Jet Set Knights is a fun game to pick up and play once in a while. It’s a good challenge, but you’ll need some local friends to truly have a good time with the game.

I credit Falcom for continually tweaking the action JRPG elements of the Ys series, this time introducing naval battles and restricting melee combat to just two characters. Not everything works in Ys X: Nordics, but the open exploration and streamlined combat compensate for the elements that frustrate.

SNK GALS’ FIGHTERS will find success on the Nintendo Switch by appealing to nostalgia. Those who can appreciate what this 2D fighter did back in the day should still appreciate it now, shallowness and all. Especially at only $7.99, considering an original cart could find you spending hundreds.

As far as arcade puzzle games go, Quadroids will likely be a bit too much for most single players to wrap their brain around. If you’re not worried about leaderboards, however, there’s plenty of fun to be had when taking on the mind-bending action with others.

Overall, Catch a Duck was a fun experience. Outwitting the larger predators by getting them caught in traps, or forcing the hunters to shoot each other, was enjoyable. The puzzles were challenging but not overly difficult, which is appreciated. Catch a Duck isn’t anything too groundbreaking, but it’s a fun title that is priced right and worth your time.

There are certainly elements of Tamarak Trail that it would be nice to see given more of an opportunity to shine. However, the aspects that have been a core focus are very polished, resulting in an addictive game that checks all the boxes for its genre at a reasonable price for the gameplay you get.

Adventure of Samsara is a true metroidvania in every sense of the word. Sprawling maps, tricky combat, collectibles, upgrades; it’s got it all. Things may start slowly, but there’s a worthy adventure lying beneath the surface.

Beat-em-ups are a dime a dozen, but 9 Monkeys of Shaolin is at the very least different from many of the other offerings on the Switch. From the complexity of the combat system which offers plenty of potential for variety in gameplay, to the inspired visual presentation, it’s easy to recommend to any fan of the beat-em-up genre.

I do wish the time-honored gameplay was offset a bit more by balanced, polished, and tighter design at times. But if you’re “ready for a blast of funky nostalgia” the sense of déja vu that comes from familiar fun won’t be a negative.

Spirit of the North is an atmospheric, evocative adventure game with puzzle/platforming elements that—despite being clumsily implemented in parts—are ultimately rewarding if you stick with it.

My gaming acumen recognizes Rakuen: Deluxe Edition as a high-quality release that checks most of the right boxes. At the same time, this is a title I simply never want to play again and am anxious to forget. Its heavy-handed final act is unpleasantly predictable, making a game that felt fresh feel paradoxically clichéd. People grieve differently, and many will meld with this finished product. But I’m left saying it’s a good game that’s not for me: too bitter without enough sweetness to offset it.

RemiLore is a fast-paced satisfying rogue-lite game with randomized level maps, fun hack-and-slash moves, and smooth controls. If the save mechanic was better, this would be a top-notch game.

In the end, Sonic Superstars is a fun, modern take on the classic 2D Sonic formula. Its solid moment to moment gameplay, fun new visual style, and great soundtrack make for a very fun experience. The game falters a bit in the new addition of Emerald Powers, which aren’t fun to collect and aren’t useful when collected. The major difficulty spikes in mid-stage bosses and end bosses make for a frustrating combat experience rather than a rewarding one. Still, Sonic Superstars manages to pull together an experience old and new Sonic fans—or 2D platforming fans in general—will get plenty of enjoyment out of.

Epic Word Search Collection 2 is a relaxing puzzle game that you can pick up and play whenever you feel so inclined.

Decarnation is a unique horror puzzler that tries to make sense of the main character’s emotional breakdown in ways that don’t make sense. It effectively keeps players off balance throughout, but also in ways that knock the gameplay off balance, unfortunately.

Convergence: A League of Legends story is a fun Metroidvania-style game fans of the genre should keep on their radar. Its smart platforming, tough enemies, and unique eye-catching visuals make for a really fun experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Its lack of backtracking will definitely divide fans of the genre, who either will love the simple “you see everything in your first go” or become upset that there isn’t a reason to go back. Convergence does also suffer from performance problems on Nintendo Switch, which, while not game breaking, will make your experience even harder. That said, Convergence: A League of Legends story is quite a fun time and a great way to get into the larger League of Legends universe.

