As fantastic as some of these classics are, Konami’s Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection is barebone in features and presentation. Its price point isn’t too bad though and fits the Nintendo Switch nicely alongside the other classic compilations already on the system. Other than that, you could always play and compare the original Gradius with the Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online app as a reminder of how good of a port that version really was.

The inclusion of something that relies on precision movement with a clumsy transport system designed primarily for puzzles, is a massive hole in an otherwise clever premise. Small frustrations in her physics soon build up and the game becomes a slog rather than a joy.

A package that is full of potential, with over 60 games and several bonus features. However, there are many problems with everything in between – especially the keypad and controls, but also with the lack of graphical quality outside of the faithfully reproduced Intellivision graphics, and the short soundtrack.

I miss the era of games Reynatis feels plucked fresh out of. The PlayStation Vita was my gaming awakening that defined my taste, and was a swan song of a particular era of Japanese portable games that were able to be experimental and weird on a low budget. The ambitions of the team far outshine the budget they were given, but there’s definitely something to like here. The combat is flashy and fun if not a bit simple, yet still outshines most other action games of this scope. The six playable characters are plenty customizable, and once you get into it there’s plenty of fun to be had. I respect Furyu continuing to fund creatives of all sizes with enough money to make their weird and cool games, and Reynatis is among their better titles. For those who are coming at this from an exclusively Square Enix fan perspective, however, I don’t know if you’ll be able to see past the blemishes. Maybe don’t play it on Nintendo Switch, though.

It’s tough to fault Catan on Switch when it comes to how faithful this recreation is compared to the original source material. Unfortunately, a pretty vacant online community and a lack of any sort of local multiplayer really hurt its long-term appeal. An enjoyable adaption but one unlikely to replace the original physical version any time soon.

Unlike most Nintendo-published titles, the game really feels like it lacked direction, and as a result the game is more annoying than fun. If you're a diehard for Yoshi platformers, you'll enjoy the game on some.

But after a while, hitting frogs just doesn't fufill the same amount of happiness that it did when you started.

The character modeling is downright fantastic, but the pieces that make up their world are far less so. Level interiors are usually drab and lifeless, and sometimes repetitive.

It doesn’t work as a video game and it doesn’t work as a movie. While it looks great, the acting leaves a lot to be desired and there just isn’t any involvement for the player as you’re just pressing the A Button a couple of times here and there without ever really having to make choices. It had potential and any future games can certainly learn a lot from this, but my advice is to stay well away unless you’re absolutely desperate for something to do for an hour or two.

I had a blast with the female fighters of the arcade era. It’s a great brawler and the whole Super Smash Bros. element works a treat. There’s definitely enough depth and wackiness to keep things interesting – at least for as long as you have others to play against.

Shelter Generations is a mixed bag, then. Shelter 2 is burdened with many flaws, the linearity to Paws helps it to become a more meaningful adventure, and the content that accompanies them lends charm to the whole collection. Taken as a whole it disappoints, which is a shame as, beneath the adorable exterior, the concept has far more potential than what has been achieved.

Invisiballs is an interesting and unique idea unfortunately held back by a general lack of depth, variety and content. While there’s certainly nothing quite like this on Nintendo Switch at the moment, Invisiballs feels like too basic a package to keep you hooked for much longer than a few sessions. Perhaps future updates will add some interesting new features.

Most of Turok 2: Seeds of Evil’s problems simply lie with the passage of time. If you are willing to overlook some of those issues, such as the outdated visuals and level design, what you will find is a fun and thrilling trip down memory lane to one of the Nintendo 64’s best first-person shooters. The lack of multiplayer, while not essential, hurts the overall package.

With Full Metal Schoolgirl, D3Publisher and Yuke’s have a solid base to build on, but it has a few too many annoying issues holding it back from an easy recommendation. The constant loading and time-wasting cut-scenes when you finish a room, accompanied by technical issues on Nintendo Switch 2, make it one to wait on for potential updates. Despite that, Full Metal Schoolgirl’s strong core gameplay with a good localization and aesthetic made me want to keep coming back to it for a run or two every day since getting it.

