Overall, there’s quite a lot to love about Ski Lifts. There are a ton of stages to take on, each offering some new entertaining twist on what’s come before. The presentation isn’t especially innovative, but it’s always good to see devs playing around with the poly-centric visuals of the late ’90s and the marriage between visuals and gameplay in the title can’t be overstated. It’s not the first physics-based puzzler on Switch, but When Ski Lifts Go Wrong is definitely worth a look. Its sedate pacing won’t make everyone happy, but this is an endearing and inventive game.

If you take out the game’s Dirty Tricks, on-field murders and hazards on the turf, Mutant Football League is a pretty faithful football game at its core. With EA’s Madden franchise absent on Switch, MFL is the only game in town for fans of American football. Despite the game’s crude commentary, it can be an enjoyable experience, and there is a lot to enjoy from the game’s terrific presentation. Those who dread skill being undermined by luck may find the game a tad bit frustrating, however.

Yes, the lack of pulse pounding action might put off some, but I think most will appreciate Everything as an interesting way to examine a unique philosophical perspective in a manner that is clever, relaxing, and often humorous. No, it’s not even remotely for everyone, but it accomplishes exactly what it wants to just about perfectly.

Pundits continue to debate the merits of video games as an art form, and My Memory of Us is yet another strong argument for what the industry can do at its best. My Memory of Us is the rare game that feels important, while also providing an engaging experience. It’s tragic that we need reminders of what the Jewish people went through but, in a time when many Americans don’t know the history of the Holocaust, it’s wonderful to have a game that encourages learning in a new and interesting way. Sometimes knowing how to solve each puzzle can be a little frustrating, and the game does have some occasional slowdown, but these are minor quibbles, at best. My Memory of Us is an unmissable experience.

Two great games on one cartridge with improved graphical fidelity, new characters to experiment with, and the ability to play anywhere, all making this the best version of both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U. Lack of innovation notwithstanding, there are going to be many an hour spent either solo or with friends adventuring through the Mushroom Kingdom all over again. Hopefully, if Nintendo elects to bring fans a new installment in the New Super Mario Bros. series, the developer will play things less safe while maintaining the smooth gameplay and accessibility that have become its hallmark.

Yes, the focus on fast-paced action on a large scale remains unchanged, but actually thinking ahead feels more important now than ever before in the franchise. Ultimately, this means that Dynasty Warriors has evolved beyond being just an interesting niche title and into an outright good action game with fun mechanics and a massive amount of content. So, if your interest has been piqued by Hyrule Warriors or Fire Emblem Warriors, this is easily the best time to jump into the other side of the crossover equation.

How you feel about The Strike will likely boil down to your preexisting opinion about previous entries. There is a limited variety of fish to catch, which seems heinous for a game where all the player does is hunt them. There are authentic US lakes to explore. How up to date the “lore” is about these lakes is questionable considering not much about The Strike was optimized for 2019. *Sigh* Look, do yourself a favor and go fishing in Ocarina of Time if you want to get in some digital angling. I’ll be over here trying to forget this whole debacle ever even happened. Did you know there was an $80 version of this game back in the day?! Sorry, sorry.

It’s a methodical adventure through the Land of the Dead, which means that those without the wherewithal to sit and become ensconced in Manny’s world might have trouble sticking through to the end. For those willing to invest in this layered, meaty adventure, however, Grim Fandango Remastered is as relevant and fun as ever. Indeed, the fact that games like this are still the exception speaks volumes about the lack of progress the industry has seen in terms of diversifying the types of experiences that are available to fans. If you never had the chance to play Grim Fandango when it first released or are due for a return visit, give Remastered a download.

Dead Cells likely won’t convert any roguelike detractors, but it’s a wildly creative and fun title nonetheless. Its game world, characters, and enemies all drip personality. The combat is fluid and gritty, there’s a ton to upgrade and unlock, and it’s easy to get lost for hours within Dead Cells‘ world. While a more prominent storyline and some memorable set pieces would go a long way towards elevating this to being one of the premier platformers of this console generation, Dead Cells remains a must-have. I can’t wait to see what Motion Twin does next.

It’s a beautiful throwback adventure that is, overall, quite enjoyable once it picks up steam, but its problems are hard to ignore. Simply put, the janky hit detection from decades-old games is a flaw that breaks up the flow of otherwise smooth controls, forcing the player to spend their first few hours with the least enjoyable transformations, leaving a poor first impression.

