While I still feel the late-game battles are drawn out with palette swaps and needless complexity, Severed is such a fantastic game otherwise that even with a few warts, Severed is absolutely worth checking out, especially if you missed any of its other releases on Wii U, 3DS, and more.

Ultimately, Rocket Fist is another example of a Nintendo game that does it right by focusing on the experience over content. By focusing on mechanics in the same vein as Wii Sports, a group of four friends can easily play for hours without it feeling stale. My suggestion to you: try not to gloat too much during the instant replay after a glorious victory and the Rocket Fist fun will keep flying in this strong local multiplayer experience.

While some of its design choices may be divisive, Puzzle Adventure Blockle is an attractive and well-executed single-player puzzle experience.



Overall, Cursed Castilla EX is a fantastic game that accurately recreates the brilliance of the 16 bit era. The whole time it felt like I was playing a classic SNES Virtual Console game, with a killer soundtrack and added 3D effects. If simple old-school gameplay, beautiful pixel art, and a hardcore difficulty is up your alley, then this game is a no-brainer. So take your sword and expel the curse of the land, not for the King, but for Castilla!


I tend to get frustrated with twitch-based platformers where you end up dying an unimaginable amount of times, but with Slime-san, it’s different. The controls feel so good that I know if I die, it’s on me and not a fault of the game. Couple that with fun and interesting level design to make a foundation for a great game. Pile on a massive amount of stages littered with extra content and it’s hard not to recommend this game to fans of the genre looking for a challenging but fair experience.

I’m glad to see the Layton series back. I really did miss it, but Layton’s Mystery Journey is on the lower end of the spectrum for the series. The puzzles are totally adequate, but the story isn’t compelling, not even in its new case structure. Hopefully, if the Mystery Journey series continues, the stories will get stronger and way more out there as we get more familiar with the new cast.

Overcooked’s success is based primarily in its varied take on a simple concept. In every stage, the goal is to just make meals, but clever, nigh-endless obstacles and twists complicate things, forcing new strategies and tactics to be tested and used. Up until the bitter end, the diversity of levels and concepts is glorious. The fast-paced cooking might get stressful, but that also makes success all the more tasty. If you can find the right team of cooks and overlook a lower framerate, Overcooked on Switch is glorious.

All in all, I had a fun time playing Infinite Minigolf. I ignored the power ups when I could and I have a store full of unused tickets to purchase clothing. Minigolf when properly designed is exciting enough that the missions and power-ups become a distraction, hopefully as more courses are developed by the community, the focus stays on creativity. Nothing is more satisfying in minigolf than coming up with an insane geometric plan that is pulled off with a mix of both skill and luck.

Overall, Fate/Extella is a fairly simplistic Warriors-style game with a visual novel component and pretty enough graphics. I was impressed that there’s never any slowdown, either in tabletop mode or on the TV. As I said, there’s already a better Warriors game on the Wii U and 3DS, but so far this is the best one on Switch. If you like anime nonsense and slaughtering robots, you could do worse than Fate/Extella.

Vaccine isn’t a title I’d recommend even to the most fervent survival horror fans. There just isn’t enough variation to continue playing death after death. Stay away from this one.

Miitopia is a mixed bag. Mii interactions off and on the battlefield are fun, but the pacing and linear scope of the game hampers an otherwise fun experience. The game doesn’t last too long for JRPG standards (around 30-35 hours) but this feels like a fun 15 hour game stretched out with long periods of boring grind. You eventually do get everyone back, making the last part of the game a better experience towards the end. But while Miitopia makes up for a lot of things with its charming appeal, its faults are still pretty evident.

If you’re not as weird as me about touching your screen this is a fun game to play. I had a fun time recreating classic Nintendo characters and my kids enjoyed painting animals provided in game. You’re not going to create complicated pieces of art but if you or your kids would like something fun to play with for 30 minutes or so then Qbics Paint will be a fun time waster for all ages.

For everything it sets out to do and accomplishes relatively well, Ultra Hyperball presents the same challenge in terms of recommending it that some of the other indie multiplayer games have had. If you and (probably more importantly in terms of long-term play) your friends buy into the hook of the game and will invest in getting the hang of the timing and controls there’s the makings of some fun local play. The problem is that having the right group of people is more key to the experience than the game itself. With simplicity can come accessibility but it doesn’t always equate to long-term challenge. At its relatively low price point, people will just need to decide whether it's something that looks appealing to eat up some hours on your own and with the other people you play with.

