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 compelling items and physic-based puzzles work well in execution, creating multiple solutions for the player that make this short experience truly shine. The price is right at $5.99, but I just wish there was more content to explore!

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!

While the graphics and sound aren't exactly anything to write home about, especially considering most of the former consists of the same graphics overlayed repeatedly and most of the latter consists of squeaks and cheers, that's not really necessary in a game like this.

Overall, there are some really solid games out of the six games on this compilation, and even though the newest additions may not be as classic as the games from whence they came, they are still interesting twists on a tried-and-true gaming formula. Plus, this is currently the only way to play them in 3D. For people who are fans of Galaga or Pac-Man, this game is definitely one to consider.

If you’re a fan of the Jurassic Park films and you aren’t sick of the Lego formula, Lego Jurassic World is a great title.

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.

This is an old school shooter and it’s a great example of what an old school shooter is and should be.

I encourage everyone to give this title a download, though, as it’s an absolute blast to play, despite its shortcomings.

The title is a perfect match for gamers looking for the kind of survival horror title that the genre was founded on. The game might not offer the same kind of jump scares as titles like Resident Evil, but with a story inspired by the real-life cruelty of history, Whispering Willows might actually be scarier.

Luminous Arc 2 is fun to play, but it doesn't provide a strong, compelling reason to do so beyond its character dialogue and battles.

Overall, I was shocked by how fun Minecraft is and quickly grew to understand why millions of people around the world have taken to it so strongly. It won’t be for everyone, but I highly recommend that anyone looking for something new give it a look.

Still, Music On: Electric Guitar is a cheap and useful tool that most guitarists could probably appreciate as a way to get their music on (see what I did there) while on the go.

I never had the pleasure of playing The Ninja Warriors in the arcade or on SNES. I did, however, spend more than a few summer nights with a handful of quarters in a bowling alley arcade, giving my all to beat Magneto in Konami’s X-Men. The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors perfectly conjures up those memories with a wonderful soundtrack, gorgeous graphics and tight controls. It’s not a terribly long experience, and some will find it a bit too easy, but it’s a wonderful experience regardless, whether played solo, or with a friend. While arcades have become few and far between, it’s nice to know the spirit of those classic games continues to live on.

All in all, Onimusha HD is a wonderful return to the first entry in a long and well-loved series. It wouldn’t be a bad thing if Capcom continues to overhaul these PS2 and GameCube era classics.

Even if you aren't particularly fond of the genre, you will likely find some enjoyment in its engaging controls and large variety of fish to catch, which is enough to recommend the title to those curious about it. It's not like you have much else to play until Xenoblade comes out.

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.

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.

Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney may not live up to the hype we’ve given it after all these years, but it’s still a great game that celebrates both franchises well.

It will appeal to puzzle fans immensely; but the lack of multiplayer and slow, abstract puzzle-solving will not be for most.

Scribblenauts Unmasked is a fun title. It takes the best elements of the series and combines them with the DC Universe in a way that feels natural and fun. Developer 5th Cell has painstakingly mined the DC Universe and delivered a game that really takes advantage of the license.

The game runs pretty smoothly, and is a good deal of fun to play. Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland is a deep, charming game with lots to do and explore, and is a worth a look if you’re a Switch owner looking to get an RPG fix. Recommended.

Acting as more of an art app than a game, Pixel Paint provides players with an ample number of classic system-themed swatch palettes to create their works, along with a respectable selection of tools to get the job done.

For twenty bucks it's definitely worth owning if you're a fan of the Mortal Kombat series, NARC, or any of the other titles featured in the game.

Fans may be turned off by the emphasis on speed and racing, but those willing to let go of their ideals will find an enjoyable experience.

With the five courses, the tournaments, the scenarios, and the multiplayer modes there is enough here to keep you busy for a long time.

It’s a rare thing when a licensed game can give me a greater appreciation for its source material, but Friday the 13th: The Game is a rare exception. After gaming sessions, I would often find myself switching over to the Hulu app to reacquaint myself with the films. It’s a testament to the love and passion developers Illfonic and Black Tower Studios have for the brand. There is an undeniable sense of satisfaction stepping into the shoes of Jason Vorhees, and playing as his would-be victims is also a hoot. Players looking for a substantial single-player experience will find themselves wanting, but for everyone else, Friday the 13th: The Game is a solid “B.” Given the franchise’s roots, that letter grade seems only appropriate.

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!

Nacho Libre isn't perfect, but it is a game with a lot of character. The sense of humor lends a lot to the title, and the wrestling game is entertaining, once the controls and rules have been puzzled out.

