Oddworld: Soulstorm – Oddtimized Edition is a darker take that tests the titular Abe in a much bigger quest. The high-quality cinematic style is impressive, and the game plays well overall. It’s less humorous than the original, and lacks that nostalgic factor fans of the ‘90s versions may have. Yet it’s still a challenging and entertaining platformer that will test your patience and prowess.

The Princess Bride Pinball isn’t Zen’s best work with movie licenses, but there’s still some good fun to have here. I appreciate the genuine voices, plus licensing that didn’t jack the price, a la India Jones at $14.99. I can think of no better game to play after eating a nice mutton lettuce and tomato sandwich. Give this DLC a buy.

Battleship is guaranteed entertainment, and this version has several features elevating it beyond a simple board game. My only concern when it comes to replayability and value is the big glitch I encountered. So, even with things to unlock, I have some real pause concerning a solo recommendation. But it’s great in zippy multiplayer, and you don’t need to worry about gathering up small pegs afterward. This isn’t a “best-case scenario” digital version, but no matter how you play it, it’s undeniable that Battleship is still one of the quintessential games.

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore parodies a pair of uncanonical Zelda games while ensuring its experience is more than a one-note joke. The realization of these efforts makes for a good game, but one whose appeal may be limited. Still, the attention to detail here demands respect. How about following up on this release by mocking CD-i’s top-down take, Zelda’s Adventure, next?

While some of its puzzle flow can be hit-or-miss, The Sundew delivers an entertaining graphic adventure. While I hate to see the sound design miss the mark so badly, genre fans should enjoy pointing and clicking their way through this tale’s surprises.

Mystic Pillars is a challenging but fair puzzle game, offering strong visuals, music and story to accompany the puzzles. For anybody who enjoys a fresh challenge Mystic Pillars is worthy of your time.

Although the improv gameplay of What the Dub?! is somewhat basic and repetitive, it presents numerous opportunities for MST3K-style hilarity. You don’t need to be a fan of movies to enjoy this party game; you just need to be quick-witted (or have funny friends).

Murtop is an ’80s arcade throwback that will challenge your reactions and sense of timing in a whimsical (bordering on endearingly silly) world. It is sometimes frustrating working through a level to get things just right, but that’s the nature of the game. It’s a good dose of idle time fun for almost all ages.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox has the type of performance issues we shouldn’t be seeing on consoles these days. When it’s cooking, however, it provides a fully satisfying JRPG adventure for those seeking unique monsters to fight, vast environments to explore, and intriguing mysteries to unravel.

Regina & Mac recreates the ’90s with its retro-inspured 3D worlds. It’s a little on the blocky side, but the mechanics are clever, fun and challenging. The amusing characters are a bonus, too.

Ninja Gaiden II remains a memorable and well-made game (great in respects). But it’s showing its age, even among some of its 8-bit contemporaries. This release is recommended for NES fans, especially those who grew up with it, and can better tolerate its accumulated quirks. Others may consider waiting for a sale, unless you want to support Console Archives from the outset, since the game is also available on Nintendo Switch Online.

I was genuinely surprised by the game’s level of depth outside the cockpit and how much I enjoyed it. If you like simple shooters and sims that extend beyond the tarmac, I’d consider checking this one out.

Flora & Fang: Guardians of the Vampire Garden is the type of game that would’ve kept my friends and I entertained late into a 1980s Saturday night. Familiar arcade gameplay is supplemented by modern tower defense strategies and upgrades, providing more longevity than first expected.

Jet Kave Adventure is a fun action/platformer that anyone can enjoy. It’s a little on the short side (for the price) and could use some extra features to keep the player interested, but it looks great and is easy to play.

While there are many questionable choices present, DariusBurst: Another Chronicle EX+ remains an enjoyable shmup.

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is an effectively updated version of the original Atelier game from Gust. Beneath its modern sheen is a short, retro adventure that forgoes the intricate combat and crafting of the modern Atelier games. Instead, it focuses on a time management loop that’s open enough to warrant multiple playthroughs for those seeking a cute and gentle journey.

Shuten Order is so all over the place that its eShop listing doesn’t even provide a genre. But don’t take that as a lack of focus; this game knows what it wants to accomplish, and does so effectively. Players seeking a text-heavy adventure with uncomfortable choices to make are in for a wild (albeit occasionally overlong) time.

Giga Wrecker Alt is a pretty cool game. It has some issues and likely won’t compel all players to keep going, but the puzzles are good, and getting to throw a ton of junk to smash a robot is always fun. The game looks good, sounds good, and offers plenty of play time, so get in there and wreck it.

Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled is an awesome remake I would love to have played more of…if I were able to. I’m really hoping for an update or some word from Activision support so I can really get into the game and play some online matches.

Ufouria: The Saga 2 is a fun platformer full of cuteness and quirkiness. The colors and music pop, and the platforming is simple yet solid, though the adventure could be considered too easy for veterans.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III drops JRPGo fans into the middle of a massive story arc and then has a tendency to meander. However, it provides more than enough thrills and compelling moments to make this an adventure worth taking.

There’s No Dinosaurs 2 offers a cute hidden-object outing with enough extras to keep players engaged despite its simplicity.

Treasure Temples is a solid option for those seeking low-pressure puzzle gameplay. The redundant visuals and lack of a narrative are easily overcome by clever levels, fun boss challenges, and a unique two-explorer approach to puzzle solving. It’s just too bad that “two-explorer” does not equate “two-player.”

With its methodical, unforgiving gameplay, Aragami: Shadow Edition is not for everyone. However, it doesn’t try to be. It’s aimed squarely at the Tenchu crowd, with whom it should be a hit. If you’re a younger gamer who’s never tried a true stealth game, Aragami is a great place to start.

Overall, one does not have to be a massive fan of basketball to appreciate this game. Being a fan of basketball only adds to the enjoyment. If you enjoy playing sports games and are looking for a good basketball game NBA 2K 21 is undoubtedly that game to add to your collection.

Although it falls just short of the similar (but more intricate) Atelier games, those who enjoyed them will be entertained by Blue Reflection: Second Light. The fun characters, moving story, and familiar (albeit lighter) crafting / battle systems typical of Gust games are a great way to fill the time while we await the release of Atelier Sophie 2.

Cinders breathes new life into a tired fairytale in a way that is smart, dark and funny.

If you’re looking for some exercise, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is a good option on the Nintendo Switch. With the Just Dance series stagnating, and Ring Fit Adventure expensive, this is a solid alternative. Even if you aren’t a fan of boxing (I’m not), you’ll be able to enjoy this sequel.

In SUBNET – Escape Room Adventure, you have to solve puzzles in an escape room type-of-way in order to progress and save the subway from a vicious terrorist attack. It’s not the most original puzzle game out there, but the eerie environment and diverse puzzles make for a fun time that’s well worth the asking price.

While I can’t say I’ll reach for this over its predecessors, Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! Is a good (replayable) entry more often than not, and recommended. Younger players and families who can enjoy local co-op should have this higher on their wishlist than solo players who might wait for a sale (or update with more online options). The new Puzzle Bobble vs. Space Invaders is a sizable draw!

To the Rescue! is a cute management sim in which you run a dog shelter that houses and helps dogs find their new homes. Taking care of the dogs, the building, and the finances makes for a fun and highly interactive experience.

Word Forward is a good palette cleanser between games or when you are looking for a brain teaser. You most likely won’t be playing it for several hours in a row (although with the number of puzzles, you certainly can). The puzzles are short, and unlike other word puzzles out on the Switch, it doesn’t incorporate any story or gimmicks. Instead, it’s a straightforward puzzle game that will provide you with plenty of challenges.

Hundred Days – Winemaking Simulator offers quite a bit. With the different modes, there is plenty here to keep you busy. While the story is certainly the primary focus of the game, I found I learned more by playing the endless mode. That being said, I wish there was more to the tutorial to help you understand what you need to do to grow your winery. If you enjoy in-depth simulators, Hundred Days – Winemaking Simulator will not disappoint.

Brain Show is a snarky trivia game (aren’t they all these days?) in which up to eight (local) players face challenges involving questions centered around pretty much any category you can think of. Hosted like a TV game show, Brain Show has a fun sense of humor that keeps things enjoyable and challenging.

12 is Better Than 6 provides quick, intense battles coupled with a great soundtrack and visuals. I had an enjoyable time in the Wild West – much more than expected. A few tweaks could go a long way, but as it is, I highly recommend this game to anyone looking for something unique in the twin-stick genre.

It is a shame Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy doesn’t do anything special for today’s age of gaming, but everything that is done, is flawless. The graphics aren’t anything special, but they are crisp and get the job done. While I wish more were added, such as rotational storytelling, the franchise itself might need a possible reboot to better fit in with modern-day elements. Perhaps an open world-based game with visual storytelling elements like text at the bottom?

Time Loader isn’t a long game, but it satisfies through its take on time travel. The story intrigues, the bot character is fun, and the audio design is on the ball. There are some final act issues, but I still recommend the game for those drawn to the plot and with ‘90s nostalgia.