It’s flawed but it sure is fun. A better framerate and higher difficulty would be great, especially since I feel like the different Pikmin abilities still had a lot of untapped potential. This installment ends up being a nice new creation that fits into the franchise in a different way than older Pikmin games. At its core, though, Hey! Pikmin is a fun game, and in the end, that's all that really matters.

This might just be a half-step forward for Splatoon, but the first step was so good that it’s not really a bad thing.

De Mambo is a game with some clever ideas, but is ultimately held back by it’s limited features. No online play, bland levels and not enough of a hook to keep me coming back for more is unfortunately what stands out the most. That’s not to say there isn’t a place for this game if you have access to a group of friends who can regularly meet up and want a bite sized party game. It does enough right that makes it worth checking out in the right circumstances, just don’t expect to play hours on end.

With all of that in mind, if you’re looking for a light puzzling experience you can just pick up and play semi-thoughtfully for a while Levels+ is better than other games of its kind that I’ve played on other devices due to the added complexity. As a budget-priced offering the question ultimately becomes whether this is the kind of game you’re looking for. If it is, and you understand that the goal isn’t to “win” but to challenge yourself to continue to try to up your score, I’d say this is a worthy purchase.

While I had fun with the single-player, NBA Playgrounds is mostly a mess otherwise. The basic gameplay requires specific timing that is never well articulated. Load times on the Switch version are nearly indefensibly long. For those hoping for some kind of modern-day NBA Jam-like experience from Playgrounds, look elsewhere. This is just a convoluted footnote in the modern arcade sports landscape.

Death Squared ends up being another great multiplayer experience for Switch. Laughs will emerge from accidental and pathetic-looking deaths and likely lead to the eventual furrowed brows of frustration and critical thinking - making for all the integral elements of a good puzzle game. Don't expect a lot of new elements and variables to appear though, the game is kept to a simple, tried-and-true formula that succeeds in boggling minds, all wrapped up in a neat and tidy package.

Looking at the big picture this is probably the most mainstream-friendly indie title I’ve played on the Switch that I would anticipate will appeal to a wide audience. While not as deep as something you’d see from the likes of Platinum Games, the general gameplay hook is there, combining fast-paced melee combo attacks with some gunplay and strategic combat. The fact that it is being delivered in a budget-friendly package with so much content out of the gate more than compensates for the relative age and somewhat dated visuals it brings along for the ride. If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping, whether you’re at home or on the go, Implosion delivers a challenge and excitement in a wallet-friendly package.

If you’re looking for a unique game experience on the Switch that isn’t terribly expensive and will provide you with a few hours of varying challenges and laughs, Bulb Boy delivers quite handsomely. Especially since, for the moment, it has nothing comparable to go up against on the console, it is a breath of fresh air as well. As long as you keep your expectations for its length in check, little holds me back from recommending Bulb Boy to people in search of a little adventuring.

After playing through the entire game within a couple hours I tried to determine who the target audience would be. The puzzles required minimal effort to solve, 95 of the 100 levels could be solved within 10 seconds of looking at the layout. For the remaining 5 levels, a hint is given if needed, which is a video of 90% of the level being solved. With it being such a simple game I thought it might be good for kids but my own, both below the age of 7, had lost interest after the 4th level. The best recommendation I can give you is to watch some levels on YouTube before spending any money on this game, since what you see is what you get.

Gonner presents a stiff challenge that might not be for everyone, but if the potential oddities of this disquieting adventure seem up your alley, it’s well worth trying to figure out; just be prepared to maybe look up a few things for clarification. It’s not quite the tops of this take on the roguelike genre, but Gonner definitely earns its spot at the table.

River City: Knights of Justice is a game that tries a lot of new things and succeeds at few of them. Despite some clever ideas and a bolder approach to combat, the lack of progression, difficulty, and an engaging plot prevents this River City game from reaching its potential.