If you’re looking for a puzzle game that is equal parts relaxing and challenging, Worm Jazz is a great choice. It doesn’t bend over backwards to reinvent the wheel, instead opting to be a straightforward, fun puzzler with no fluff. What it lacks in extra modes, Worm Jazz more than compensates for with well-designed, brain-teasing levels. Some solutions might be unintentionally too obscure in their solutions, but it’s a rare distraction. For the vast majority of the time it is a joy going from maze to maze and aiming for the top score. It’s an oddball name and concept, but Worm Jazz is the sort of idea that only works in the world of video games and makes the industry all the better for being here.

The atmosphere, intelligent use of audio, cerebral melee combat, perma-death, and an honest to goodness ability to scare the hell out of you and make you sit on the edge of your couch, white-knuckled in hopes of making it through just one more room alive is absolutely wonderful. A game that can elicit that kind of emotional response is an undoubted success on some level.

Fans who’d like to experience a traditional Etrian Odyssey game would be better served starting with Etrian Odyssey IV, as it offers the most compelling adventure of any main installment. However, if you’ve been put off by the series’ lack of narrative, the Story mode in Fafnir Knight does a nice job of pushing the adventure forward without diluting the experience.

As a whole, Ultimate Alliance 3 is an immensely enjoyable game that really reminded me how much I love Marvel’s wealth of characters. The roster is huge, the combat is gratifying, and it all looks slick running on Switch either docked or in handheld mode. There are some blemishes in terms of player progression, a bland soundtrack, and the unwieldy camera, but it’s nothing that should stop anyone from going out and giving Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order a download.

As for now, Mario & Sonic showcases an assortment of good and mediocre mini-games and winds up with a silver medal.

Anyone who’s looking for a game where you can run around shooting everything in sight, look somewhere else. But if you enjoy war games, you should definitely check this game out.

It's not perfect, but it's bloody fun when everything is working the way it should.

Unfortunately for Acclaim, the Cube has just been hit up with three outstanding racers including "Mario Kart: Double Dash!!," "F-Zero GX," and "Need for Speed Underground." In that company, XGRA looks average.

This game is a solid title. Like a Honda Civic, it doesn't do anything to blow your socks off but it doesn't dissapoint you either. It's a reliable source of FUN!!

Though the interface will leave many folks scratching their heads, I implore anyone who downloads SDK Paint to stick with it. The program rewards patience, and rewards others with beautiful art to behold.

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 ultimately proves just as easy to recommend to children as its predecessor and generally provides what we expect from a good sequel.

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.

Best of all, the game's even more party-friendly, and skeptical male gamers who weren't willing to try a cheerleading game can no longer use the excuse that there aren't any male characters to play as.

This is an easy pick-up-and-play title, and the real strength lies in the multiplayer mode, which can be especially useful for long car trips when there aren't enough systems to go around.

Ultimately, Mighty Switch Force 2 succeeds in creating new and interesting gameplay, but fails to realize the massive potential behind its inventive mechanics.

What I found disappointing was that the game’s features just don't match the N64 version.

The nice thing– or problem, depending on how you look at it– about Beyblade: Metal Masters is that it holds no pretensions as to what kind of game it is, or who it's for. Buy Beyblade: Metal Masters and you're buying it for the top-fighting experience that is probably the only one of its (video game) kind.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith borders on the brink of being an unnecessary edition to the franchise. Yes, there are enhancements that move the series forward, especially in regards to difficulty balance, but the smaller track list, repetitive song styles and resemblance to Legends of Rock leave something to be desired.

Not to be confused with any old button-masher, Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games requires a good deal of manual tact and the precision of a true gamer.

Despite some technical hiccups, the game provides enough hours of original and fun gameplay. I can’t speak to how good exactly Underground is for medical training, but as a game it is a pretty neat puzzle title.

Overall, Batman: The Brave and The Bold elevates the brawler genre with an interactive, funny story.

Thankfully when the good professor does shut up and let Luigi get to work, the improved visuals and controls shine and will keep the player hooked all the way to the end. Don’t expect the near-perfection of Luigi’s Mansion 3, but also definitely don’t miss out on this strong, fun sequel.

The game succeeds because of the story rather than despite it– and the controls aren't terrible enough to stop you from wanting to play more. And as far as 3D goes– well, they're not entirely necessary, but they're a nice touch, too, especially when you're judging the distance between you and an enemy.

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.

Dustoff Z is a straightforward arcade-style flight game. Tackle missions, eradicate packs of zombies, and complete objectives, all in order to continue upgrading the multitude of choppers and crew members. It’s a well made loop that will suck in players and have them coming back to hit a three-star rating, especially on the tricky, higher difficulty levels. Don’t let this one slip under your radar!

