Based off the name alone, Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2 will likely garner an initial response that is ultimately undeserving. It implies complete silliness, and while the story most certainly is, albeit in a good manner, the gameplay proves to be fun and engaging. Running-and-gunning through the campaign was a blast and with co-op as an option, it gives more reason to revisit the relatively short campaign. Online matchmaking can be a bit of a hassle, but when it works, it works well. However, I thoroughly enjoyed what is offered as a single player experience.

Treadnauts has a lot to like about it, but the narrow focus on local multiplayer makes it a bit of a one-trick pony. On one hand, sitting down with three others to play is a blast, but on the other, it wears thin by yourself and doesn’t offer anything other than a harder-skewing time-trial target shooting mode. Get this one for your next party, but maybe don’t get it when you’re home alone.

The Mooseman was a beautiful adventure that gave me an appreciation for a culture I had never been aware of before. The art and story told through The Mooseman kept me extremely engaged for my relatively short time with the game. Overall, The Mooseman is a game that offers a fun puzzle mechanic wrapped in a pleasing package.

Too many stages rely on the two basic victory conditions, and I would have liked to see more boss stages or more complicated objectives. Regardless, CastleStorm is engaging not just for those who enjoy tower-defense games; there is enough fun, customization, and challenge for all Switch owners. Your princess might not be in this castle, but it’s worth taking a look around anyway.

There’s fun to be had from the mechanics of a Diablo game set in a Greek mythology universe with its gods and monsters rather than exploring the depths of hell. It’s clear though that its inspiration is also where its limitations lie, and they painted over cracks in the foundation that are showing through. And like Clash of the Titans, Titan Quest has a story, setting, and characters that end up being completely forgettable. That said, it fills a gap in the genre offerings on Switch, and if you’re looking for something to scratch that itch until something more recent gets announced, it’ll fit the bill.

The number of good pure party games on the Switch is short, so it’s great to have another title that encourages participation and results in chaotic race-against-the-clock fun.

Squids Odyssey has a lot of great content available to play from the get-go, and it’s a really fun summer title to keep coming back to in the midst of all the other heavy hitters.

Essentially most of the experience ends up feeling like a grindfest, and how much grinding you have to go through depends on how much money you care to spend. If that wasn’t enough, the developer tracks and stores your gameplay data, IP address and any interactions you have with customer support. Don’t think that playing offline is a clever way of avoiding big brother, you can’t get past the title screen without an internet connection so portable for most is not an option.

While BlobCat on Switch does capture the essence of Chu Chu Rocket’s cat-and-mouse gameplay, it doesn't do quite enough to replace the original in my heart. It’s worth grabbing for on the go, but I’ll be here hoping the original pops up again.

You might be able to derive some enjoyment from this game, but it requires overlooking absolutely essential elements gone awry, making Hello Neighbor very difficult to recommend. If you don’t mind solving abstract puzzles and throwing everything (including the kitchen sink) at your objectives all while constantly avoiding a particularly annoying antagonist, then you might give this game a try.

At first glance SubaraCity appears to be a somewhat generic iOS puzzler ported to the Switch, but after just a few rounds its apparent that’s not the case. A relaxed and casual take on the classic block-matching genre, there’s a level of charm I found to be enduring with its simplistic nature and easy to grasp gameplay. There is a level of strategy needed, as just one or two wrong moves can sink an otherwise promising run. Unfortunately though, with just the single game mode there’s a good chance the legs fall out from underneath it sooner rather than later.

Minit might not last that long, but it is a memorable experience that cuts out fluff and just delivers clever puzzles and concepts. You might not spend a lot of time with it, but playing through it once is as insightful a meditation on 2D Zelda-style gameplay as any game multiple times its length.

In spite of a few, mostly minor, dated problems, the raw beauty of the world made me happy to be revisiting this game.