Although the main game is short – there’s a prize for beating it in under four hours – there’s a speedrun mode and an even harder difficulty that both offer some interesting looking concept art. I did a slow run, getting everything I could that didn’t involve replaying stages for money, and want to go back and give the speedrun option a try down the road. The transformations are a blast to use, and there were a lot of “Wait a minute...” moments when I unlocked things like the crab claws and the bat form. Shantae also looks fantastic, and the music nails the atmosphere of the various stages.

All in all Sengoku is okay. If you like beat em’ ups, then you may like this game, if you don’t like them then it will scare you off from playing another game in the genre. Its difficulty and sluggish controls hamper the play, but if you have a buddy it makes it less frustrating.

In the grand scheme of things, Runbow Pocket isn't bad. The available single-player content is quite nice and it offers something substantial for on the go. The disappointing change to multiplayer will be hard for many to look past. Where this brought the Wii U version to new heights, it feels here like an afterthought. It is hugely disappointing to see it locked behind an online section that will get barely used. Waiting hours for players to come online isn't exactly my idea of fun.

Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas is solid, though, especially for anyone longing for a throwback 2D adventure game. The story isn’t terribly long, but there’s plenty to collect along the way, and the included DLC island adds just enough to push Oceanhorn to a very satisfying content level. Just remember that this is not Zelda and you’ll have a good time.

A truly superb experience. It’s filled with so many things to do, but in a way that feels anything but forced and overwhelmed. Instead, everything works together in harmony to make a truly deep and engaging game that's easy to recommend to anyone.

Ultimately, it’s hard for me to recommend RPG Maker Fes to anyone but the most hardcore of RPG fans that have always dreamed of creating their own game. You’ll certainly be limited by the tools (or lack thereof) available here, and the lack of a meaningful tutorial may hinder all but the most patient of designers. RPG Maker Fes feels like an incomplete product, like a beginner sewer’s kit that was shipped with only one color of thread and without instructions. You can definitely make an RPG if you’re patient enough, but it’s unlikely to come close to what you envisioned when you began, which is likely to leave you unsatisfied.

All in all, the post-patch version of Elliot Quest is a fun, but imperfect game. The challenge can be overwhelming, and occasionally the save points are spaced a bit too far apart. Still, the skill development, open exploration, and side scrolling bow-and-arrow combat is worth checking out. It’s not quite up to the level of other recent retro revivals like Shovel Knight or Blaster Master Zero, but if Zelda II is up your alley, Elliot Quest is worth a shot.

I think Mighty Gunvolt Burst is going to create some division among gamers. If you’re waiting for Capcom to bring back the glory days of Mega Man, this game will likely leave you angry and unsatisfied. However, if you have a few bucks to spend and you're not invested in neither the story nor characters and just want to play a decent side-scrolling action platformer, than Mighty Gunvolt Burst might be for you.

Aside from the griffin sequence, there’s not a lot holding Darksiders: Warmastered Edition down. It remains an excellent heavy metal homage to Zelda games that’s satisfying and quite lengthy. I enjoy it more than its sequel, although that’s also a great game. The only real downside is that this game is on the Wii U, not the Switch, so it probably won’t get the attention it deserves.

There’s a reason why Blazing Star is looked back upon with high esteem, as it still stands tall to this very day. While the level design is a bit uneven, it’s ultimately a minor complaint when looking at the larger whole. Fun boss fights, varied play style of each ship and an overall great presentation equate to one of the more accessible and fun shoot-em-ups out there. Whether you’re a veteran revisiting past glories or a newcomer looking to see what the fuss is about, Blazing Star is sure to offer up a great deal of enjoyment.

Comparing Arms to Mario Kart 8 with regards to the online experience comes out favorably, though, as Arms’ fresher gameplay style and highly polished online lobbies and infrastructure makes it a more active and engaging online affair. Even with the Grand Prix drawbacks, Arms is a fantastic start to a new franchise. Time will tell if Arms truly has legs, but it’s definitely firmly planted at launch.

Cave Story+ isn’t the definitive version of Cave Story—I think that crown still belongs to the WiiWare version, but then again, that version isn’t portable. I do miss the ability to switch graphical styles, but it’s really the only regrettable absentee. Having no Pro Controller support is more concerning, but I’m hoping that sees a patch fairly quickly. The bottom line, though, is Cave Story is great and you should play it.