RE5 has lost none of its luster a decade later. On Switch, some of the graphical bells and whistles have been slightly diminished, but that’s offset by a bevy of control options and the ability to play the game anywhere. With plentiful modes and content to tackle, RE5 should keep fans busy for quite a while. What’s more, for series diehards there’s a ton of extra content (including an entire written history of Resident Evil) to parse through. Extra costumes, DLC, Mercenaries Mode— this is a very complete and generous package. It might be more action-focused than what came before it, but RE5 is still very much a game from the classic mold and deserves a play.

Yoshi’s New Island suffers from a few issues, mainly the lackluster soundtrack and some new features feeling flat and shallow, but at its core this is a fun title that takes the classic platforming formula from the SNES game before it and brings it to 3DS. A pleasing art style, fun enemy encounters, and solid controls make Yoshi’s New Island a good, but not great, experience that’s worth your time overall.

It utilizes the DS touch screen feature well, although the full power of the DS’s resources isn’t fully expressed. While it may not be as in-depth as its console counterparts are, the DS version does a decent job of representing itself.

If looking for a family-friendly music game on Wii, players might be better off going with Band Hero, which feels infinitely more full-featured compared to LEGO Rock Band.

Everything a driving fighter should be: fast, varied, destructive, and customizable.

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.

There are some flaws in the game, but its distinctive visual style and upgraded gameplay give it a slight edge over the web-slinger's earlier DS outing.

While Pac-Man World 2 uses generally the same formula as most other platform games available today, it still manages to stay above the rest with brilliant use of Namco’s mascot and wonderfully produced sound.

Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens feels designed to quell even the loudest detractors of the Lego games. With increased level variety, new gameplay additions and excellent, original dialogue, the title gives Star Wars fans plenty of reasons to revisit the franchise. The game could have benefited from a delay until after the release of Rogue One, but it’s hard to gripe about a title that offers players such a strong amount of content. Star Wars fans will find the game has quite a bit to offer.

If someone can combine the visuals of Spawn: Armageddon with the gameplay of the Dreamcast Spawn, then we may have something to be excited about.

The randomization in For the King is enough to make the replay value quite high, but whether bought physically or through the eShop, the game also comes with all previously released expansions. For the King has been out on Steam for a couple of years now, so that’s a lot of extra content to bite into. For the King might lean slightly too much on overused fantasy tropes, but it still manages to squeeze something new and creative out of them. I’m obsessed with how cool the visual design is in For the King, I love taking on its challenges with a friend, and I sincerely hope that there’s more to come from IronOak Games. This is a delightful first outing.

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is another strong title for the caped crusader. While it doesn’t quite match the heights of the best LEGO titles we’ve seen thus far, it’s still a very impressive translation of its console brethren.

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.

The variety of powers you can control and the humorous and likable characters can really bring out the "hero" in you. It offers more than your typical platformer.

Mega Man and retro aficionados should apply for ZX Advent.

ZX is really just fun, and what else can we ask of Mega Man besides aiming for better things?

Taking all the good with the bad, Wooden Sen’SeY proves to be a good game, even if it doesn’t manage to climb to the top of what has become a highly competitive genre.

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.

This one's for shmup fans only. With no competition on DS, N2 scratches the itch for portable shooting.

Overall, Catan is a competent reproduction of the popular board game on Switch. It’s understated in some ways as board game-based games are, but it also has a lot of variety to the game, including various offline scenarios and an online multiplayer mode through Nintendo Online. Available DLC adds more to the package.

What's surprising about the different sports is how each one has a few different modes, meaning you don't have to play the same exact competition twice in a row. Most of them have three or more different variants, so you'd better sharpen up your skills.

All in all, Skylanders: Imaginators offers a ton of content, regardless of how many accessories players choose to purchase. At its worst, the title can sometimes exemplify the greediest excesses of the toys-to-life craze, but long-time fans will still find plenty to offer, as well. Toys-to-life fans and those who love creating custom characters will find a lot to enjoy, but newcomers on a fixed budget may want to look elsewhere.

Ultimately, it feels like the developers at Cyanide knew the strengths of the game, but still wanted to add a bit more variety while still not distracting from the core experience which I found incredibly fun and compelling. One more round of fine tuning in just about every area of the game would have been beneficial, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the game.

It’s a fresh concept on the falling pieces bit, and it’s fun too. That’s the most significant distinction.

Snake Pass won’t be for everyone. Getting a strong handle on the controls takes some time, and frustration can mount as Noodle plunges over-and-over again to his demise. Players who stick with it, however, will find a rewarding game with beautiful visuals and a soundtrack composed by one of the industry’s greatest. Early into the system’s life, Snake Pass is one of the finest games currently available on the Switch’s eShop.

Mighty Gunvolt is a more deliberate homage to Capcom’s NES Mega Man games than its parent title, and it’s a very good one, at that.

The game may have its issues, but it’s still a great love letter to classic 16-bit JRPGs.