Cabela’s The Hunt: Championship Edition is the definition of a niche title. While I wouldn’t have previously assumed I’d fall into that niche, I did find myself enjoying my time with the game, despite some of its flaws. The deliberately slower pace of the game simply won’t be for everyone, however. Arcade hunting aficionados might want to check out Big Buck Hunter Arcade, also available on Switch. But, if you’re looking for something closer to the real thing, Cabela’s The Hunt: Championship Edition just night scratch that itch. It might even teach you a thing or two.

So is Abzû worth it? That’s not entirely easy to answer. In an era when games can deliver potentially hundreds of hours of entertainment, $20 seems a bit high for a 90-minute game. But, in an era when people also routinely pay that amount for a Blu-ray or digital copy of a movie, an experience like Abzû might be worth the trip for some people. And for players itching to go swimming, this is one of the best options currently out there, especially on Switch.

While it easily could have collapsed under the weight of too much content and a lack of direction, Ultimate is instead very cohesive and doesn’t treat a single bit of itself like excess. The only real question at this point is how Nintendo will ever be able to top this iteration of Smash Bros., but that’s a dilemma for another day— until then, Ultimate is, hands-down, a top-three experience on Switch that everyone needs to experience.

Like that N64 Wheel of Fortune game of my youth, America’s Greatest Game Shows isn’t anything to write home about. While Jeopardy offers a fairly strong trivia option for Nintendo’s handheld hybrid, Wheel of Fortune is a bit of a quick cash-in that feels a generation or two behind the curve. But, if you’re a diehard fan of either of these shows or you’re just looking for an innocent game for the family to play, you could do a whole lot worse than America’s Greatest Game Shows.

Some might bemoan the art direction, but I walked away from Mega Man 11 very, very impressed. It’s a particularly stunning achievement given the amount of time that has passed since the last game and Inafune’s lack of involvement. This is one of the marquee releases on Nintendo Switch and I sincerely hope that all of you reading this give it some serious consideration for a purchase. Capcom has created the perfect foundation upon which to keep building Blue Bomber sequels and I hope that the next one comes a lot sooner than eight years from now!

Among these sorts of games (see Pinstripe and Forgotten Anne), GRIS is perhaps the least developed in terms of gameplay and its more ambiguous approach to storytelling might turn off those of you who prefer a more concrete story. However, it also happens to be incredibly gorgeous and features a fantastic soundtrack that helps sell the emotional weight of its wordless narrative. So, personally, I found GRIS to be a worthwhile experience but I can also fully understand those who won’t see the appeal.

Velocity 2X has online leaderboards to keep players coming back for more, and with the inclusion of all previously released DLC as part of this Switch iteration of the game, this represents the most complete version of the title to date. It’s not an especially long experience, but length isn’t always the objective of a given game, nor is it always an indicator of quality. Velocity 2X is a delightful addition to the eShop exactly as is. FuturLab says that how well Velocity 2X sells on Switch will play a huge role in determining if another sequel is made, so we implore you to go out and give it a download!

Trailblazers is a compilation of gorgeous race tracks with not a lot to do on them. If a sequel ever manages to come about, it’s easy to imagine a version of Trailblazers with better combat, a wider variety of ways to take advantage of painting the track, and more changes/tweaks besides, but until then this is a wasted opportunity on Supergonk’s part. Trailblazers can be fun, but it’s fleeting.

Pokémon: Let’s Go has certainly earned itself quite a bit of debate in the fan community. While fans clearly feel strongly about the changes made to the franchise formula, Game Freak has still managed to deliver a terrific Pokémon experience that lives up to the technological leap forward. Kanto feels more alive than ever before, and the original 151 Pokémon have never looked better. As a longtime fan of the franchise, I couldn’t help but find myself grinning from ear-to-ear. Whether you’re a longtimer like myself, a lapsed fan that came back with Pokémon Go or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone in Pokémon: Let’s Go.