Mirage Ignis Fatuus is a clever little puzzle outing. The story and graphics go a long way to making this stand out. Some extra incentive to replay, however, or a hint system to help with the more frustrating situations, would be a welcome addition.

Armed Emeth isn’t pricey, and it’s an entertaining retro RPG for all ages, with a good presentation and a decent story.

Flutter Away is a very peaceful and relaxing collection game in which you explore the rainforest, capture new butterfly species on camera, and befriend capybaras. Though it is a very simple and quick playthrough, Flutter Away provides a warm and fun environment to explore while it lasts.

The retro point-and-click adventure game, Unusual Findings, is full of puzzles, colorful characters, sometimes odd conversation, and aliens—what more could you ask for? Our heroes share some witty banter, get into all sorts of trouble, and get to save the world, if they are successful.

Kansei: The Second Turn HD is well presented, providing an interesting mystery to solve. Although I didn’t find myself becoming overly attached to the characters, it provides an entertaining way to spend a few hours if you’re into visual novels.

Mega Man Battle & Fighters feels right at home besides its console, mainline counterparts. The controls are super tight, the visuals are extremely pretty, and the boss battles are equally challenging but rewarding. Mega Man fans will feel right at home with this set of fighting games. That said, the localization is completely non-existent, making it pretty much impossible to understand anything in the game (including menu navigation). Deal breaking? No, but keep Google Translate open at all times. For people who aren’t fans of the Mega Man formula, Mega Man Battle & Fighters doesn’t do anything different that might pull you in. It’s a Mega Man-style game through and through, so if that isn’t your thing, you might want to look elsewhere.

Even if you’re not a fan of the show, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is still a good game as far as multiplayer arcade fighters go. If you ARE a fan of the show, you’ll really want to add this to your library.

Point-and-click adventure fans may be surprised by the more depressing tone of Leila, but the art style, emotional story, and challenging puzzles will carry them through. The game’s themes can feel heavy, but leave the player with a sense of hope.

Drop into the photorealistic world of AntVentor! Despite the lack of dialog, this point-and-click game strikes a nice balance between humor and puzzle-solving. While some of the hints and challenges are difficult, I do believe AntVentor is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Alphadia III is an update to a Japanese mobile game released in 2009. You won’t be tricked into thinking you’re playing something entirely new—and that’s a-okay. The two-year gap between the original and this follow-up is noticeable, with slight upticks to the visuals, some of the writing, and especially the addition of a six-member party. It’ll keep you invested even with customary looks, sounds, and routine gameplay. While not innovative, it delivers familiar fun with more pros than cons, particularly for series fans.

The Last Cube is a challenging (but fair) logic game that can be enjoyed by both casual and hard-core puzzle solvers. The interesting visuals and strict focus on the puzzles create an atmosphere in which it’s easy to stay lost even when frustration starts to set in.

Camp Sunshine is a short but fun take on ’80s slasher movies. The 16-bit graphics fit the era, and the balance of puzzles, fetch quests, and survival horror will keep players entertained over the course of this bloody night in the woods.

Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath offers one of the coolest reload mechanics in gaming history when it has you rustle up your own ammo. Lack of interesting puzzles make this feel more like an FPS with a good story when compared to previous entries in the series.

With the eShop seemingly overrun with roguelike titles, Black Future ‘88 doesn’t overuse the idea. It does a good job of giving options for exploration to the player.

Overall, if you are looking for a nice tale to dip your toes into and finish in one sitting, this game is for you. If you are looking for a game that you will delve into for a long while, well, you won’t find that here. The game offers an indulging story of a mother’s disappearance, but with a splash of color. It’s gorgeous art style and meaningful mechanics make this game a worthwhile addition to all Switch libraries; that is, once a sale happens or more content is added.

What Big Bang Pro Wrestling does well, it does very well. The detail in each character and animation is impressive, especially for a game that was initially released on a handheld system over twenty years ago. More options for wrestlers would have been an excellent addition. In addition, the button timing mechanic is frustrating.

Just Dance 2025 doesn’t offer much more than its pervious versions, but it’s still just as fun. Featuring around 40 songs, it creates an inclusive environment for all types of people regardless of skill or mobility. Whether you’re playing for fun or as a workout, Just Dance 2025 is as engaging as ever.

Ganbare! Super Strikers is a fun tactical RPG that happens to feature soccer players. The turn-based approach works well overall, though the formula can wear a little thin after playing several matches in a row.

The Colonists is a solid game with a less-than-solid feeling port. However, it still is good fun on Switch.

