Great visuals, great story, and great gameplay—it isn’t often that you get all three in a single game, but that’s exactly what’s on offer with Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. This is an early, essential title for Switch 2 owners; an RPG for the ages that will be just as remembered as the original as time goes by. We strongly recommend giving Remake a download, especially as the launch of Rebirth on Switch 2 is just around the corner this summer.

Big Hops is a fresh, imaginative 3D platformer that really captures what makes the genre so special. It’s got endless rewards for exploration, and a world bursting with personality in every corner. It easily made it’s way into editor’s choice and to one of my favorite Switch games. I’m looking forward to playing further and reaching the conclusion to find out what happens to our little frog and the odd trickster as well as seeing other people’s opinions on the game when it releases.

While Kiwami 2 has its faults, it’s still a fun action-RPG with all of the wonderful weirdness of the Yakuza series, all of the entertaining substories and bizarre NPCs, and the engaging main story that never lacks twists and turns. Graphically, the game looks great and played just as smoothly, so from a technical standpoint I had no issues. But while I said in my Yakuza 0 review that I’d recommend playing the games in chronological order, it’s worth noting that having a game of the caliber of Yakuza 0 as a series’ first story can result in this sort of drawback. Regardless, play it for more Yakuza while you’re waiting for the launch of Kiwami 3 next year.

Tribute Games seems to understand how to reach into the past and the present and pull out the best of beat ‘em ups and mash them with fun more complex modern gameplay to create a well tuned experience that feels like the ultimate Marvel beat ‘em up. The gameplay is exciting and varied. Levels across the game feel fun, well built, and refreshing each time you replay them with a unique set of characters. If you thought Tribute Games cooked with TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, they cooked once again, possibly even more gourmet, with Marvel Cosmic Invasion.

This is a game that still remains worthy of your time if you enjoy 2D shooters and classic anime and manga. Its aesthetic is great, the animation segments are a delightful throwback, and the soundtrack is also strong. Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening fans will doubtlessly enjoy this one, but as I said earlier, I was no fan and I still found myself rapidly drawn in. Given how influential a series Space Cobra has been, it’s also a nice glimpse into the inspiration for so many game creators over the years. Definitely consider giving Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening a play.

Overall, Absolum is a masterfully crafted beat ‘em up that takes an already addicting and fun gameplay formula and adds new elements of intrigue to it. All of this is packed into a beautiful world with nooks and crannies to explore to your hearts content and a story that makes it all make sense in an intelligent manner. The coat of paint over the whole package wraps a beautiful little bow over the whole thing, creating a game that is fun to play, satisfying to look at, and makes you want to keep exploring and coming back to.

Death on the Nile modernizes Agatha Christie’s classic mystery with engaging detective mechanics and a fresh 1970s flair. The dual storylines offer two lenses into the same mystery, even if the frequent switches between them occasionally interrupt the flow. Still, the game’s standout mechanics—the mindmap, timeline reconstructions, and clever puzzles—make every chapter feel purposeful and rewarding. Even if you’re not an Agatha Christie fan, this one is worth unraveling the layered mysteries; just prepare yourself for the twist at the end.

While I won’t spoil specifics for such a new title, Silksong racks up one great boss fight after another. Lest you think I’m just a boss junkie, yes, Silksong’s atmosphere, enemy layouts, enemy AI, platforming, storytelling, audio, art, worldbuilding, and sense of humor are all great too. Even if I do think the scope of structure get in the way of its action game virtues from time to time, it’s still one of the best 2D games this decade.

Each level roughly sticks to the staple patformer diet of grass, ice , sand ,etc. But the foreground settings are brilliantly imaginative - a bizzare, alien theme park , an underground shrine , a military base - and really improve the more sedate sections of the game,i.e jumping , talking,etc. It certainly makes a refreshing change from Banjo's desert/ice/grass worlds.

It could have been better, Shinobi III deserved to be treated as more than an aesthetic theme, and it’s not nearly as well-considered a successor as Streets of Rage 4 was. But the game is still solidly recommended for anyone who likes the idea of a metroidvania with an overpowered ninja protagonist.

If you are willing to instead get under the hood, engage with the rank system, and maybe equip a challenge talisman or two, on the other hand, Ragebound can be a hell of a ride, and on these terms it has been one of my favorite games of the year.

If you haven’t tried the Yakuza games yet, definitely start with 0. This is a fine example of what strong game narrative and character development should look like, and it’s just simply a darn fun game to play.

It's hard to explain the addictiveness that sets in after a few levels, but it's safe to say that it's head and shoulders above the likes of "Donkey Kong" and "Ice Climber."

All of this together means that while it is very easy to give an unequivocal recommendation for Front Mission 3, the remake is a mixed bag as a remake. If you can play an original disc copy or own a PSN copy, you will be better served sticking with that. The slight improvements in load time aren’t worth the various downsides, at least at this point. Still, if playing the original version is not an option, I would generally recommend the remake, but only once patches start to roll out. At the very least both Ryogo’s Polish line and the AP issue need to be addressed.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is such a culturally deep and thought provoking game, both in story and in gameplay. All of these pieces of the amalgamation mentioned throughout this review come together into a unique gameplay experience that has a deep strategy system, but provides action combat to balance out the strategy for those more interested in that type of gameplay. In between the strategy and action, the ability to repair villages and use collectibles to make yourself stronger provides sufficient incentive to keep playing. In the end, the unique experience that Kunitsu-Gami provides to players is unlike any other game and that fact alone is what makes it worth playing, as you won’t find this amalgamation anywhere else.