Pokémon: Let’s Go has certainly earned itself quite a bit of debate in the fan community. While fans clearly feel strongly about the changes made to the franchise formula, Game Freak has still managed to deliver a terrific Pokémon experience that lives up to the technological leap forward. Kanto feels more alive than ever before, and the original 151 Pokémon have never looked better. As a longtime fan of the franchise, I couldn’t help but find myself grinning from ear-to-ear. Whether you’re a longtimer like myself, a lapsed fan that came back with Pokémon Go or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone in Pokémon: Let’s Go.

It’s such a pleasantly mellow time that hours can just vanish as you constantly think about doing just one more thing before calling it quits for the day. Something a little more ambitious might have been more interesting in the long run, but for what it is there’s still some fun to be had.

The actual gameplay is rewarding and only introduces the slightest of stumbles that are negligible compared to the agency and interactivity afforded by being a video game. In terms of gameplay, there are certainly titles that offer greater variety and complexity, but the beautiful visuals, fantastic soundtrack, compelling story and likable characters easily elevate Forgotton Anne to the level of being a truly excellent game.

It plays wonderfully, is immensely fun, and is stuffed with ’90s arcade fun. There are even a couple of extra minigames to fool around with, too, when not engaging in local or online multiplayer. The single-player mode might be a bit weak, but that should in no way deter anyone from buying Windjammers. It’s yet another excellent addition to the Switch library!

The game’s more straightforward design and focus on puzzle solving makes it stand out a little from more recent Lego games while still featuring the easy to pick-up gameplay and humor every entry is known for. Of course, that simplicity will dissuade some while attracting others, especially those looking for something younger family members can enjoy together. Having two whole games worth of content can also be seen as a double-edged sword depending on how you feel about repetition and collectibles. In short, it’s another solid Lego game with all the good and bad that come with the franchise.

A fantastic way to spend a long evening or a weekend where you’re in the mood for something a little more emotionally driven than your average game, because when you reach the ending, the final moments will likely melt away every annoyance from the last few hours.

When Rise & Shine‘s gameplay works, it works well, providing a fascinating take on the run and gun genre that I hope Super Awesome Hyper Dimensional Mega Team has a chance to refine and perfect at some point. If you can take the pounding, Rise & Shine might be worth a look.

Ultimately Marble It Up! comes across as a game that is partially underdeveloped. There’s a solid foundation that’s been built, but it’s not going to be a game that wows or amazes its players.

There are enough consistently frustrating issues to hold it back from being truly exceptional for most. Both the gameplay and performance can feel a little too inconsistent at times as the controls and frame rate can sometimes be equally bumpy. Regardless, at its core, GRIP: Combat Racing is still an impressively fast racer that almost anybody should be able to have at least some fun with.

It might have taken a while for the Giana girls to get back into action, but between this and their DS game, it’s a name in video games that I certainly hope continues to keep churning out wonderful new adventures for all of us to play. Go give Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams — Owltimate Edition a download!

The game is relatively short, so outside of playing for hours on end, it isn’t likely that players will be turned off by the fun of catching ghosts. It’s imperfect, but Luigi’s Mansion on 3DS remains a wonderful game. The core gameplay has lost none of its luster, and the improvements and additions implemented by Grezzo make the game more entertaining than ever.

Overall, this is a PC-quality, bonafide City Simulation game on a handheld console. Regardless of the system it is on, Cities Skylines is a one of the better games in the genre despite some flaws and missing features. If you can look past the performance issues during certain circumstances, this is a wonderful and remarkable game to be able to play on the go and at home that can keep you busy and entertained for the foreseeable future.

WarioWare Gold is a wonderful addition to the 3DS library at such a late point in the system’s life cycle. Its presentation is largely brilliant, with bright, bold, punchy animations and a seemingly endless variety of visual styles within the microgames themselves. Although some of the magic of the classic microgames is lost thanks to the needless graphical facelifts they’ve been given, overall the vast amounts of chaos and hilarity occurring on-screen is gorgeous. With a litany of modes and content to unlock, veteran and rookie players alike will be occupied for hours trying to see everything that the title has to offer.

Planet Alpha is a truly special title. It’s gorgeous to look at, the puzzles are clever, and the challenges will give gamers a strong sense of reward. While the lack of direction and visibility difficulties will grate on the nerves of some gamers, it’s a truly an impressive experience on Switch. Many developers try to replicate the old school charm of titles like Metroid, but few manage to capture that charm while also making something that feels unique. Planet Alpha is very much an experience all its own, and gamers would be hard pressed to find a more unique and vibrant platformer on eShop.