Unfortunately, the technical issues perhaps make the Switch a less ideal way to experience this adventure. Yet, this version still ultimately delivers the story and characters that really make the game worthwhile.

Superstars is exactly what fans have been wanting to see from a modernized 2D Sonic game. It plays like the originals, but is expanded upon with new mechanics and gimmicks. Graphically, Superstars is a stunner. It takes a hit running on Switch compared to other platforms, but performance is rock-solid, always locked in at 60FPS. Although some of the ancillary modes are rather bland, like Battle Mode, or clunky, like co-op, the single player experience is the (pardon the pun) real star of this game. With four playable characters to choose from, there’s plenty of replay value to be found in Superstars, as fans will want to hop back into stages and explore using the characters’ different abilities. Launching right ahead of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, 2023 feels not unlike the glory days of SNES versus Genesis, except now you don’t have to pick a side in the console wars; go give Superstars a purchase, it’s a must-have.

In terms of performance, Master Collection is at its best docked, but Nintendo’s version of the compilation has unmistakably had the most sacrifices made to get it running. That said, Master Collection plays fine despite the hardware shortcomings, running far more smoothly after a couple of updates post-launch. If you’ve never experienced these games, or if it’s been a while since you’ve played them, definitely consider giving Master Collection a download.

Overall, Roogoo Attack! is a pretty solid offering.

Overall, this still remains a game worth experiencing. The wealth of content will likely make the gameplay feel old eventually, but the fact remains there really is nothing else quite like this on the market. For those who loved the original game, the handful of mechanical tweaks and additions alongside the new content should be an appealing proposition, though those who grew tired of it all might not feel so inclined. Regardless, despite the faults in presentation and repetition, Attack on Titan 2 in any form remains an appealing option for those looking for a unique action experience.

Overall, Super Hydorah takes the classic shmup mold and bolts on its own unique elements to produce something new and bold. Definitely give it some consideration the next time you’re strolling through the eShop.

I mentioned earlier that this isn’t the first go-round for Ultimate World Red. This version has been optimized for Switch and it shows; the animations are more buttery smooth, while the assets themselves look crisper and clearer here. Everything runs at 60fps, though the cutscenes have noticeably not received the same level of augmentation. Regardless, this version comes with the benefit of all the DLC as well as Switch’s portability, meaning you get to take a console-level experience with you on the road. Again, as a One Piece fan, this game really scratched that itch of wanting to cut loose with Nami, Luffy, Chopper, and everyone else the way that the manga portrays them: brutal, efficient, over-the-top, and just downright glorious to behold.

A consistently excellent action/adventure with original level design and excellent visuals and audio.

Glory of Heracles is a game that requires managed expectations. If you dive into it expecting lots of mythology fan service, an unforgettable story and hardcore challenge, you'll be disappointed. Instead, this is a game with a detailed yet very usable and well-designed interface that you'll grow to love, and it's particularly accessible to both new and seasoned RPG players.

Even with my complaints, there’s no denying that what is present in Sonic Origins Plus is nonetheless worth the time of fans. These four Genesis platformers remain some of the best in the genre after all this time and have never looked better. The various extras in the museum are engrossing and the additions and tweaks that the Plus DLC provide only make the compilation better. Thus, I give Sonic Origins Plus a nod of recommendation, even as I find my teeth grinding as I think of all the wasted opportunity here. Oh, and expect to still download the Plus DLC even if you buy the cartridge version! Yet another oddity among many in this compilation.

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.

The end result is still a fun, generally good-looking game that doesn’t just feel like an unnecessary retread of past ideas, and as such it’s definitely worth at least a consideration for anyone interested in a stealthy experience.

It’s a tad rough, but outside of some okay tunes and likely divisive graphics, Arc System Works nailed Knights of Justice. It’s an addictive blend of RPG and brawler mechanics with a charming story and a wealth of Kunio characters to utilize and interact with. It’s digital-only, so there’s no excuse to pass this one by; everyone should consider giving Knights of Justice the download it deserves, as it’s proof positive that, at six years old, 3DS is still home to some of the most fun and innovative games on the market.

This is a game full of gambles, and most don't pay off the way you might expect. There are as many triumphs as there are failures, and it's almost like it's cursed by its own design. It certainly won't be to everyone's tastes– you'll either love it or you'll hate it– but if you can look past its flaws, there's still plenty of enjoyment to be found underneath.

If you’re like me and playing Diablo II: Resurrected with fresh eyes and no pretext to speak of, I give it a strong recommendation. I expect that fans who fell in love with Diablo II the first time around are also going to get quite the thrill out of this enhanced version of a genuine classic.

Overall, Scribblenauts Unlimited improves upon its predecessors in many ways, yet it still lacks what it takes to make a truly great game out of its awesome idea.

The love and care that Next Level Games put into Federation Force is evident throughout.