Ultimately the experience feel flat for me as I tried to trudge through the non-stop references to the most obvious and overused aspects of the ‘80s. Yes, I enjoyed ET and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a kid, but I’ve become numb to the overuse of catchphrases and plots that are continuously rehashed over and over. I’m at the point now where you either need to use these references sparingly as a complement to an original idea, or really dive deep into ‘80s culture that many probably wish would be forgotten. Unfortunately for Crossing Souls, neither of these ring true.

Iconoclasts is one of the biggest surprises of the year. Despite occasionally suffering through the story sequences, I found that I couldn’t stop playing (it’s about 10 hours long). I can’t recommend the game highly enough--go play it.

After a few short tries to get a handle on the combat and learning to traverse the dungeon, I began consistently making multi-level runs. The unfortunate part, is that those runs really weren’t increasing in enjoyment the further I ventured. With the ever increasing amount of roguelite titles to choose from, I think I would rather just play one with better combat and a better crafted dungeon.

The humor is top notch like usual, but the game is such a refined product. The puzzles are clean and easy to grasp, there is some solid replay value, and every character you possess does something unique. The only disappointing thing is that it feels cheap to rely on the game’s helpful tools. Personally I felt that I lost a little something in the process by doing so. In the end though, it all depends on the experience players find most desirable. All what matters is this though: Flipping Death is an adventure game everyone can enjoy.

New players to the series will enjoy this on its own and since online is now available, this opens up multiplayer play to just about everyone whether you have friends next to you or not. Whichever way you play, this is a fun and frantic experience that everyone deserves to enjoy.

The lack of AI (and online) for solo play is a bummer, but I can’t stress how much fun this game is with friends. The ease with which one can pick it up only adds to its use as a casual game for anybody too. I’m hopeful for a future update that add in some post-game statistics so one can record victory streaks or the completion time of a race, but I could also see how that might hamper the speed of firing up a new match. Muddledash is what a party game should be. Just beware, you’ll need more than eight tentacles to play.

I would recommend Waking Violet to anyone interested in puzzlers. Its mechanics provide enough unique challenges to get a couple hours of mind-bending game play. That, plus the artwork and design makes this game well worth it.

In the end, it took some patience, but Mugsters turned out to be an overall enjoyable experience that leads to many laughs, frustration, and sighs of relief that will be enjoyed by one and all.

Guts and Glory isn’t the first, and won’t be the last title that lost its playability being ported to the Switch (WWE 2K18 comes to mind). It’s another example of all ports not being equal as developers still struggle to discover all of the ins and out of the porting process. If getting sliced in half or impaled by a buzzsaw is a can’t miss experience, I would recommend looking at another platform to play it on.

This is a tremendous newcomer to the Switch indie scene and as long as you’re up for a challenge, Dead Cells is spectacular.

It’s not difficult to find new games that are designed with the 16-bit era in mind, but it is rare to find ones that develop new and enjoyable game mechanics. While the writing could have benefited from some additional depth, the expansive party and combat options provide hours of entertainment, making Cosmic Star Heroine a worthwhile addition to your Switch library.

RBI Baseball 18 adds significant new content to what was a fairly shallow game in the form of that franchise mode as well as a home run derby, but it still remains a simple game, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If it were a more polished experience it would be easy to recommend to Switch-owning baseball fans, but as it is it doesn’t really feel finished. If you can get past the mostly minor issues, though, it’s an enjoyable arcade baseball game.

I enjoyed it but it didn’t grab me like similar games such as Mercenary Kings did. If you like comically-violent, pixelated shooters, you might try this out, but I suspect it’s playing to a crowd that doesn’t necessarily include me.

At its core, Salt and Sanctuary is 2D Dark Souls. I say that not as any indictment but more of a very adept comparison. Ska Studios smartly transformed the core concepts of a Souls game and turned it into a side-scrolling action game with an ample amount of Metroidvania influence. The result is tough as nails, but doable with perseverance and gumption. Salt and Sanctuary is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a journey worth suffering through for those who think they are worthy.