Shadow Fight 2 is a solid game at its core and some might be able to dig through, or even appreciate, the flaws around it to really enjoy everything it does well. Unfortunately, I don’t think the majority will have the necessary patience.

This Switch release is a highpoint, as it merges multiple different methods of control into one version, and can be played anywhere at any time. Ōkami is one of the highest expressions of a video game as art, further blurring the lines between the two. It’s not just a delightful game, it’s also a historically important one, and everyone owes it to themselves to experience Ōkami, either again or for the first time.

Despite its flaws, especially on plot, This is the Police 2 still manages to be a compelling piece of gaming. With gameplay that can really suck players in and no shortage of police-style problems to deal with, it’s definitely an experience worth looking into.

This isn’t just a historically significant assemblage of games, it’s also an immensely fun one. Fans of the genre and those new to it should definitely consider giving it a download, particularly for the games that are appearing on home console for the first time.

Ultimately, I found solving Ghost of the Dusk’s mysteries to be a tad rote by the end. Still, despite some slight repetition, the mechanics here are soundly implemented and I rather liked my time in Jake Hunter’s world. There are multiple extra cases (which were formerly mobile releases in Japan) available to play, including a hilarious bonus that depicts Jake in a chibi form, which should keep players busy for a good, long time. Don’t sleep on Ghost in the Dusk; it’s a pleasant addition to the 3DS library of games.

The game mostly looks the part, but the gameplay is just far too loose and repetitive to make it a compelling play for all but the most desperate of gamers looking to scratch the Jet Set itch. Then again, even some of those players might be turned off once they actually have to deal with the horrible menus. The fact that the music is pretty decent and the game isn’t unplayable might satisfy some out there, but I think most gamers are better served by simply skipping this one.

It’s definitely a solid platformer with a lot of replay value, and at a cost that is very compelling. It’s also hard and it takes more time to figure the ins and outs than it really should. For players who love platformers and don’t want a game to hold their hands, look no further. For those who want a simple, kid-friendly experience, this probably won’t do it.

It still has some of the flaws inherent in many of the other Lego titles on the market but, at its core, it’s a strong title with solid gameplay and humor. Most importantly, it’s a licensed game from a developer that clearly knows and appreciates the license, and that frequently shines through. With a script co-written by classic Avengers scribe Kurt Busiek and a plethora of new heroes and villains to play as, Marvel fans of all ages will find a lot to love.

Heroki is a charmer despite its flaws. There are some genuinely fun moments of puzzle-solving gameplay to revel in. The approachability of Heroki’s gameplay also works in its favor. The game feels like it’s meant to be serene and calming, offering a stolid trip through Heroki’s world for players of all skills to engage in. I’d have loved to see the injection of new ideas more frequently throughout the game, but Heroki still warrants your attention if you’re looking for an adventure game that does things somewhat different from the norm, but feels familiar enough to quickly step into and start playing.

Old School Musical‘s laser-like focus on delivering a remix of the classic titles of yore with modern rhythm gameplay is a real delight. Don’t hesitate to add it to your collection.

It does a wonderful job of capturing the feel of classic NES shooters while bringing them into the modern day with upgradeable weapons and health boosters. Throw in a handful of modes that encourage replay, a stellar cast, brilliant production values, and a killer soundtrack, and Kero Blaster is a modern classic. It could stand to be longer, but this is a game that will keep players hooked. Go give it a download!

It’s highly unlikely that Victor Vran will be remembered as a groundbreaking title a few years down the road, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a really solid game here and now. The core gameplay is built on the solid foundation of its genre’s forefathers while adding some of its own ideas to make its titular hero feel a little more agile in combat and exploration. The presentation is also quite solid, though some might disagree on how it chooses to balance the campier and more serious sides of its take on Gothic horror.

Hit detection is squishy, player movement is twitchy, and the field is littered with random weird thingies that cause damage for no obvious reason. Oh, and because of the side-scrolling perspective, trying to chop through brush directly below invites getting hit, because players can’t slash down.