This game is meant to be played with a bunch of friends talking trash and taking each other out. If you find yourself in the company of like-minded friends on a semi-regular basis, this game could provide some great laughs and fun. I absolutely can see where, especially with a bit of liquid enhancement, it could make for a great party game. Unfortunately, if you’re generally only going to be able to play the game by yourself, or the people you can play with don’t roll retro, it is hard to give it a recommendation. Correctly scoring a game with such a laser-focus on a goal that it hits but that, by design, misses so much of the general audience is a challenge. I’ve tried my best to spell out its value proposition clearly and you’ll have to judge from there.

Swap Blocks is very simple in its design. The blocks have enough distinction that it was easy to see the board, and I was able to keep track even at a high pace of shuffling. The audience for this game likely won’t stray outside of the hardcore puzzle fan but if you’re looking for game to expand your puzzle library, it's worth a look. Swap Blocks doesn’t reinvent the puzzle genre but does provide a satisfying daily brain exercise.

Battle Sports Mekuru has the heart of a good multiplayer game, but the variety isn't there yet. With three simple stages and many incomplete modes, it is a really hard sell at the moment. My suggestion is to wait until after the game has gotten some updated. At that point, I am more than willing to give the game a second chance and see how the package stands. As of right now, I can only recommend Battle Sports Mekuru to those who play a lot in tabletop and TV modes with other people. It is where the game shined brightest for me.

As has been the case with quite a number of games I’ve enjoyed on the Switch to date I would gladly recommend Thumper to anyone, but would throw out two caveats as well. First, while I don’t think being good at rhythm games is necessarily essential to you being successful in the game, there’s no getting around the fact that being able to feel and anticipate the beats will help you immensely. The second is that this game gets to be extremely challenging, playing it has maxed out my personal intensity to the point that my thumb hurts from me mashing down the A button with apparently all of the force my hand can exert. I would expect that it is a game many people who decide to buy it won’t ever finish just because at some point the bar feels just a bit too high. Regardless, if you like its aesthetics, its pounding beats, and a stiff challenge, there’s really nothing holding me back from recommending it whole-heartedly.

The game does have its charms, and presents a formidable challenge depending on what you choose to take on. The question will be how many people are seeking out this specific combination of elements, and the game simply isn’t going to be for everyone.

Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop was my first foray into the series and it left me with a middling feeling. The game is extremely charming, but ultimately, the gameplay is paper thin. That’s only compounded by the fact you’ll be replaying many of the mini games multiple times or similar versions with small tweaks. The game does offer a ton of recipes, easily offering up hours of content for those willing to grind through the mini games, but with little incentive outside of an arbitrary score and medal, it quickly becomes a daunting task.

The sheer amount of quality is impressive and delightful. You can see it in how the story, presentation and scenarios are set up which are on the top of their game. I flew through the game in 18 hours and am already ready for another playthrough. That being said, there are two knocks I have against the experience. The game felt somewhat on the easier side and the dungeons could've had a little more to do. Those are minor things in a journey that doesn't slow down from start to finish. If you’re here to be enchanted, Fire Emblem Echoes delivers in spades.

For fans of Minecraft, this absolutely seems like the version you’ve been waiting for if you wanted to get as close to a full-fledged experience as you could realistically want on a handheld device. For people who aren’t among the already-converted, it is still the same game it has always been, and it has its merits, but aside from portability there’s nothing more compelling about this version than there has ever been. It’s been well-established there’s a ton of game to be had here if you enjoy it, the Switch is just making it more easily accessible than it has ever been.

Alpha Mission II is an interesting look back at gaming in the early 90s. It introduced some unique and interesting ideas while leaving other areas unpolished, resulting in a middling game. It’s hard to ignore how awesome the Armor system is, but it’s a shame that uninspired level design and some weird design decisions ultimately hold it back from being great. If you’re a fan of shoot-em-up games, you’ll likely be able to find enjoyment in here, but if you're a casual fan just looking to jump in and play, it might be best to think twice.

TumbleSeed is the perfect combination of addicting gameplay, with a plethora of varied elements that solidifies itself among the pantheon of great roguelikes. Each run has its own unique feel that continues to keep the game incredibly fresh, whether it’s your tenth or hundredth run. While it’s a shame there’s no way to submit a score offline, the rest of the game shines so bright it’s easy to overlook. If you’re looking for a challenging, but insanely satisfying roguelike, look no further.