Evertried is a welcome take on the rogue like genre. Although it can feel repetitive, the turn-based gameplay is a refreshing take.

This game is a port from the mobile device market and brought to the Switch with a decent amount of content and plenty of challenges to keep you busy for a good amount of time. While adding an expanded set of controls to use with your TV is a great idea, I found that it was more frustrating than fun. That aside, Vandals is fun and worth the $3.99 price tag.

Panic Porcupine is a fast-paced Sonic and Meat Boy mashup/clone with a fun, vintage feel. Are you looking for a relaxing game? You’ve come to the wrong place; Panic Porcupine is hard. After a while, it can feel a little repetitive too. However, it’s at least easy to pick up, feeling familiar and nostalgic. I recommend it to anyone looking for a challenge.

Super Dinoblasters is a fun little indie platformer that provides an enjoyable experience at a discount price. With retro throwbacks and visuals, you can tell a lot of love has been put into development. With some minor tweaks and a speed increase, plus a few more levels, this one has real potential.

Running on Magic is a runner platformer that puts players in a challenging but light-hearted race against the Grim Reaper himself. Its whimsical presentation and procedurally generated levels keep things interesting for its somewhat short lifespan, just don’t expect it to be more than it claims to be.

Is this 22-year-old game worth your time? Absolutely. There’s a reason why it’s being re-released for cutting-edge systems, and if you’re willing to engage with its idiosyncrasies, old-school mechanics and graphics, and interface oddities, there’s a frankly wonderful story that will grab you while also allowing you to understand how many other games it has influenced.

If detail management is not your cup of tea, your experience with Cladun X3 may end in frustration. With that considered, this is a very well-built action adventure that provides enough fun and depth to occupy dedicated players for quite a while.

While it’s nothing new in the realm of retro puzzle platformers, More Dark has enough value to keep you engaged throughout some of its brain-teasing levels.

Overall, Type:Rider is like playing through a work of art with good music, excellent visuals, and an interesting and unique concept, but not without some flaws. It’s still a good deal at $2.99 and might be worth a look.

With Shin Megami Tensei V, Atlus has done a solid job of updating the series over to the Nintendo Switch. The new gameplay elements are mostly welcome, and press turn combat and demon fusing elements are better than ever. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the story, which never even begins to get interesting.

Overall, Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty is a good game. That said, it hasn’t made me as interested in its sequels (that I’ve yet to play) as I thought it would. If anything, it makes me long for the original with its, if not timeless, nostalgic visuals. But the accessibility tweaks make this entry useful for new players who’ve yet to experience it.

Melbits World is, by far, one of the cutest puzzle-platformers you will play through. Utilizing that charm, cuteness, and design, this title offers something I could see families playing through together, but the lack of single player and replayability hurt the overall package.

Though not the flashiest, After Wave: Downfall is a pretty good release for fans of the shooter genre. While it has a dated look, the water theme and enemy diversity make it a somewhat unique game that I’d recommend for co-op players. While tackling it solo is less enjoyable, there’s more than enough to keep you busy here, and you’ll have to play for quite a while before you unlock everything.

Starward Rogue presents a solid shooter experience with a rocking soundtrack and plenty of action as you blast your way through five floors of bullet-riddled mayhem.

FAIRY TAIL 2 is JRPG-lite. The story and combat mechanics are both easy to take in and work through, but it will leave genre fans a bit hungry—especially if you’re used to meatier adventures or have little knowledge of the Fairy Tail universe.

Circus Electrique is unlike any other RPG. Genre fans who like deep stat management will find a lot to like here. The mix of circus management and combat makes for a unique experience, although the management aspect does disrupt the flow. The game’s strength is in its storytelling and how well the voice acting and art compliment the narrative. The preferred way to play this game is on the TV, as in handheld mode, it’s difficult to read the text or see the different icons for the characters.

The Dark Prophecy is a fun little point-and-click adventure. All the puzzles make enough sense, and you can finish the whole thing in under an hour. It teases further parts of the story, and this certainly feels like the first chapter of what will hopefully be a longer tale.

Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is fun, but some significant issues (at least on Switch) make it fall slightly short of its predecessor. It might be better to grab this one on sale or when DLC arrives (hopefully with a performance patch). Creative types might not want to wait that long.

Ultra Age may not be a complete package, offering little outside it’s compelling combat. However, the moment to moment gameplay is incredibly enjoyable, even if the Nintendo Switch version of the game is noticeably stripped back.

Gloomy Eyes provides a gently creepy experience that should appeal to younger gamers seeking a light puzzle/adventure challenge. Because of its short playtime and disappointing Switch visuals, however, consider its price (and perhaps other platforms) before exploring its gloomy, yes, but heartwarming world.

Yes, Your Grace is a short but absorbing game that strikes a sweet balance between the concerns of a kingdom and a family.

Overall, Manifold Garden is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it has mesmerizing visuals, good puzzles, and a calming atmosphere. But there are a few negatives, like headaches, and music which lulls you to sleep. Priced at $19.99, I would recommend picking it up only if it’s interesting to you and on sale.

Gardener’s Path is a fun puzzle game if you’re looking to kill a couple of hours. The graphics and music are charming, and the controls are smooth. However, it might not hold your attention for long periods.

Chicken Run: Eggstraction is a solid movie companion game that picks up where Dawn of the Nugget left off, complimenting action platforming adventure with cinematic cutscenes rich with Aardman’s signature style and humour.

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection is more about peculiarity than playability. If you’re into NES-era oddities, all three games will deliver despite their difficulty. Priced to move, it’s a fun collection to experience. Just don’t expect that experience to last.

Awesome 16-bit graphics and nostalgia will distract you from the sluggish gameplay. Players unfamiliar with retro brawlers should probably skip out on this one. But if you’re a fan of the River City series and want to take a trip back in time, this is a good place to start.

This game has a few sizable issues that hold it back from greatness. But for genre fans, Trüberbrook succeeds thanks to its sci-fi plot, quirky voice-acted characters, and exceptional aesthetics.

Miden Tower is well done. The RPG mechanics are spot on, but the story and characters were lacking.

Aspire: Ina’s Tale combines a puzzle platformer structure with a rich magical story and a beautifully designed world to create a fun, if brief, adventure.

Gal*Gun Double Peace is an on-rails shooter with light elements of a dating sim. The lightly smutty aspect of the game is unashamedly its big selling point, but if you get into the mechanics of playing it successfully, you can get some solid gaming entertainment out of it.

Speed Crew is a fun game to play with the family or a group of friends, but I don’t recommend playing by yourself. If you’re a fan of co-op games like Overcooked or Moving out, Speed Crew will be a game you enjoy. However, if you’re looking for something to play alone, I’d skip this one.

This port is certainly nothing to write home about, but the core game is a classic, priced at just $14.99. Nostalgia, and the ability to play in handheld mode, are enough to recommend STAR WARS Episode I Racer on the Nintendo Switch eShop to fans.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon bends and cracks under the weight of what it must carry as we begin the final chapters of this massive story. But its components—familiar and new—hold up well enough to entertain those who have followed the series so far.

Youropa is a special puzzle game that manages to do enough memorable things to keep you interested and invested. Smart puzzle designs make the game a fun challenge to complete, along with clever new abilities you unlock as you play. The big miss here is its painting mechanic, which it describes as an important aspect, but rarely ever uses the feature. Youropa offers plenty of variety to keep you playing throughout its adventure.

Ayo the Clown isn’t the most original game, but it’s a solid, colorful platformer. An ill-fitting idea here or there and a sluggish pace shouldn’t stop kids from enjoying a playthrough, even if they don’t go back to 100% the game. Give me a sequel that edits itself a bit, add a two-player mode, and you’ll have a real winner.

The visuals and roguelike elements of World of Horror combine to create a wholly unique experience for Switch users. The gameplay loop does become repetitive rather quickly, but the short gaming sessions and changing relationship between events make this a successful and scary diversion from the norm.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion will thrill fans of mech-based combat. There’s no shortage of customization options or enemies to pound down with your optimized loadouts. Those looking for a more narrative adventure, however, may eventually tire of the explore, fight, rejuvenate/optimize loop.