The Messenger is a real accomplishment for the fledgling Sabotage Studio. There are development teams that work for years trying to come within the same hemisphere of quality that The Messenger comfortably resides at. Its gameplay is both polished and electric, fostering a constant desire to push forward and discover every secret that its world contains. While some of the writing isn’t executed as well as it could be, the sum of The Messenger‘s parts absolutely makes up for this single, flawed fragment. It’s an essential title for anyone’s library of Switch games and I really hope at some point it gets a physical release.

If you’re a fan of fart humor, there aren’t a lot of options on the eShop, outside of South Park: The Fractured But Whole. Sigi: A Fart For Melusina doesn’t quite fully commit to the joke, but that doesn’t make it a terrible game; it’s just a hard one to recommend when Switch has so many other terrific platformers to choose from that last quite a bit longer. Still, the controls are tight and the old-school visuals are mostly charming. Some might admire the fact that Sigi doesn’t linger, but with a difficulty level that stays low and doesn’t ramp up until the very last boss fight, there just won’t be enough here for most players to justify a purchase.

Admittedly, Little Dragons Café is a harder sell because of its tech problems, but it honestly does enough interesting things with its gameplay and narrative to warrant sticking through to the end. It’s rife with Wada’s requisite unique design flourishes and sensibilities. In Little Dragons Café, he’s produced a game that is full of heart. Rin and Ren are both easy people to sympathize with and pull for. Draco is similarly compelling, along with the rest of the cast. Watching the shop grow and working towards the end goal of reviving the kids’ mother is absolutely worthy of your time. It’s just a matter of how patient you can be towards Little Dragons Café’s hiccups and blemishes.

For some, the gameplay might prove too simple and the comparatively low fidelity visuals might pull people out of the experience and distract them from what the game does well. While part of me would definitely love to see Lifeless Planet re-imagined with a more modern engine and an extra layer or two to the gameplay, I can’t deny I found the game plenty compelling as it is. So, for those interested in a no-frills, story driven sci-fi adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome, Lifeless Planet is well worth a closer look.

If you’re the kind of gamer who loves old-school games, post-apocalyptic style, and gameplay that really challenges your reflexes, Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition is absolutely the game for you. If, on the other hand, you prefer your RPGs to be a little more slow and steady, this may incite a little more controller rage than you’d like, regardless of the game’s beautiful trappings. Even then, though, it’s hard not to like what the developer has done here, and for that, this is definitely a game worth a look.

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1+2 is a stunning achievement by Capcom that should be a compulsory buy for platformer and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. Its presentation is as good as it gets, with its bevy of extras and historical content acting as icing on an already succulent cake. There are some blemishes in the emulation of the SNES X games, and the second half of the series doesn’t live up to the quality of the first, but as a whole these compilations represent some of the greatest run and gun shooters to ever grace a gaming console— which seems to be par for the course for the Blue Bomber!

While it doesn’t necessarily revolutionize any of the genres from which it draws inspiration, NeuroVoider still manages to be an exceptionally enjoyable game. Not only did the developers create a mechanically fun game, but they added in a layer of highly enjoyable and deep customization options that is the true heart of the game; no matter what your play-style is, there are countless ways to create unique variations of it. Considering the joy of replaying the game, its issues with occasionally cheap boss fights do little to distract you.

Those looking for a retro throwback will find a lot to enjoy in The Adventures of Elena Temple. With its tight gameplay and clever puzzles, it’s probably a much more enjoyable experience than revisiting the games it’s based on. Unfortunately, the option to play the game on multiple systems ends up being little more than a gimmick, and the experience is over a bit too quickly. It’s a fun game while it lasts, but the inclusion of online leaderboards or the ability to conveniently toggle between system modes would have made the experience less likely to be forgotten.

It’s a bold, unique title that does so much within its sparse confines. Experimental games like Minit deserve to be embraced by fans and I hope that those of you reading this will soon count yourselves among those who give it a download.

Remastered is a stunning addition to the Switch library that absolutely shouldn’t be missed. Puzzle fans will likely delight the most from the game’s mechanics, but even those who have been turned off by puzzle titles in the past should consider giving Lumines Remastered a look, as it does enough different to warrant any gamer’s attention.

For all the time that has passed, Limbo remains a benchmark of the genre that few other games have come within sniffing distance of. It’s nearly unparalleled in terms of presentation and design, and this latest port to Switch has maintained everything about the game that makes it special. While some might lament the lack of any additional content, I wholeheartedly beg to differ. Limbo is a game that doesn’t need a single bit added, removed, or rearranged. It’s a classic in every sense and deserves to be played by as many people as possible.