Battle Supremacy is a usually functional, though consistently clunky, third-person shooter. The occasional forays into non-tank vehicles offer momentary reprieve, but that feeling is quickly overshadowed by their own unique shortcomings. While it may half-heartedly scratch an itch for the most hardcore of tank fans, most others will just be left frustrated.

Looking at screenshots of the game, one might think they have played this type of game before, but Flat Heroes is much more content-rich and thoroughly satisfying. The challenge ramps up gradually, and there is a great sense of accomplishment in completing later levels, especially the boss stages.

Moving forward, any developer looking to create a point-and-click adventure would do well to look at The Journey Down as an example of the genre done right. My recommendation before you decide to pick up the first chapter is to ensure you’re committed to the long haul. By the end of the first chapter, you’ll be left wanting more, and it only gets better from there.

Code of Princess EX is a wonderful remaster of an already great game. The rebalancing of enemies and heros makes it easier to pick up and play and the ability to play on a TV makes the HD graphics really pop. If you had missed this on the 3DS, and are a fan of anime, do yourself a favor and pick this title up.

WarioWare Gold is grand game for veterans and newcomers alike. The title features a top notch selection of microgames, which kept me glued to the screens for hours.

The Lion’s Song is a fun journey through and through. While I did wish that it explored certain themes more, I can’t be overly grumpy at the end result. It offers an engaging experience that instantly struck a chord with me. The presentation, choices and flow just feel incredibly well crafted by its developers.

Whether you’re new to Picross, or you’ve played it since the Game Boy days, Jupiter’s excellent and refined gameplay experience in Picross S2 is the perfect way to unwind and relax in short or long bursts. The vast amount of content available between the regular, Mega and Clip Picross modes are also very impressive - and will have you deciphering pictures for hours upon hours, either solo or with a friend.

Burnstar takes the underlying concepts behind the Bomberman franchise and develops them into something much more interesting than the source material. Some balancing issues aside, Burnstar is an engaging puzzle experience whether playing alone or with a friend. For those, like me, who were disappointed by the official Bomberman game on Switch, Burnstar might be just what you’re looking for.

While Arcade Archives Sky Skipper may have some flaws, going for a high score can still be fun as long as you know what you're getting into. It's a game that likely wasn't fully completed, but I'm still really excited that this historical curiosity has an official release. I would still recommend it to classic arcade lovers, Nintendo fans, and anyone interested in gaming history.

Tanzia is a fine game for people looking for a light action-RPG that engages the player with its simplicity. The story beats are interesting but the combat, music, and quest design are largely uninspired. In so many words, Tanzia could use a little more time in the alchemy cauldron.

Regardless of what entry in the trilogy is best, the Banner Saga as a whole is incredible. This vibrant, gorgeously animated tale feels as alive as the top live-action fantasy worlds, even more so with the knockout Austin Wintory soundtrack. The battle system reaches a rewarding crescendo and the story hits a lot of excellent beats as it hurtles towards its thrilling conclusion.

Go Vacation has remained the fun experience that it was ages ago. Naturally, it hasn’t aged well from a graphical perspective, but it does a lot of good in its totality.

Sleep Tight has the structure and form to be an absolutely fantastic game. Its impressive visuals, delightful music, and endearing concept make it easy to recommend to all ages. A little bit of variety such as additional environments and maybe a co-op mode hold it back from greatness.

Puzzle games can run into the issue of reusing an idea one too many times, ultimately losing its luster, but with Semblance that was never the case. Seemingly around every corner was another new and interesting idea, keeping this wonderfully paced journey fresh beginning to end.

If you are looking for a simulation game to spend some time with on the Switch, Holy Potatoes! A Weapon Shop?! may do the trick. Just be warned: it’s painfully average, not bringing anything new to this genre, and super slow. I feel like this genre is better suited for PCs or even tablets rather than portable gaming systems because it feels too cluttered for the Switch’s screen and not comfortable on any television.