If you are looking for a quick game, KAMIKO will absolutely serve will you well. It has all the markings of a great game with entertaining gameplay, sharp visuals and a solid flow. I had fun replaying the four stages and seeing how I could improve over time. That being said, I can easily admit that the game is super short and the levels won't change on future playthroughs. If you have seen the content once, you will know the game inside out. That might a sticking point for some, but the various characters do make it worth your while.

Puyo Puyo Tetris makes its way to Nintendo Switch in spectacular fashion. With the best multiplayer options out of the box, this puzzler can't be missed for anyone in the need of fun. The solid amount of modes make that quick go enticing, intriguing and above all entertaining. Back when I reviewed it on the Nintendo 3DS, my complaint of the solo modes did hamper my experience somewhat. The Switch alleviates those concerns since the multiplayer is so easy to get running. It helps that it is a colorful and bright adventure that triggers the senses and just makes you smile. Puyo Puyo Tetris is, without a doubt, one of the best games currently available on the Switch.

NAM-1975 is a fun game while it lasts. The game itself is short, but the gameplay is fun and the presentation is pretty sophisticated for a game from 1990, which I like. Picking up NAM isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can be a fun diversion while also taking note of what SNK had in mind for the NEO-GEO hardware.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe makes for a great representation of the multiplayer potential of the Switch, but it still doesn’t add too much content to be a simple, slam-dunk purchase for owners of the Wii U version. The content it adds is strong, especially the revamped Battle Mode, though. And even aside from the new, the old stuff is abundant.

Disgaea 5 Complete is the first full edition of these games on a Nintendo platform. With its fun gameplay and goofy storylines, I sometimes played the game for six hours straight. The various systems offer depth as well as accessibility for anyone who dares to touch it. Still, there are things that should be addressed. The gameplay is more built around placement than actual strategy, and the music loops way beyond any acceptable margain. None of these problems break the experience overall, but I imagine that they are good to keep in mind. If you need a game to sink all of the hours into, Disgaea 5 is one of your better bets on the Switch.

From the hundreds of trinkets to the passersby's stupid comments, LEGO City has me smitten. I’ve finished the story and gathered a handful of collectibles, but LEGO City Undercover will stay in my Switch for a good long while.

Overall The Jackbox Party Pack 3 is a nice little collection of party games to enjoy as long as you have a solid internet connection and 2+ friends with their own web browser of choice. With the portability of the Switch, playing with friends has never been easier. The unique controller scheme takes some getting used to, and some of the games are better than others, but if you are a party game fan then The Jackbox Party Pack 3 would be a great addition to your Switch library.

Through all those old-school problems, The Dragon’s Trap is still a strong and engaging Metroid-esque platformer that features a pleasant interconnected world filled with areas packed with secrets and grand old-fashioned platforming. It’s well worth overcoming the outmoded aspects to experience a fresher take on a great game.

King of Fighters ‘98 is one of the better fighters you’ll find on the Switch right now. It’s large roster and vibrant graphics brought me into the game, and its simple, intuitive gameplay gives you a lot to work with. There will probably be better fighting experiences for the Switch in the future, but right now King of Fighters can take its throne as one of the top fighters on the console..

Mr. Shifty is a straightforward, focused caper with little fluff that will last you a few hours as you climb through 18 stages. What it lacks in length its makes up for with a dynamite gameplay hook. Teleporting is incredibly neat and opens up a lot of daring and rewarding circumstances where you can mow down foes. As long as you can overlook the handful of moments where the combat isn’t the focus, Mr. Shifty is a great addition to the young Switch eShop.

Graceful Explosion Machine is an intelligently designed 2D shooter for the Switch. The developers obviously put a lot of thought into the weapon and high score systems and made a title that you’ll want to replay over and over. The Nintendo Switch may still have a low number of retail releases, but Graceful Explosion Machine is another indie title that will keep you enthralled on both the go and at home.

I think Neo Turf Masters is a really neat game, but it doesn’t have the content to last longer than a weekend. Unless you get wrapped up in the high-score chase, it doesn’t have depth. However, this is a faithful reproduction of a cool ‘90s arcade game, so if you just want to have access to that at home and on the go, this version is a veritable hole-in-one. I’m sorry. I waited the whole review until unleashing a dumb golf pun.