Overall, Treasure Tracker is a real gem of a game. It’s also beautiful; I was stunned by it on Wii U, but the visuals have only gotten better on Switch. It’s bright, cheery, and wildly creative from an aesthetic standpoint. Each stage is like a diorama, making the game feel like the player is interacting with toys, rather than lines of code. The soundtrack isn’t especially varied, likely because most stages don’t require a lot of time to beat, but I’d have appreciated a few more tracks to spice things up.

The core mechanics are perfectly competent and generally fun, the story is a little more solid by the end, and the music is genuinely great throughout. In other words, the adventure proves to be a fairly enjoyable one by the end, it just happens to be punctuated by moments of frustration throughout.

In looking at Tanzia as a whole, there’s no question that this game is a labor of love for the two principal developers, a fact most evident during the closing credits. It’s also a game that left this reviewer wishing there was more: more spells, more potions, more places to explore, and more plotline, both in terms of the characters already introduced and the wider world of the game. The endgame does hint that there may be more to come, but for now this appears to be it. Still, what is there now is a lot of fun, and if you’re looking for 10 or so hours of RPG goodness you could do a lot worse. Worth a look.

That’s a small grievance against what is otherwise a very fun, solid game. Runbow manages to stand out by virtue of its unique color-changing hook, fun presentation, and sound gameplay. Throw in lots of characters to choose from, including many familiar Nindie favorites, and the game’s lure is undeniable.

Overall, Milanoir is a very fun title. It has a deliciously dark and entertaining storyline, something that even the most expensive AAA games would kill for. It’s also home to some of the most creative use of a pixel art style seen in recent memory. The environments and characters look authentic to the period and drip personality, making all of the twists and turns of Piero’s adventure that much more irresistible to watch unfold. There are some mechanical issues that hold Milanoir back, but don’t let that stop anyone looking for a more unique video game experience from giving it a download from the eShop.

Regardless of what you’re looking for, Lost in Harmony does a good job finding different ways to appease players of different interests and skill levels. It’s also filled with catchy music and solid controls and, in the rhythm genre, there’s not much more you can ask for.

While the core gameplay is enjoyable, it would have benefited from a few more features and better all-around balancing. The story offers at least some level of intrigue, but the effort needed to unravel it outside of the game doesn’t really feel worth the effort, though I can imagine at least a few dedicated cyber sleuths getting a kick out of it. Considering all of this, we’re really just left with a solid retro-inspired indie shooter based around an interesting nugget of an idea, something that ultimately really isn’t all that uncommon these days.

While Fortnite is deservedly garnering a ton of attention, don’t let Paladins slip past you. It has fun characters, a fair progression system, wildly addictive combat, and a vibrant look that makes each battle a real rush.

The game is short and let down by some noticeable issues, but beyond that, it’s a beautifully strange experience many will at least find interesting, with a fair few probably considering it brilliant.

As has become tradition on Nintendo consoles, Yoku’s is an indie title that stands on level footing with some premium offerings in the eShop. Don’t let this one roll past you as you scroll through the different games on offer for Switch, as it’s a genuine delight.

The visual references, music, and dialogue not only highlight the developer’s taste in movies, but they also give the game an extra layer of humor and charm. The silly, over-the-top violence is also a part of this, and while this might turn some off to the game, I think most gamers will get a kick out of the discrepancy between the cutesy visuals and the ridiculous brutality.

The concept of losing one’s sanity is perhaps one of the most relatable fears of all. Layers of Fear: Legacy captures that idea in a way not seen in gaming since the days of Eternal Darkness. While the two titles share that theme, Legacy is strong enough to stand on its own. The scares are plentiful and well thought out, the visuals are jarring and the game’s audio is downright haunting. It just might be the scariest title currently available on Switch.

Taken as a whole, ATOMINE largely succeeds at what it is trying to accomplish; the game simply wants to be a solid twin-stick shooter with rogue-like elements and it fulfills that goal precisely. Of course, this means the game never really rises to greatness and is unlikely to be all that appealing to those looking for a more innovative or compelling experience. Regardless, if you have a love for this type of game, or at least a momentary lust, then ATOMINE should be a perfectly suitable way to fulfill those desires.