X Legacy Collection 2 is just okay. X5 and X6 look great and provide fun platforming, though both fall victim to uninspiring stories and a lot of dialogue. X7 should be commended for trying to change things up, but the switch to 3D falls flat. X8 is much more polished and is probably the best title in the collection. The collection overall is probably best for those that are nostalgic for the PlayStation 1 and 2 era Mega Man games; otherwise, there are much better platformers around on the Switch with better variety.

The first four Mega Man X games are fun nostalgia, though it sometimes feels like a case of deja vu.

While the camera and a few other nagging issues can make things vexing at times, Pool Panic shines past the mild blemishes as it’s a dazzling display of artistic buffoonery. It’s hard to recommend for people that have to get the high score or complete every optional challenge, but if you just want to sit back and roll through a world with oodles of inventiveness and creativity, this is an acid trip worth taking.

Lanota is the perfect rhythm game for the Switch platform. It utilizes the touchscreen well and mixes up a genre that can get stale from game to game. Each song brought clever ways of utilizing their Tuner setup that kept things interesting as you played through the extensive list of songs. While anything beyond that was a letdown, if you’re looking for a solid game with fantastic tracks, Lanota doesn’t disappoint.

Yuso makes a good first impression, but it becomes stale fairly quickly. I can recommend it only to people who want an easy-to-play but shallow puzzler to while away a couple of hours.

Super Destronaut DX is somewhat of an improvement. While the solid gameplay and music is still present, the variety of modes is much larger. The title isn't overly difficult, particularly for a veteran, but it is fun time waster that I have no problem turning on. Online leaderboards ensures that it has a bit more longevity, something that was incredibly lacking in the Wii U game. The presentation hasn't improved too much sadly, and it is more irritating than it should be. In any case, if you are in need of an arcade style game, you can do far worse than this one.

Sausage Sports Club is a weird, ridiculous, and absurd game that is much better being treated as a playful jaunt than a deep experience. Keep it around for parties where the concept of sausage-shaped animals hitting each other would be a good fit, or maybe it’s the kind of thing that is just fun to romp around in by yourself or with a friend or two. Sausage Sports Club is delightful in its silliness and makes up for the slapdash nature with its charm.

I’m a big fan of strategy games in this vein and Frost felt like a new and unique experience. The biggest draw for me was the challenge of figuring out the best strategy for survival. After that first successful journey my interest suffered frostbite until it succumbed to hypothermia only a few hours after that. I’d still recommend playing it but just like trying to play pond hockey on a negative forty day, it probably can only last a few hours.

The original Hand of Fate was a game I had heard a lot about, but never got around to. The Switch is encouraging me to go back and pick up a lot of these titles, and this is one worth grabbing a hold of. Just be sure to watch the cards and choose your battles wisely, and you’ll have a tale that will live on through the ages.

Looking at the colorful art, smooth animations, and strong level design, someone clearly loves Heroki. It isn’t me, but Heroki can be a great fit for younger players or those looking to unwind. Heroki is a light breeze perfect for between naps on a long summer road trip, just don’t expect to remember it when something else blows by.

Another World remains an utterly brilliant game. No matter if you use the classic or modern visuals, the game has a true alien feel to it. In addition, the trial and error gameplay is as addicting as it was those many years ago. While the game is extremely short, I did find myself continuously loving how the production value stayed intact. That is something worth celebrating.

While Super Volley Blast is a local multiplayer game to its core, it’s a nicely crafted one that also has enough of an attempt at a single-player story to be entertaining there as well. This is a good arcade sports experience and is very much worth checking out if you want some good Switch multiplayer escapades.

All in all, It’s amazing to see such a creative and relaxing game make the jump from Wii to Switch. I would possibly make a few changes to cater to those who played the earlier version of the game, but I’m still glad to see it here painting the eShop red.