Dread Nautical provides a very good turn-based adventure underneath an unfortunately cartoonish presentation. It can’t quite figure out if it wants to be scary or goofy, but the gameplay and level designs are deep enough to keep players engaged throughout.

Deadcraft has a goofy tone that’s reminiscent of the Borderlands series; hyperviolent with a light comedic touch. It’s one of those games that finds the fun in treading the line between complete immorality and also trying to do the right thing.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is an enjoyable mash-up of every single Marvel character you can think of in a unique LEGO environment. It’s not my favorite LEGO game, however the sheer amount of Marvel characters makes it fun for any fan. Keep in mind this is an eight-year-old game, so maybe watch for a sale on this one.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots clearly needed more practice before teeing off on the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, some necessary updates have significantly improved the game; however, one could argue that even more improvements are desired. I’m glad I held off on this review, because now (as a fan of video golf), I can appreciate it as a pretty good and content-rich title. Those less forgiving of its restrictive unlockable structure might bump it down a point, and wait to grab the game on sale.

If you’re looking for something that’s creepy without being violent are gory, the puzzle game Smile for Me is for you. It effectively uses its low-fi graphics and video to create a point-and-click adventure that unnerves you without resorting to jump scares and violence.

Process of Elimination is a fun visual novel in which you must solve a murder mystery on an island of super-detectives. Actual gameplay is light, but the bonkers story, mini-games, and detective puzzles make this a mystery worth solving.

Potion Party is a fun game to play with others but isn’t anywhere near as fun by yourself. It is never too challenging but does just enough to make you think about every obstacle.

Super Crazy Rhythm Castle is a chaotic mix of gaming tasks and music styles that will continue to surprise and delight players throughout…provided the required rhythm precision doesn’t turn them away first. Definitely don’t try it alone, and make sure your co-op partners—either locally or online—are fully up to speed as you progress.

Grood is a fast-paced shooter that’s fun and easy to pick up and play. It comes with two warnings: it’s highly addictive, and it’s very challening.

Re:Turn – One Way Trip isn’t a terribly long or frightening excursion, but those seeking a good puzzle adventure with an emotionally-rich story and a take-charge female protagonist will be happy they bought the ticket.

Pulstario is another frustrating arcade experience that has just enough to offer to make it something that sets itself apart. Between the killer soundtrack and accessibility options, I found myself not able to put it down until I had beaten its 30-minute campaign.

Overall I enjoyed my time with Shadowgate. I found myself frustrated from time to time but still really immersed in the game. As admitted above I am not always the fondest of this genre however fans of the adventure point-and-click games may find more enjoyment. If you are a fan of the genre or just want to give the style a try Shadowagate certainly is a good starting point. The story is compelling and the music and graphics are great.

Intrepid Izzy is a clear labor of love that looks great and plays well, although minor flaws stop it from being perfect. If you enjoy Shantae’s adventures, this is a nice homage to that series.

Puzzle fans seeking a light diversion may not want to devote the time required to solve some of the later challenges in Mushroom Quest, but serious solvers are going to be pleased with this purchase. Long live the block (and the mushrooms that push it).

Lambs on the Road: The Beginning can be completed in less than an hour, but it is only $2.99. It’s a good start, with a bit of polish and if they expand on some of the ideas, there’s a good foundation here. Hopefully more will be released soon to continue John’s journey, in this dark and interesting world.

This is a slow-paced game, and my modest fish hauls suggest it will be a while before it picks up speed. Still, while I’m no simulation enthusiast (and perhaps never will be), I’ve had success insofar as I’ve been entertained. Fishing: Barents Sea Complete Edition is a good title, albeit one Nintendo Switch owners might want to grab at a discount sale price.

The asking price of $17.99 does seem a bit high considering it’s $5 more when compared to the price on other consoles. Nonetheless, Robbie Swifthand and the Orb of Mysteries, even if it doesn’t steal your love away from your favorite platformer, is still a good game.

Lost Ember provides players with an open world to explore through the viewpoint of various animals. And although it can be effective, its high price and downgraded graphics mean the Nintendo Switch may not be the best way to play it.

Megaquarium is a solid simulation game with plenty of content. Its simple gameplay can get hectic quickly. If you’re a fan of tycoon games, this is one to try.

While light on gameplay, Scheming Through the Zombie Apocalypse: the Beginning makes up for it with charm that comes from the main protagonists. Mix that in with a colorful cast of side characters and colorful art style, and you have an interesting twist on the zombie apocalypse.