No matter what, Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 + 2 is a heck of a buy, with some legendary games that every gamer owes it to themselves to experience. If you’re a newbie to Mega Man, you can’t go wrong starting here, and for those who want to play the games again, this is the best way to play them.

Assuming that limited playtime isn’t enough to dissuade you, ICEY is a good game that balances its ambitions and its gameplay very well so it manages to stand out in an increasingly crowded eShop.

The title shows off some really clever design work, and Rick’s ability to switch between seasons is used to great effect by the developers. Sometimes, revisiting levels to collect seeds and unlock new worlds can get a bit tedious, but the title’s strengths make it one of the better platforming options on the Switch eShop.

Despite some of the aggravations, Smoke and Sacrifice is a fascinating entry into the Switch lineup, and is worth a look for players pining for a crafting-based action RPG on that system.

Overall, Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a great game that feels like it’s really found a home on Switch. I’m glad that Press Play was able to bring the title to Nintendo’s latest console, as the form factor of Switch really meshes well with it. Whether at home or on the go, I found myself transfixed to The Curse of Brotherhood for long stretches, tackling each new puzzle and always thinking, I’ll just do one more… but always instead ending up doing several, if not dozens, more.

All due respect to Kirby Star Allies, but with Tropical Freeze now on Switch, it has easily taken the crown of best 2D platformer on the console. It was a thrill to be able to play the game once more with a spot of extra polish and the addition of Funky Mode and Funky Kong. Funky’s inclusion is a solid way of making a hard game more approachable to a wider audience of players. The fact that he’s also a blast to experiment with for veteran players, too, speaks volumes about the competence of Retro Studios as a developer.

Overall, Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Deluxier Edition is a quality addition to the ever-growing Switch library, and really exemplifies what makes the eShop so awesome. If you’ve played the core game or its expansions on other systems, you may not find enough compelling about the Switch version to warrant another purchase, especially since competent portable versions have been out for years. If, however, you haven’t experienced the game and you’re looking to add some RPGing to your Switch library, this is definitely worth a look.

Late Shift is the latest example of just how far the FMV genre has come since the days of the Sega CD: the production values are insanely impressive, the narrative is interesting and the acting is strong. There are also incentives to revisit the game, making it a deeper experience than other options on the eShop. Players looking for a more hands-on experience will likely want to steer clear, but fans of the FMV genre will find that Late Shift sets a new standard.

No matter what, make it your business to download Half-Genie Hero on Switch today, as it’s not just the best Shantae yet, it’s also one of the best platformers on the system, period.

Death Road to Canada is a quality game with a good deal of depth, both with the characters and the gameplay proper. The developers have made something that is both familiar and different, both weird and understandable. It takes a bit of time to grasp everything it has to offer, but it’s a game that is worth coming back to again and again. Gamers looking for a roguelike action RPG will especially enjoy this 8-bit survival tale.

A lot of 2D shooters lean on being cool with over-the-top visuals and millions of bullets on-screen, but Rogue Aces instead goes for a lighter tone and places the emphasis squarely on the oldest, most reliable thing in the video game industry: perfect play control. Throw in a ton of different modes, including an Arcade mode, and players will be coming back to Rogue Aces for some time.

The Bunker won’t appeal to players looking for a long, deep experience. It’s short, and the interactive elements are sparse, with little punishment for making any mistakes. Horror film buffs will likely appreciate the game’s strong narrative and its atmospheric tension, though. If you fall into the latter category, The Bunker is certainly worth checking out on Switch.

Kirby Star Allies isn’t the greatest game in the series, nor is it the most original. Yet, with its fun gameplay, ample content and modes, and gorgeous presentation, it remains an irresistible title for Switch owners. While I hope that Hal continues to experiment with Kirby as it did in games like Planet Robobot, Star Allies remains a good, yet predictable, title that platformer fans in particular should have fun with.

Overall, Regalia is a deep game with a lot to do, but it’s also a game that is hard, especially as players learn the ropes early on. It’s also a game with some design issues that lessen the experience, and between those and the long, frequent load times, it’s a game that can wear out its welcome. Those are things to keep in mind before foraging into this adventure.