This is a fine classic game for its low cost. The visuals and splat paint style gives the game a punk-ish style that keeps it feeling fresh. However, the main issue I have with recommending it is the frequent lag that occurs at the beginning of the levels. Hopefully, this is a situation that can be fixed in the future, but for now, let's leave the ink guns to the squids.

Fill-a-Pix is disappointing even if Lightwood Games brings its puzzle game-making competency to it. It’s packed with content, but it’s hard to really care to do more of these slow, painstaking, and weirdly easy puzzles. I’d much rather dive back into Pic-a-Pix to play any new DLC they put out for it. In lieu of Fill-a-Pix, go buy Pic-a-Pix Deluxe.

Drawful 2 is still just as fun as the first, and more fun with the ability to create personalized prompts in games. But if you’re looking to get more bang for your buck stick to the first title, because Drawful 2 doesn’t seem to live up to changing much in the way of a sequel. It provides more of the same fun, and it’s hard to fault it for that because the base game is a wild time at parties.

It’s clear that a lot shown in Figment is not what the focus of the experience, it’s the puzzles, which don’t always stick the landing. A handful of exceptions crop up, but not nearly as many as I would have liked. Check out Figment if you’re interested in taking on a puzzle adventure indie, with some cute visual touches, and can handle a little puzzle fatigue.

Bomb Chicken is an expertly crafted experience inside and out. Every single part of it is just so dang charming, from the audio and visual composition to the design of each level packed to the brim, delightful collectibles and hidden areas to explore. The only potential problem I could see with certain players is the overall difficulty, so consider this a fair warning - this game is very difficult, and can be quite punishing (but also very fair). If that sounds like it’s up your alley, you won’t want to miss out on this wacky and explosive platformer.

It’s an elegant game packed with serene melodies, a simple yet deep combat system, and a stunning world to explore. The end result might not be the modern classic so many hoped for, but Octopath Traveler is an excellent RPG that’s only major sin is a loose story structure.

Mushroom Wars is a fun take on the real-time strategy genre that would be perfect for portable play if it weren’t for some technical issues. Pacing can be a real annoyance, especially early on, but gradually fades as you progress further into the game. On the bright side, it is simple to learn, and its bite-sized levels are very addicting once you get going.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker remains the fun game it was before, though there is no need to play it twice. Most of the original content is present in this release with the Odyssey content being the exception. The sheer variety of puzzles and fun gameplay mechanics deserve to be experienced at the very least. It doesn't really matter if you do that on Nintendo 3DS or Switch as both run quite excellent.

Sonic Mania Plus took a well-made game and made it even better, with two interesting new characters and remixed levels. The new content seems a little more geared for the superfan rather than the newcomer, which at the end of the day, is totally okay because whether you bought Mania last year or you’re only just getting to it now, it is still worth checking out.

Missions tend to be repetitive, but the thrill of executing them flawlessly is equally as satisfying as it is devastating when a crash whips out your entire crew. Roguelite elements throw a great wrinkle to the gameplay, but do come at the expense of light grinding when losing members of the crew or plane. Although not without blemishes, it presents an interesting and challenging take on simulator that requires quick thinking and even faster reactions.

When it comes to DLC, Nintendo has cultivated a reputation for providing substantial content, and here Ubisoft continues that tradition. The humor that was spot on in Mario Rabbids translates perfectly to the Donkey Kong franchise. With all the great titles on the horizon it can feel difficult to circle back to a one year old game, but Donkey Kong Adventure is a can’t miss experience that so far ranks as one of the best for 2018.

20XX offers a quick dose of Mega Man inspired gameplay that doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. The controls were clearly refined to be authentic and tight. What the game does lack, however, is content to come back to after mastering the quick 20XX runs.

Apart from the dated combat, Shining Resonance seemed to have the right elements to be a success but just missed a certain chemistry to really hook me in. Fans of previous titles in the series and seasoned RPG players may find the enjoyment that alluded me. I wouldn’t tell you to avoid this game, but there’s a whole lot I would recommend before it.