While lacking the capability to play online with friends, Epitaph is a fun game with a unique combat system, fun art style, and a great puzzle mode that adds to an overall positive experience.

It’s a solid beat-em-up with solid gameplay that brings back some of the fun of the arcade classics like Double Dragon and Final Fight. But once you beat it, unless you absolutely have to have the best leaderboard score, you’ll hardly touch it again. If you love old school games as I do, this game isn’t a complete waste of cash for the price. The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors isn’t a bad game, just not a great one.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with Colorful Colore. It’s a fun puzzle game, even if it didn’t keep me busy for too long. If you’re looking for something short and sweet that will still give you a bit of a challenge, be sure to pick this one up.

While I enjoyed WARSAW the only real complaint I had was the difficulty from time to time. Overall the game looked good and was an enjoyable experience. Those who prefer less of a challenging experience should look elsewhere because WARSAW offers a challenging but rewarding turn-based strategy game.

If challenging games aren’t your thing, it would probably be best to stay away from Puss! However, overall, Puss! is a fairly decent game for those who enjoy a challenge, it certainly won’t disappoint.

Urban Trial Tricky is a fun casual game. Some tricks and combos can be tricky to master, but they’re exciting to pull off. There are plenty of short and sweet levels to keep you entertained. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun for short bursts and will appeal to those who chase high scores.

Doraemon’s second Story of Seasons outing is another crossover event that’s likely to appeal to fans of both Doraemon and Story of Seasons. It looks fantastic and has a deep narrative, however the story can get it in the way of the actual farming at times.

Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade offers great visuals and slick combat that will initially appeal to fans of roguelites and action RPGs. But unless you’re into the slow grind of repetitive battles, you’ll likely sheath this blade earlier than expected.

Alter Age is worth checking out if you’re a fan of RPGs. It runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch and has many fun mechanics to try, though some features may not be needed.

One Night: Burlesque isn’t one of those indies where the fantastic gameplay spawns a cult of followers who keep it alive in tournaments. There’s very little actual “game” here. But if you’re a fan of visually innovative storytelling and want a movie-length experience, I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Although some of the new Camera Obscura features exacerbate an already unwieldy control system, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake does more than enough to please fans of this outstanding and highly distinctive series. Play it with the lights off.

Shadow Labyrinth moves Pac-Man from his traditional mazes to the caverns of a dying planet, and will likely lose classic arcade fans along the way. But although it makes some gameplay and design mistakes that should have been avoidable, it’s weird enough to provide some fun for fans of 2D platformers.

The gameplay here is satisfying enough to feel like it was worth your hard-earned cash, although I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who is looking for a game with all the elements of a modern day game–you will not find that here.

While this game may not have a lot of wow-factor, it is visually pleasing and the battle-mechanics are built for players who enjoy an adaptable hack-and-slash play style.

Space Adventure Cobra – Awakening combines the style of its early ’80s anime source material with the complexity of modern action-platformers to create a game full of…well, style and complexity. It’s not without its hardships, but those up for the challenge will be entertained.

Kirby Fighters 2 will certainly appeal to fans of the franchise, as will anyone who enjoys playing as the Kirby characters in Super Smash Bros. It’s not a game to which you’ll likely return, however, once the initial charm wears off.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore offers tower defense and RTS fans a level of learning and resource management that engages without ever hitting overload. It’s not my favorite tower defense game, but the quality artwork, interesting story, and solid gameplay should have genre fans (and fans of the original version) pleased with its Switch release.

Action Arcade Wrestling is a beautiful and smooth game that’s very attractively priced. Easy to pick up and play, it boasts a deep (but separate) creator’s tool with plenty of community-created wrestlers to download. What it does, it does well. But it’s missing features to make it a great game, specifically a career or federation mode. The framework is there, so hopefully, we will see that in the future.

A short game, Under Leaves is probably one to add to your wishlist for a deeper discount. That said, it’s a delightful title to chill with and impressed me in many ways. I hope to see more from the small indie team at Circus Atos.

Grace of Letoile has a fun, turn-based battle gimmick that’s unfortunately underused throughout the game. Thankfully, the brisk story and engaging characters push the game along when combat starts to feel redundant, making it a worthwhile side quest between your more epic adventures.

If you have not played the first Windjammers game and are interested in the franchise, with all of the new additions to Windjammers 2, you can’t go wrong with this one. However, if you’ve played the first Windjammers and are still having a great time with it, I would suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing this entry.

I’d like to see a longer sequel go all-out with the soundtrack, but Growbot’s fun characters and unique puzzles make it a good choice, albeit one for a future sale.