With some improvements, Lumen Tale: Memories of Trey could be a stellar game. As it stands, it falls in the good but not great area. Pokémon fans may find it’s arguably worth the price tag, but the battle and capture mechanics fetter the fun.

As the name implies, Smalland: Survive the Wilds, is all about survival. Set in a compelling environment that rewards exploration and tenacity, its gameplay loop will keep crafters and builders quite busy. However, with no notable narrative, it really requires a consistent co-op team to fully flourish.

Overall, Mina the Hollower is a well-designed, retro-inspired game. It demonstrates that Yacht Club Games is about more than just Shovel Knight. It looks more like Zelda than it actually plays, making it a tough outing. Plus, there’s no map (by default). However, the exploration, lore, graphics, and soundtrack make this a fun journey nonetheless. It’ll be interesting to see what’s next for the team, though I imagine that’s a long way off.

Decollate Decoration combines intense but subtle storytelling with creepy imagery that gets increasingly scarier the longer you play. Those looking for something short and easy, but also well crafted and thought out, will enjoy this narrative adventure. But even with multiple endings, this journey to the afterlife is very short.

The enthusiasm and talent of the Blue Backpack team shine through from beginning to end in Constance. Eccentricities and all, this fluid action-adventure comes highly recommended. I had a blast beating the game and pushing as close to 100% completion as possible; there is simply so much to discover here. I’m excited to see what’s next (DLC) from the studio—their prior work, Trüberbrook, is also worth a look. A different type of game entirely, but one with quirky charm too.

Drill Core is a good-looking game with a relatively unique combination of tower defense and resource management gameplay. It gives players plenty to work with once they’re on the job, but unfriendly onboarding and clunky controls will prevent some from getting there.

Quartet is delightful, with wonderfully designed characters, superb graphics and audio, and retro stylings reminiscent of the glory days of the ‘90s. Fans of turn-based, top-down JRPGs should definitely check out Quartet.

Tears Revolude covers the RPG essentials, checking all the boxes and even throwing in a few unique wrinkles, but without elevating itself next to its eShop peers. The ease of the proceedings, combined with the brisker pace, makes the characters and, by extension, the entire game a bit forgettable. But even if it won’t stay with you, you certainly won’t regret grabbing Tears Revolude at a discount. It’s still a solidly enjoyable game that’ll hold your interest.

Collector’s Cove is the ultimate cozy game where you can sink hours into with its adorable chill vibes. However, the game might get repetitive after a little while.

Akuma Rise has a few fun tricks up its sleeve with the turn-based battle elements and its demon-centric narrative, but otherwise follows the tried and true (and a bit tired) tropes for tactical, retro JRPGs. How you feel about that will depend upon your affinity for the genre, but fans should find enough to like.

For a collectathon, Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen does a decent enough job, and kids will appreciate the uncomplicated gameplay and callbacks to the show. A few more game mechanics, greater variability between zones, and a lengthier storyline, and this had the potential to be something far greater.

Products of their times, the Mega Man Star Force trilogy is unlikely to expand its niche audience. But those who came of age alongside protagonist Geo Stelar, this card-battling RPG collection will surely make you happy. Everyone else can wishlist it for a sale, or check out some of the superior Mega Man collections Capcom has on the Switch eShop.

Blue Prince is a mysterious title that will keep you wanting to “try one more time.” Once you understand how the game works, the motion of it is fluid and will require you to put your thinking cap on.

Narratively, Starbites is a breath of fresh air for RPG fans. It’s well-paced and engaging from start to finish (albeit with some exploration redundancy), and the turn-based combat is well-implemented. On the Switch, however, the visuals are a polluted mess. If you’re willing to wait for the delayed Switch 2 version, do.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a story driven puzzle platformer that focuses on atmosphere and character connection. The puzzles are varied but generally easy, keeping the experience smooth and well-paced. While it’s polished and engaging, its short length and light challenge may leave some players wanting more.

Spica Adventure pulls off the unique trick of making you feel nostalgic for a game you’ve likely never played before. Kinetic, frenetic, perhaps even system syncretic, it’s a fun call-back to the heyday of chipper action platformers.

Overall, Back to the Dawn is fantastic. There’s so much to do that you’ll be kept busy for many, many hours. I found myself thinking about my in-game plans before real-life bed – it just gets in your head. The retro graphics, fun characters, and seemingly endless quests all add towards a game that’s well worth your time.

Overall, Tokyo Scramble is a decent survival game. It’s a little rough around the edges, with a few graphical hiccups. The cute dialogue doesn’t always fit in, but then again, this is Tokyo! It’s the perfect setting for such a quirky game, and I enjoyed discovering what was hiding around each corner. I’d prefer a third, easier mode, or some way to mitigate the tricky sections with hints. But otherwise, this was a much better experience than I’ve read about online.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream thrives on chaos, creativity, and offbeat humor, offering a constantly evolving experience that improves on the original. It isn’t deeply structured, but that unpredictability is where the fun comes from. While future updates and larger DLC would help reduce repetition, its charm still holds strong. It’s a unique and worthwhile pick for anyone wanting something fresh and different.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a natural fit for the Nintendo Switch 2 in both presentation and gameplay. It could (and should) have done a bit more to introduce newcomers to the elements of this world, but it offers a charming, occasionally dark adventure that will fully engage players once they settle in.

Dread Delusion is a first-person action RPG that conflicts with the genre at nearly every turn. The visuals, pacing, and gameplay create a wholly unique experience that won’t be for everyone. Those who connect with its general vibe, however, will get a game they’ll want to discuss repeatedly with anyone who’s played it.

Overall, The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is a fun experience that’s light on the metroidvania aspects. It’s well designed and executed, if a little short. This makes it an easy way to pass a few hours, and it scratches that exploration itch. It might be a little crude at times, but The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest was a game I think I’ll remember in a sea of similar titles.

Trash Goblin is a cozy sim in which you play as a goblin in charge of a travelling cart. You find, clean, and upgrade different kinds of antiques—from trinkets to weapons—and sell them for a profit. Help local townfolk, get to know different creatures, and enjoy the fantasy elements as you upgrade your tools and shop, becoming a master of your craft.

SHINONOME ABYSS The Maiden Exorcist is a roguelite action/puzzle game that changes up the approach to each. It presents a fun environment that challenges players to be inventive with limited resources, creating a rewarding experience for those who aren’t put off by the game’s deliberate pacing.

Overall, the Switch 2 edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a lovely update that provides plenty to do. While some fans will lament the lack of much content for solo players, remember this is basically DLC. I, too, want a new Mario outing; for now, this is a pretty fun addition to a wonderful game.

The roguelite action game, Devil Jam, can be a bit of a grind to start, but it has potential with some interesting strategic elements, battle effects, and heavy metal approach to gameplay. It’s a respectable “not bad”, but it may need a little help.

Dragon Spira will keep you busy with plenty to do in this JRPG, including a solid storyline and fun gameplay mechanics.

As expected from Flynn’s Arcade, Living Dead House is another retro action game that perfectly captures the look and feel of an ’80s arcade machine. The gameplay may start to wear thin after a bit, but like the era it emulates, it offers tremendous fun a few rounds at a time.