Spyro’s new developer, Vicarious Visions, has changed the focus of Spyro to mini-games, which are very easy, boring and repetitive; they have also taken away the 3-D look of the games, which presents some problems in gameplay, not forgetting the fact that the 3-D isometric look simply looked better.

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.

Perhaps the largest issue with Warriors Orochi 4 on Nintendo Switch is that it is on the Switch. With both Fire Emblem Warriors and Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition available on the console, choosing a lesser version of the game with less recognisable characters isn’t realistic. If you want a good hack-and-slash game then there are already two here, this just doesn’t come close.

Regardless of its issues, Liberated shows potential in combining one of the oldest methods in storytelling with the new. Having the gameplay segments fit within the panel of a comic strip is a nice touch, even if the gameplay is average at best. The script is certainly a relevant subject in spite of how many times the idea has been recycled. It’s just unfortunate that, in this case, simply reading the source material would have been a better experience compared to playing it.

At the end of the day, this is a sub-par port of an average game. The story in Blair Witch isn’t anything special even if the main character was good, poorly programmed AI hampers innovative mechanics, the game design isn’t that thought out, and the game’s atmosphere and aesthetic are hurt by this port’s low resolution. A great set of ideas that fumble when it comes to the execution, and an adorable dog doesn’t really save it. I love the Switch and want as many games as possible to come out on it, but Blair Witch really shows that not every game should.

Surgeon Simulator CPR is a very silly game whether it’s the cartoony vibe it gives off, the wacky situations you’re thrown into or just trying to deal with the loose controls. It’s a mildly funny exercise and something to be enjoyed viewing how others interact with it, however in turns of longevity and depth you’ll find the pair lacking especially as the initial novelty starts to wear off.

Don’t. That is, don’t take a second look at this game – don’t even briefly consider it.

Struggling is one of the more frustrating games I’ve played on the Switch to the point where it felt more like an endurance challenge than anything else. Small victories are marred by countless failures and coupling that with a co-op mode than only serves to aggravate more and a visual style that is at times unappealing and others just plain gross makes for an end result that makes it a struggle to keep playing.

GRIP: Combat Racing is an entertaining racer for the Nintendo Switch. It isn’t the best racing title the system has to offer, but as a tribute and a throwback to arcade racers of the old days, it certainly succeeds in achieving its goal.

So much more could have been done with the hero to open up multiple playthroughs, even something as simple as allowing different classes of hero. The mechanics are there in the enemies after all. The idea is very good, but the execution is sloppy. Most of my time with Devious Dungeon saw me walking through levels destroying everything in sight for coins, then buying the next best gear I could get, before grinding through the next batch of levels.

Poor play control, non-threatening AI, and a story that is inconsistent with previous Sonic games and ultimately befuddling (which is quickly becoming the new standard for Sonic.)

Amazing Island has good graphics and sound, but the gameplay, with its mini-games, is too repetitive... Of course, the lack of multiplayer hurts this game the most.

Three Fourths Home: Extended Edition is a different experience to many of the offerings that the Nintendo eShop has to offer. It doesn’t quite hit the emotional hammer that something like Last Day of June does, but it’s all very well written enough to be able to take a common piece of cake from it. I do think it’s a very hard game to review as it’s not a game in any way, shape or form in the conventional sense. If I was to see it as a game, it would be a terrible one. But, as a way to tell a story, it’s certainly effective enough to work as intended.

The first thing you will notice is the art style and what a brilliant art style it is. Look beyond that and here lies a game that is not only addictive but also super fun to play, too. It is just a shame that the thrill I had during the first few hours, didn’t carry over into the later hours of the game, as it does get a tad repetitive as you make your way through. Having said that, I didn’t feel like I ever wanted to stop playing. Every time I died, I just had to have one more go. Considering Nintendo fans don’t have Hotline Miami to fire-up on their Switch, 12 Is Better Than 6 cocks its gun and shoots its way up towards the top as one of the best in its genre. You don’t want to miss out.