score, as those that have played the many re-releases over the years won’t be quite as impressed as they once were. Having said that, Resident Evil 4 is and forever will be, one of the greatest video games ever made.

Friday The 13th: The Game Ultimate Slasher Edition for the Nintendo Switch is the online experience the platform has desperately needed. It’s engaging, it’s addicting, it’s everchanging and it is unlike anything else on the system. Overcoming the odds and escaping Jason is a thrilling chase that will get your adrenaline racing. You never know what is going to happen in Friday The 13th: The Game Ultimate Slasher Edition and that is what makes it so appealing. No two games are identical. It’s a killer game and, if given the chance, one that will slay your free time.

The developer may have too much enthusiasm for throwing you into combat and could have done with exploring ways to lend a change of pace – that more often than not comes in the puzzles that momentarily boggle your mind. But, when you have a steadfast legion of Guardians at your command, it’s hard not to marvel at the thrill of it all in the thick of battle, and how the many systems that are at play are masterfully woven together.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined leaves me in a weird position. If you were to ask me which version of the game I would rather play, I’d likely choose one of the previous ones. There’s just a vibe to them that this game intentionally chooses to abandon. But if you were to ask me which version of the game I would recommend to others, it’s this one. It’s a far brisker, friendlier game and one that I think most people would have a better time playing through.

Wingspan is a fine adaption of the physical board game and a much cheaper way of playing it at that. Features like online cross-play, local play and well-explained tutorials make this one of the better board game adaptions to hit the console and hopefully allows Wingspan to reach a much-deserved wider audience in the video gaming world.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion isn’t quite the gob-smacking surprise that Shredder’s Revenge was, but I suppose it really couldn’t be. It is, however, a more than worthy spiritual follow-up to that game, and it shows that if Tribute Games wishes to keep working in the beat ’em up space, it still has plenty to offer. For Marvel fans, this is the dream team-up arcade brawler that we never got, doing proper service to characters big and small from the pantheon of heroes. Yes, we’ve seen many of its tricks before, but when the result is this good, I think a second scoop is more than permissible. The only real drag on the game comes from the occasional bits of slowdown when things are at their most chaotic, but it’s not enough to hurt the game significantly. Another proper event for beat ’em up buddies.

It’s probably one of the best looking indie games of the year, accompanied by incredibly effective notes of religious horror. More importantly, minus a few small gripes, it’s still a very enjoyable game to play through. Definitely one to sink into when the clocks go back in time for the dawn of All Hallows Eve.

20XX does far more than to simply be a blatant Mega Man clone. It is a combination of what ifs and why nots that makes this particular title a great little game in its own right. With plenty of modes, tons of upgrades, an in-depth record of your statistics and, most importantly, fun gameplay, 20XX certainly deserves a place next to Capcom’s mascot in the library of your Nintendo Switch.

I really liked how Valfaris has turned out. Its old school roots of arcade run-and-gun feel nurtured and cared for in a way that freshens the genre up with some great ideas, a balanced difficulty curve, wonderful level design, tight controls and a wide variety of enemies to plow through. It never tries to be anything more than it needs to be, including the time it takes to beat it. It’s the developer’s second chance at a first impression that deserves to make as much noise as the pluck shredding the strings of the electric guitar that used to compose the game’s soundtrack. With a promised Full Metal Mode in the works to ramp up the challenge, I can really see myself venturing back into the intergalactic undergrowth of the dangerous planet known as Valfaris.

All in all, SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium is a fantastic fighting game that genuinely pushed the boundaries of the portable technical limitations of yesteryear. Sure, this pocket-sized, chibi fighter doesn’t hold a candle to the undoubtedly cherished and much missed Capcom vs. SNK 2. But, given what it is, there’s a gorgeous on-the-go throwdown to be had here between mates with all the charm and spirit of the two legendary companies that it represents.

I’m not exactly sure why Luigi’s Mansion 2 was chosen for an HD remaster over the original, but after all is said and done I’m glad this game got another chance at life. Outside of the mission structure (which I even grew to like at the end), I never felt this carried over any of the negative connotations with it being a 3DS conversion. The gameplay feels fresh, and the controls rarely gave me any issues. Having a second thumbstick goes a long way in making this feel leagues better to play than the original. They haven’t really added anything substantial, so people who have played the original won’t be met with any new surprises. I had fun revisiting this charming ghost adventure, but I can’t say it’ll be worth it for every player given the steep cost. It does have me wanting to dust off my 3DS for the remake of the original and redownload Luigi’s Mansion 3. I’m back in a Luigi’s Mansion mood, and hope we get to see a fourth game on Nintendo’s next console.

Onimusha: Warlords for Nintendo Switch is a delight. It looks and plays well, it’s fun, and the in-game achievement system – aptly named Honors – motivates the player to replay the game several times. On average, most will be able to complete the game in around four hours. Despite the short duration, the journey is a quality one and something you’ll want to replay. Hopefully, Capcom has plans to bring the rest of the Onimusha series to the Nintendo Switch in the near future.

It would be easy to say that Going Under’s witty characters and fantastic presentation carry it, but underneath its sarcastic surface there’s a great rogue-like that’s entirely worth checking out all on its own. Don’t let it go under your radar.

I adore this series and think this is a great entry point for anyone looking for a systems-driven RPG that strives to be different. It’s ironic that the upcoming Romancing SaGa 2 remake is looking to be a step forward in what this series is capable of, but for all we know Emerald Beyond is a final hurrah for this style of SaGa game. I’m not going to complain about two SaGa games in one year, either.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a formidable concoction of beauty and psychological horror that’s often marred with a frequent claustrophobic sense of frustration. The rather cumbersome puzzle feature set in place would be something that I would usually consider as a weak link within a cast iron chain. Yet, to the developer’s credit, they have completely enforced exactly what they set out to do, sending my mind into a kaleidoscope of emotions that metaphorically ride across the five stages of grief.

Seeing the work that’s been done to the first season of Sam and Max has me really hoping that Skunkape continues on to do the next two seasons, as I really do think that there’s a ton of potential there. Even if they don’t, Sam and Max Save The World Remastered is a fantastic reminder of the fun of the point-and-click genre and how beloved the titular duo really are.

Beyond just being a great game in its own right, Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is a sign that licensed games not only work in this age of gaming but are sorely missing. There are so many other Cartoon Network shows that would benefit from this treatment, and I hope Battle Through Time is a sign of things to come.