Playing through Detective Pikachu, it became readily apparent why the title will be the basis for the upcoming live action film: the game offers up a unique take on the Pokémon world, while simultaneously providing something that feels familiar, much like Pokémon Snap once did on Nintendo 64. Some players will get frustrated having to figure out the puzzles in the exact way the game dictates, and they can get a little monotonous at times, but the game’s style and humor will make most Pokémon fans grin from ear-to-ear.

Overall, Wulverblade is a pretty interesting game with classic action and a heavy helping of history, but it’s also a game that is primarily for hardcore brawler fans who enjoy the pain of control issues and merciless gameplay. If that’s not your cup of tea, you may want to look elsewhere.

Shortcomings aside, The Adventure Pals is a superb action RPG platformer. With a fun story and an expansive world to explore, this adventure really augments the Switch lineup, and at a modest price. Definitely worth a look.

Players who enjoy bite-sized puzzlers (with a bit of challenge to boot) and the ability to create their own levels might find this worth trying out. If you’re looking for something deeper, though, be mindful that, in this case, you’re not going to get much more than you’re paying for.

If you relish the days when death by bad jumping mechanics was commonplace in gaming and enemy hits were cheap, you might like the nostalgia Caveman Warriors brings. But, if you’re looking for a refined experience, this is probably not the co-op experience you’re looking for.

While it has plenty of flaws, Attack on Titan 2 actually presents a surprisingly compelling package. As an adaptation of the anime, it does a good job of capturing the series’ signature sense of action and as a game in general, it presents mechanics and ideas that are entirely unique. The game’s issues with repetition and presentation would likely make it tough to recommend to all series loyalists, but given the gameplay, it becomes a much more interesting experience that might be worth checking out to those looking for a different sort of action game.

PMCE2+ is an excellent addition to the Switch eShop, not to mention a spectacular evolution of the Pac-Man franchise. A lot of games have legacies, as Nintendo fans know very well, but some of the older titles that pioneered the industry are either stuck in re-releases or not as engaging to today’s players. If PMCE2+ is proof of anything, it’s that with a little ingenuity, the core mechanics of these classics can easily appeal to a contemporary audience.

From the gorgeous, simple visuals to the ever-changing platforming, Shu is an excellent example of what a small developer can do to push the genre forward. For that reason, this game is worth a look for platforming fans.

Xeodrifter certainly won’t be for everyone. The title harkens back to the days of 8-Bit gaming in not only its graphics, but also its approach to difficulty. The challenge is certainly steep, but the accompanying sense of accomplishment should please many old school purists.

As things stand, for all its excesses, The Escapists 2 is nonetheless a can’t-miss game on Switch. With a delightful pixel-style that fills the screen with details, it’ll be hard to take your eyes off the screen as you make your way through all the different prisons on offer. Most of us might never have the, uh… joy… of breaking out of prison, but The Escapists 2 does a swell job of showing us just how entertaining it can be!

It’s wonderful to see a development team refuse to give up on a title so many years after launch. We wholeheartedly recommend that you head to the eShop and give Toki Tori 2+ a download.

Payday 2 remains a unique experience in the FPS genre thanks to its subject matter and dedicated approach to team work. And while quite a bit has been said about how this Switch version isn’t up to date with all the content released on other platforms, the package doesn’t feel incomplete or even light on material as there is still lots to do. Furthermore, the game executes all the core mechanics well and looks good while doing it. Aside from a handful of small yet noticeable issues, the biggest problem remains the lack of in-game voice chat. Altogether, this means that this version of Payday 2 might not be the best way to experience the game, but it is certainly serviceable for those willing to go the extra mile to arrange for other voice chat solutions.

Atypical Games obviously put a lot of effort into making Radiation Island stand out among the recent flood of survival games from indie developers and I applaud them for it, but the Switch version is a deeply disappointing port in desperate need of major patches.

It’s the kind of game that lingers with you, and it’s one I imagine will remain with me for some time. It’s experimental in a way I’ve rarely seen before, truly offering some clever uses for the Switch platform. Some will decry the game for its encouraged voyeurism, but developer Accidental Queens truly seems to be making an attempt at doing something different while addressing a topic rarely seen in video games, or on Nintendo systems at all, for that matter. Personally, I think that’s admirable, and I certainly hope A Normal Lost Phone encourages similar titles to appear on the eShop in the future. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s one of the most unique games currently available on Switch.