Runbow is a fantastic, colorful, energetic platformer with great style and plenty of content for both solo and group players. At the very least, it is definitely worthy of a spot in your great multiplayer games folder.

The rough edges stand out mostly because the game can otherwise become an engrossing way to evaporate free time. Mileage may vary based on your ability to enjoy the game’s music, but with its highly customizable difficulty and excellent representation of the tracks as note patterns, this game will welcome in anyone who can find themselves lost in the music.

I find myself having a hard time recommending Atomine to anyone but those looking for a repetitive game and feel like the different ways in which you shoot the enemies isn’t enough to sate your interest in a twin-stick shooter. I understand there are those who appreciate the feedback loop of going through a run, seeing how far you can go, and then trying to do better in your next run, but that alone wasn’t enough to keep me engaged in this one.

All in all, Pocket Rumble’s goal of being a fighting game for everyone was accomplished. This is great for newcomers and veterans of retro fighters as this one is easy to learn and hard to master. Just keep in mind, if you’re looking for anything to collect or any sort of progression besides just ranking yourself up, you won’t find it here. The authentic retro style and addicting gameplay, however, is still worth your time– especially if you want something that you can pick up and play in quick and insanely fun bursts.

Overall, Lost in Harmony, while providing a couple hours’ entertainment, is a well-designed runner with great music. It is a definite hit with people who love this genre, though the integration of the rhythm isn’t stellar. I won’t be getting lost in the game for a second play-through, but I enjoyed my time with it.

Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy is a fun collection of titles filled with nostalgia value, presented in a wonderful looking HD package. It runs well and overall is a perfectly competent platformer. If you can forgive that some aspects of these games haven’t aged well in the last 20 years, then this can be a pretty fun throwback experience.

It’s a little bit sad that a DS game from 2008 is still the best paleontology-based video game on the market—Fossil Hunters does not scratch that itch.

A must for its versatile local multiplayer, but even aside from that, this is wickedly cool.

Some patterns can absolutely destroy you without proper notice, forcing you to play over and perfect certain levels. While that side can be little irritating now and again, it can't be denied the amount of effort Q-Games put in.

Tennis World Tour is an underwhelming product in more ways than one. While it promises a professional tennis game, the way Breakpoint went about it isn't making me happy. There isn't really a star cast of tennis players, the gameplay has some extremely weak elements and the overall feeling is one a lack of care.

Although there may be plenty of options in this genre, Shift Quantum stands out with its polished look, unique concept, and a soundtrack though unremarkable, never wears out its welcome. If the prospect of new puzzles is appealing, it’s reasonable to assume consistent new content since the community has existed since the first version of Shift released as a flash game back in 2008.

Whether you end up enjoying your brief journey through the world of Limbo will be subjective. It’s a akin to an expressionist painting, for some it will come across as beautiful experience greater than what you can see, while for the rest it may just seem boring and relying too heavily on artistic impression. I fall somewhere in the middle, I enjoyed the experience but as a video game, it was just a bit too simple for me.

Don't miss this brilliant, story-driven platformer that's as much art as game.

Wolfenstein II is a deep and varied shooter. Its story, with few exceptions, is excellently written and performed. A reliance on long, pre-rendered cutscenes may bog down the pacing now and then, but even in those moments the story was compelling enough to keep me going.

had a tough time getting into Shape of the World at first, in big part due to the sparse initial environments and the clipping problems. And I admit I rolled my eyes a bit as the creatures I met went from bug-like critters to sea creatures floating… in the air (a trend that culminated with glimpses of a whale floating in the sky). I found it a little cliché and New Age-y. The final moments were impressive and by the time I got to them, I had started enjoying myself, but it took a long time for the game to ramp up to that point.

