My Life as a King is not for everybody. The sluggish beginning will detract many gamers, especially those unfamiliar to the simulation and management genres.

The only problem is that Sonic Team just tried to do too much with it. Instead of getting a really solid set of pinball tables, it's a mediocre collection of several different play modes.

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.

As a whole, Gunvolt 3 is a solid entry in the series. The gameplay is challenging but supported by precise controls that, when mastered, will see players flying across the screen clearing out whole waves of enemies. Striving to get top Kudos rankings in each stage can quickly become addicting. Although the bloated storyline can become tedious at times, and the lack of a properly playable Gunvolt at all times are disappointing, this is still a game that Gunvolt and action game fans won’t want to miss out on.

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.

The presentation of the menu and in-game action is top-notch. Maybe it's only because it's a handheld and nothing like this has been seen on mobile devices yet, but it feels like a perfect experience, at least at first.

Sure, with its simplistic graphics, it's definitely a budget game, but it's one that actually deserves a place outside the bargain bin. Those worms want to be on top, after all.

There’s a lot to love about Cursed Castilla EX. From its innovative use of classic source material for its narrative to the bold, intricate pixel art that makes up its visuals, Cursed Castilla EX hits all the right notes. Innovation can be difficult with the sorts of games that have existed from the days of NES to now, but in the hands of creative developers like Locomalito and his companion Gryzor87, it’s clear that there’s plenty left to mine when a project is handled with care. Absolutely consider giving Cursed Castilla EX a look the next time you’re perusing the Switch (or 3DS!) eShop.

Remaining faithful to the franchise by displaying it in the manner intended by Dreamworks and PDI, I am delighted to recommend this game to any of you out there who are particularly enamored by the guy in green we know of as Shrek.

Given the fact that this is the franchise's real debut on a Nintendo console and Wii's success in bringing in new gamers, Samurai Warriors 3 is going to be the first chance for many gamers to try this controversial series, and to those people I definitely recommend at least giving it a try.

With great puzzles, a fun cast and story, and excellent puzzle building tools for aspiring designers, Pushmo World deserves a spot in your download cue.

After every punishing stage I finished in Oniken, I felt completely drained; my nerves shot. I would force myself to take a break, jumping into a less emotionally taxing game before heading back. That feeling clearly won’t be for everyone and the game’s over-the-top violence will definitely scare off some gamers. However, the personal satisfaction that comes from finishing each of the game’s stages cannot be overstated. Oniken: Unstoppable Edition is meant for a certain kind of NES fan; those that revel in that sort of old-school challenge will find little else like it on Switch.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a great example of a kid’s property done right.

If you like the soundtrack or are willing to look past it, you’ll have a lot of fun punching and kicking to the beat of the music in KickBeat: Special Edition.

Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party is a solid entry in the series and a great place for the uninitiated to jump in.

Depending on your exploration and puzzle solving skills, Ittle Dew will last between three to six hours. It is not a terribly long and epic adventure, but one that has a lot of heart. If you truly love the Legend of Zelda series and adventures in general, Ittle Dew is the perfect game to remind you why that love exists in the first place.

Overall, the Wii U version of The Amazing Spider-Man is a fun experience, but not the best Spider-Man game out there. It is, however, the best version of this particular game by a long shot, and, if you’re a Spider-Man fan, you should definitely check this one out.

An amusing adventure, but it is clearly lacking polish.

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.

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.

Casual RPGers may or may not latch onto this one, but longtime fans of the genre will should pick up Opoona without hesitation.

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.

While Ape Out doesn’t last all that long, it certainly doesn’t overstay its welcome, either. The game is an absolute blast to play, and an experience that will delight most players. Between the game’s stylish presentation and unique use of music, Ape Out feels unlike much else on eShop. The game is very much an impressive achievement from developer Gabe Cuzzillo, and those who value quality over length will find a great option in Ape Out.

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.

A salute to Atlus for bringing something unique and fun to the market so early in this new year; here’s hoping Eden Industries gets a shot to expand on the foundation it laid here with a future sequel.

Considering the quality on-hand here and the overall level of polish, Freestyle 2 has gone above and beyond what one might expect from the average eShop game. The gameplay is fun and tight, and though the physics can get a little weird in spots, this is largely everything about the first Freestyle writ larger and better. I wasn’t a fan of all of the customization features on offer, but I did enjoy tweaking my bike, and I especially liked how easy it was to make my own tracks. Though the inability to exchange track codes in-game is a glaring flaw, it’s one that can be easily worked around—which I frankly suspect the design team was aware of when they put together the game. 3DS might be getting a bit long in the tooth, but it’s still an excellent platform with compelling software like Urban Trial Freestyle 2.

There's much less action or platforming and it's all about solving the puzzles on your own time.

Transformers Animated proves to be a surprisingly enjoyable game that could appeal to more than just young fans of the television show.