Just Dance 2017 is, simply put, fun. It's fun with others. It's challenging both mentally (to learn the choreography) and physically. And it has a lot of music to offer. Just Dance 2017 gets that way not by being a technical program obsessing about judging the details of your physical movements, but by doing everything in its power to make you forget everything but the music, the choreography, how they intertwine, and how you're ever going to be able to catch your breath in time to keep up with it.

Snake Pass sets out to bring a familiar feeling with a unique twist that sets it apart from its predecessors. While it does exactly that, it isn’t without fault, as overcoming the challenge of platforming without a jump might scare off the faint of heart. If you can overcome the early struggles and the occasional moments of frustration, the game offers a beautiful world to explore and plenty of collectables to keep you busy.

New Frontier Days offers a very different experience from anything else in the early Switch lineup, and I think it’s a valuable one for people who enjoy this type of game. While the game can be overwhelming at times, it’s very rewarding to see your little settlement grow and thrive. Unlike some similar games, it always feels like you’re playing an integral role in what’s going on, but that also means you always have to give it your full attention.

I think the game is supremely enjoyable, but it’s not for everybody. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to travel through Mom’s Scarred Womb and destroy what appears to be a giant fetus before taking on Satan. Toodles!

I wish I would have gotten an opportunity to meet more of the Has-Been Heroes, like the anthropologist who became a luchador, and someday I will get there. Most roguelikes cause me to give up in frustration, but Has-Been Heroes is fun enough that I want to keep playing and someday have “teh urn”.

Bye-Bye BoxBoy! is a fitting farewell to Qbby's journey. The final story bits were more impactful than I hoped and there’s still plenty of clever puzzles to solve. Naturally, the game doesn't feel as fresh as the previous two, but the charm is there in spades. Bye-Bye BoxBoy! succeeded in keeping me entertained for over ten hours, which is what I truly want from another BoxBoy! entry. If you want more BoxBoy puzzles, you've come to the right place.

While no co-op mode exists as of this writing, the Switch version will be adding one in the next week. Even still, I’ve played through Little Inferno with multiple people as the communal fun of trying to figure out combos still works even when only one controller does anything. I don’t think Little Inferno is for everyone, but it sure as hell is for me.

World of Goo is a fun puzzle game and a great addition to the Switch eShop. It has addicting gameplay, great artistic production, and is a title that showcases how versatile the Switch really is. Multiplayer is a blast, and the various control options make it easy to play in different situations. If you are a fan of physics-based puzzle games, this is a game you won't want to miss

There is a lot to like about the Switch version of Human Resource Machine. If you’ve never played it before, there is no better place to play it. The control options are sublime with the added benefit of taking it anywhere. The biggest issue of this game remains what it is as a game. There isn't a ton of variety, but the puzzles themselves are quite clever and keep you entertained for quite while. If you ever wanted to be a programmer in a strange abstract world, your craziest wish has been granted.

Between bouts of Zelda, Voez has become a welcome musical break from Hyrule. The music charts in the game are very well designed leading to frantic, musical fun. Voez is a wonderful option for those desiring some rhythm action on the Switch.

Vroom in the Night Sky is the epitome of a rushed launch title, a game that offers so little content that after just a few minutes you’ll have seen just about everything it has to offer. If you’re willing to take the time, you can dive into the game, but it comes at the cost of grinding the same few levels to unlock bikes with better stats that simply serve to make the boring stages end even quicker. If it isn’t abundantly clear yet, this is a game that every Switch owner should pass on.

As a co-op game with single Joy-Con support, Shock Troopers is a winner. It may be simple and silly, but I’ll probably find myself breaking this game out on plane rides for years to come. Shock Troopers was totally worth creating a European Nintendo Account for.

Waku Waku 7 doesn’t really stand out from the crowd in my mind, but the only other game with anywhere near as strange a character roster is probably Darkstalkers, so fighting game or SNK aficionados will probably get a kick of this oddball. For everyone else, though, there are better fighting games out there.

Ultimately World Heroes Perfect is a pretty mediocre fighter, wrapped up in a mix of good and bad emulation. While it may be fun with friends as a way to show off the Joy-Con controllers, it offers very little in the way of a satisfying single player arcade experience. Let us hope that Nintendo’s official Virtual Console fares better.