As long as the online keeps running well, Mario Tennis Aces will be worth revisiting. I still have my concerns of the new mechanics being a little too focused on the ability to block, but Mario’s grand sports return has more than enough good in it to make up for smaller miscues like that. This is an encouraging return to form for Camelot.

If you enjoyed the previous installments in the Lego franchise and want more of that, then this will be worth your time. The same goes if you love The Incredibles and want to experience these characters and events in a clever new way. If either of these sound like you, I have no problem recommending this incredible brick-filled playground.

Sushi Striker overall is solidly made and had me addicted to its simple yet challenging battles. It’s a game that allows anyone to play in whatever manner they choose. This is definitely one game that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun and fresh adventure… just try not to play on an empty stomach.

It was after a three and a half hour session that I figured out why it’s called “trance” music.

For what it is, Hexologic is a pleasant experience. I always feel weird discussing price in reviews, but since this game launched at $2.99 on Switch, expectations of what it should be need to be adjusted accordingly. At $3, Hexologic is a light, worthwhile experience. It’s not going to surprise you with oodles of content, but it’s a great foundation for a much deeper and longer lasting puzzler.

Songbringer is the game that fans of the original Zelda have longed for, spiced up with a slick Hyper Light Drifter aesthetic. It might not, however, strike a chord with anyone else.

Samurai Defenders: Ninja Warfare is a simple but serviceable tower defense game. The gameplay is solid and easy to grasp but the lack of mission variety and level design make this one just as easy to put down. All in all, it was the chibi archers that kept me battling to the end.

Hollow Knight’s cryptic lore doled out in pieces leads me to believe I saved Hollownest in my ending, but an after-credits screen shows a 73% completion in 27 hours of play. I may have finished, but I’m far from done. I still have tons of upgrades, optional bosses, a true ending and a mantis to overcome. And I’m itching to jump back in.

Upon completing INK, I felt as one does after enjoying a perfectly-cooked steak: satisfied and satiated. In this case, I do want more, but not because INK didn’t give me enough. Rather, it gave me exactly what I wanted; this time, with a splash of colour.

Pode is a visually stunning take on the co-op puzzle genre, but misses the mark when it comes to pacing and execution. It was always an absolute joy to enter each room which was devoid of life, only to leave it booming with vivid colors and patterns. However getting to that point wasn’t always as enjoyable. The slow-paced nature lends itself better for co-op play, but even then it still gets a bit tedious and solo mode ends up being a bore.

For now, my recommendation is to hold off purchasing Paladins if you’ve never played it before. Hopefully the stability issues will have been updated in time for the free-to-play release and you’ll be able to give it a try before sinking money into it. If you have some friends to play and develop strategizes with, the experience can be rewarding.

A Legend Reborn is a fun, simple brawler but nothing more. I enjoyed the humor for what it was, and it doesn’t take an overly long amount to time to clear. It’s one of those games you can spend a day playing and not feel like you’re being cheated out of anything if you never play it again. Shaq Fu’s return won’t earn the horrible reputation of its predecessor, but will probably be easily forgotten before the year is over.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana was my first foray into the Ys universe and despite the goal of making it off the island, I find myself wishing I hadn’t left at all. What at first was my biggest concern, the action opposed to turn-based combat, turned out to be what I found the most enduring throughout my experience. In addition to an interesting story, setting, and a truly wonderful score, I can’t help but walk away singing its praises.

Unfortunately it is ultimately too shallow, an experience that requires little intervention from the player. If you can entertain yourself the monotony of raising and lowering land to perfectly facilitate your perfect breed of mouse, then perhaps you’ll find something to enjoy in Happy Birthdays.

Banner Saga 2 is a great sequel, building on the first one’s fantastic presentation and style. The music is positively sublime especially when paired with the gorgeous art and animation. If you’re craving a good fantasy story and are down for some fun tactical turn-based fare, this series is one to follow through on. The finale can’t come soon enough even if the battles and story segments along the way might thin the party in tragic ways.