Overall it’s solid, fun, innovative, just not what I would want as the definitive Mario Kart experience, nor do I feel it tops what has long been considered the definitive Mario Kart experience for some time. But this is certainly a fresh take on the franchise that’s keeping things new and fun, and I’m having a blast with it.

There’s no denying that fighting game fans, especially old school ones, will get the most out of Capcom Fighting Collection 2. The octet here comes from a bygone era, one that was a mix of classic and new. They’re games that for those who played them will never be erased from their memories. However, even newer players will have a lot of fun with this compilation if they take the time to sit and engage with each game. Titles like Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro are timeless, and others like Power Stone are just waiting to entice a new generation of players. Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is a must for Nintendo Switch owners.

Every piece of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition feels meticulously placed. Pieces like it’s beautiful world, well paced combat and music, and gameplay variety give you the motivation to keep exploring every rock formation, combat encounter, and unique mission. Not every game has all these pieces that fit together this well, but this game does and it does it very well.

Overall, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a flawed but fun game that has very high-quality level design but also some disappointing segments. The occasional wacky controls can throw the average person off of their game. If you haven’t ever played Donkey Country Returns and think you’ll have fun with a platformer with a higher difficulty and emphasis on traversal and exploration, you should consider playing Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.

Island Adventure is far from perfect, but it’s also a genuinely fun experience that, when it gets things right, it gets them very right. I wouldn’t have put 60 hours into this game if I wasn’t having fun with it. But at the same time, if I’d written this review with 20 hours of gameplay, I likely would’ve given it a lower score. As I said before, it really takes a while for Island Adventure to get going and for a substantial amount of quests and content to unlock. And even some of the very first quests you’re introduced to can’t be completed until after days of gameplay, milestones are hit, and other quests are completed first (despite being introduced much later). Patience is key with Island Adventure, but it’s well worth the wait. This is, hands down, the best licensed Sanrio game I’ve ever played and there’s a ton of opportunity to improve on the more middling aspects with future updates. But for now, it’s a fun experience for Sanrio and Animal Crossing fans that’s worth diving into.

Overall, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a sensational game that features the well-worn mechanics of Mario RPGs but takes them to a higher level, keeping each new step fresh, yet consistent. As you explore, you keep on encountering new characters, new lands, and battles that keep you hooked for almost the whole game, an extremely impressive feat across the many hours it takes to finish. Bros. Moves and Attacks allow you to continue to explore new avenues for the brothers, and Luigi Logic gives you more freedom than ever in a Mario & Luigi game. Power Plugs allow you to take control of battles, deal massive amounts of damage, or gain amazing buffs for the brothers, which may change the outcome of battles. Each enemy and boss brings something new to the table, continuously testing your comprehension of the skills you’ve acquired. For anyone with a Switch, you should play Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

Kiwami isn’t just a bunch of fists to the face and brutal combat, as entertaining as that is. At its core, and what makes it such a great experience, is a story that’s incredibly well-written and engaging.

Overall, this game is worth the $30 price tag. It might be short but the amount of content and story makes up for the length of gameplay. BlueTwelve Studio has crafted a world that feels simultaneously alien and familiar, blending futuristic elements with warmth and humanity and offering an intimate and unique lens through which to explore a world filled with wonder. Perhaps its greatest achievement though is how it connects players emotionally—not just to the story, but to the very act of being a cat. Whether you’re a cat lover or a fan of immersive adventures, Stray is a must-play, hence the A+ rating.

Overall I think this game is so fun and expansive, I would love to play with friends so they could help me build and fight, but it is also kinda relaxing just playing alone. Especially now that cold, cozy weather is finally here, this game is perfect for a day off or night in to just get lost in.

If you’ve been hankering for a more classic Zelda experience, Echoes of Wisdom should do the trick. That said, with its unique Echoes mechanic in tow, this adventure feels like something new and old at the same time. Its gorgeous graphics and engaging soundtrack are a treat for the senses, brought down a peg only by some shaky performance woes. Still, the technical problems that Echoes of Wisdom has aren’t enough to dissuade me from recommending fans give this one a shot. Echoes of Wisdom is a wonderful, worthwhile addition to the Zelda library of games.

Don’t go into Emio expecting either a long game or a super polished gameplay experience. The story is around 12 hours to complete and, as I mentioned above, there were some bugs and some minor gameplay frustrations. But do give it a chance if you enjoy strong narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat and have an interest in the macabre. Emio’s M-rating is well deserved and I wouldn’t recommend giving this to an adult who is uncomfortable with graphic violence or explicit depictions of abuse, especially towards children. But if you’re ok with the subject matter, check out Emio even if you’ve never experienced a visual novel before. I’m glad I did.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection represents the culmination of years of work remastering the entire Ace Attorney series for modern consoles. The love and care can be felt throughout this compilation. While it isn’t perfect, whether it’s the reworked localization and its spelling errors, or some of the quirks of gameplay, these remain two incredibly strong adventure games nonetheless. They’re expertly designed, with gorgeous graphics, catchy music, and fun, engaging gameplay. The stories will keep most players guessing until the end, and those with knowledge of the Ace Attorney series will get the most from them. Definitely consider adding Investigations Collection to your Switch library.

Overall, this is a perfect budget friendly cozy game if you’re looking for something simple and stress free.