Blaster Master Zero is the Blaster Master follow-up we’ve been waiting for since 1988. Is it a revolutionary game? Probably not. But it is a dang fine video game that completely (blaster) masters what it sets out to do. With an amazing progression, fun co-op multiplayer, and absolutely gorgeous retro style, Inti Creates has created a new classic and must-buy for the Nintendo Switch.

I did enjoy my time with 1-2-Switch. Its quirky minigames have put smiles on our collective faces and we had a solid time every time we picked it up. Sure, it could have been so much more, but it causes interaction between its players. That is why it is a fine showcase for what the Joy-Con controllers can do. Their array of options are being checked off a list, but never over-emphasizes one aspect of the controllers. If you have an active group of friends who like it wacky, 1-2-Switch will serve you well. Anybody else is probably out of luck here.

A strong base game is at the core of I Am Setsuna, but it’s surrounded by some very depressing environments that make getting the best of the battle system difficult. Bundle up and get ready for a short story with a lot of snow.

No matter how you cut it, Snipperclips is a gem of the Switch eShop, presenting a fresh puzzle experience that is daring and delightfully peculiar. If we’re all lucky, Snipperclips will take off and become the next Pushmo or BoxBoy from Nintendo, showing up every year or so with new puzzles and wrinkles. If you’re looking for a game to compliment Breath of the Wild, this is a grand one.

Where Mario Sports Superstars ultimately falters is it simply didn’t do much to stand out. I’m sure that some will get enjoyment out of this game, but the lack of charm made me not motivated to play it.

When it comes to Super Bomberman R, don’t expect any frills, bells, or whistles. This is a standard edition of a Bomberman experience, with a decent enough story mode and a pretty fun online experience whenever the connection was smooth. Nothing about this game reinvents the franchise, but hey -- as someone who has wanted a new entry in the Bomberman series for years, this game definitely fits the bill.

Fast RMX does a tremendous job of capturing the feeling of blazing around the race track. The combination of visuals, audio and technical prowess makes for an incredibly sound and fun game. The lack of online options at launch is disappointing, but still doesn’t detract from the overall experience. With Fast RMX, Shin'en Multimedia has managed to deliver a triple A experience for a third of the price.

Metal Slug 3 is a great game to have on your Switch. It doesn't feature the best emulation, and the controller options could be clearer, but deep down it is a very solid game full of delicious, sweet eye candy. The ability to play on the go and on your TV seamlessly is definitely a plus, and the overall quirkiness of running and gunning your way through the game will be something you will never forget.

Back to Bed offers a great look into the fascinating world of Bob’s dreams, but sadly you’ll only be there for about two hours. The Wii U version doesn’t include any added content or features, but does support off screen play. While the game stands tall from a presentation aspect, where it lacks most is in the act of playing it. Puzzles offer some clever ideas, but they never truly explore how far each idea could be pushed which results in a simple game that never challenges the player. This might appeal to a casual puzzle fan, but it certainly won’t scratch the itch for veterans of the genre.

You’ll be doing things in Specter of Torment that literally make you say “wow” out loud. It’s a smooth, expertly-crafted platformer filled with heart. Again, it’s a free update to your Wii U and 3DS versions so there’s no reason not to play it. For Switch users, it’s absolutely worth experiencing, as is the rest of the Treasure Trove.

Skylanders Imaginators is yet another well-made adventure filled with charming characters and amusing gameplay. The Switch version is hampered a little bit by the system’s portability and the loss of compatibility with some previous figures is a shame, but it’s still a fine way to play, especially if you long for the days of the Skylanders 3DS games. This is a good time, even if it doesn’t match the highs of past entries in the series.

It truly recaptures the distinct essence of the original Zelda game on NES in a way that feels warm and familiar but also exciting and new. This is an amazing, standout entry in a series with a history dotted with masterpieces. It absolutely reinvents the Zelda style while still staying true to what makes past games work so well. This is a hell of a way to kick off a new console (or close one out if you play it on Wii U), as Breath of the Wild is one of the most impressive games I’ve played in years.

Ultimately, Trio of Towns is a typical Story of Seasons game, no more and no less. It fails to offer longtime fans anything new or interesting, yet still manages to provide the addicting core elements that attracts many to the series. Its heavy tutorials and minor annoyances often get in the way of that fun, so enjoyment often relies on a heavy dose of patience and acceptance. If you can get past these inconveniences, you’ll find a solid farming sim here, but I can’t help but feel like you’d be better off spending your time with other, better games in this genre.

Lifespeed is a good game that I enjoy, but I recognize its shortcomings. I would like to see what Wee Man could do with a sequel, because there’s a solid core here.

Forma.8 offers a beautiful world to explore with a fun set of abilities and an engrossing assortment of bosses. The experience lasts about six to eight hours, but easily much longer if you’re a completionist, as an abundance of hidden items and power ups are nestled throughout. Notwithstanding a few minor issues and lack of GamePad functionality (a constant map would have been greatly appreciated), Forma.8 delivers a great exploration based experience that has left me excited to see what Mixedbag has in store for us next.

The good news is that even though Tank Troopers doesn't feature online play, it does feature very fun local multiplayer and super fun single-player modes. With all of the missions to master, Tanks and Troopers to collect, and good selection of modes to play with your friends, Tank Troopers is a great little game packed with content that would be a great addition to your 3DS library.

Overall, Scribble hits all of the marks of a solid multiplayer party game. It knows what it wants to do and executes well on it. So if you have a bunch people over and want a simple game for an enjoyable time, consider downloading Scribble. Anyone can play it, and everyone will enjoy it.

Fire Emblem Heroes is a streamlined experience that is made for mobile and it doesn't shy away from that fact. It’s the closest thing Fire Emblem has to a bite-sized experience. Don't expect a lot of depth or difficulty from Heroes, but they did make some fine compromises. It helps that it plays wonderfully on a smart device and that the amount of content here is impressive. With 45 main missions (and counting) and a host of other features, they want to continue welcoming people with open arms. The story is really the biggest bummer of the experience. It was a neat idea to bring the Fire Emblem worlds together, but they never really embrace it. That is strange, considering they gave all the characters voices and unique art. The characters still drive forward what this is free-to-play mobile game is all about, and that is gameplay.

Dragon Quest VIII is a magnificent RPG that is an absolute highlight and showcase of the entire genre. It’s a long journey, but it’s one worth taking, especially if you’ve never played it before. I know that, after getting through this game, I need to reassess my personal favorite RPGs of all time. This game is that damn good.

If you are up for a meaty platformer, Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World will keep you entertained throughout February.

Shift DX is a no-nonsense platformer with simplistic graphics, single-screen puzzles, and straightforward progression. The focus on shifting shows the depth of that concept, as the levels rarely feel stagnant and regularly add new twists as you go deeper. This is a fun platformer that’s easy to get lost in.

In the six hours I spent on my first play through of Half-Genie Hero, I found myself smiling at the creative level design, laughing at the whimsical characters, and striving to get better whenever I missed a challenging jump. It’s rare that I ever want to play a game to completion twice, but I absolutely intend to throw myself back into Sequin Land to uncover all the secrets I missed in my first run—maybe I’ll even tackle the “Hero Mode,” which is designed for speed runs.

Super Mario Run is fun and it seems to be perfectly representative of Nintendo’s mobile plans: provide a taste that potentially leads players to their consoles. This isn’t a grand, deep experience, but it has enough inventive twists on Mario platforming to remain fun for a few hours. We’ll check in next week and land on a score.

The game looks good, especially in 3D, and I like the minimalistic but electronica-inspired soundtrack. Hyperlight EX can be very hard, but it’s fun and scratches a couple itches I had. Give it a shot.

Tedium aside, I enjoyed my time with Dragon Ball Fusions. The game’s battle system is pretty enjoyable, and the story is a nice change of pace from normal Dragon Ball games that just parrot stories from the various sagas. It’s nothing revolutionary, and there are certainly some problems here and there, but Dragon Ball Fusions is a fun game that takes its creative license to create an enjoyable experience.

The lack of meaningful level sharing or communication with the full Mario Maker community that has come up over the last year is sad. The local level creation is nice when it’s available, but that’s probably not going to be very often. The ''Maker'' part of the title seems less to matter. While I never made too many levels to begin with, having the possibility missing is something that can't be denied.