KinnikuNeko: Super Muscle Cat is obviously designed to be silly, but manages to balance its sometimes juvenile humour with broadly solid platformer mechanics.

Rabi-Ribi is fun in a lot of ways, it just focuses on being too “cute” and it disconnects the player from any actual storyline. Unless you’re a fan of anime and bunny rabbits I’d probably wait for this one to go on sale.

Unit 4 is a game you can pick up and play, but small learning curves are required at times. This is mainly because combining your characters is crucial in navigating the challenges the game throws at you. For it to be enjoyed to its fullest, it is a matter of mastering the fun character switching mechanic with a sleight of hand to make the most of this fast-paced platformer. It’s generally going to best served to those with some 2D platforming experience already under their belt.

Super Crush KO offers up some fluid action that proves to be addictive. However, the weak boss encounters and bewildering lack of two-player co-op hold the game firmly in the ‘good but not great’ territory. Fans of Vertex Pop’s prior work will still want to check it out, especially those who enjoy climbing leaderboards.

Players looking for a decent co-op or party game should be pleased. Urban Flow is rather enjoyable in co-op. However, players looking for a single-player game should look elsewhere.

Thunderflash might not win any awards for originaility, but as a callback to the arcade classics of yesteryear, it’s not meant to. Overall, it’s a fun way to waste a few hours shooting things with a friend.

Speaking Simulator does a great job at providing comedic dialogue and a diverse selection of situations that need conversing, but overall the game falls short. The upgrade system was a welcomed addition but didn’t change my perception after finishing the game. If you are willing to accept the fact that you will likely only get a few hours of enjoyment out of this title, then this is something to consider for those looking for comedic fun.

As open-world action RPGs go, Biomutant has some appeal. And if you’re into it, there’s a good level of replayability with the skills balance and hero-type selections. Most players, however, are likely to lose interest before reaching the end.

Clock Tower: Rewind provides an effectively creepy tale, especially if you’re a fan of 16-bit adventure gaming, throwback puzzle solving, or…David Argento? This “rewind,” however, would need to be more of a “remake” to appeal to most modern gamers.

It’s fun, but I’m not sure how much I’ll come back to it. The repetition can’t be avoided when playing for any real length, both in gameplay and level design. Lapis x Labyrinth has too many concerns that prevent me from giving it a broad recommendation at $29.99. But I can’t deny that it offers some short-term, if shallow, fun, so bookmark this one for a future sale if it sounds interesting to you.

Iron Snout is a simple, fun game that probably makes more sense on a smartphone. At $4.99 it’s not going to break your piggy bank, but keep in mind that it probably won’t keep your interest for more than an hour or two.

Evil Diary is a straightforward, retro, action/adventure game that never gets terribly difficult. You get to shoot aliens and zombies (who doesn’t like shooting zombies?), and the soundtrack is good. Other than that, it’s a bit of a lightweight game.

NeoSprint updates the ’70s arcade racer with the modern features you’d expect from Atari: multiple racing modes, numerous tracks, a track builder, etc. Unfortunately, it locks most of the content behind the single-player campaign mode, and it doesn’t include online multiplayer. The fun is there, you just have to work to get to it.

Mekabolt is quite an enjoyable little game. Yes, it’s simple, but there’s no shame in simple if a game is fun. I just can’t ignore the short length and lack of replay incentive, though. Hopefully, a feedback-shaped sequel can let Mekabolt become fully realized. Meanwhile, you’ll have to decide if $4.99 is worth it for 90 minutes of entertainment on your Nintendo Switch.

Overall, SPYxANYA: Operation Memories is a game for fans of the anime or manga it’s based on, but not for anyone else.

It’s probably not good that the most distinctive element of Arcadian Atlas is its jazzy soundtrack, but it’s still a decent tactical RPG that provides enough challenge and intrigue to overcome a few missteps. Genre fans will get their money’s worth.

In Astrologaster you play as an unlicensed doctor who helps his patients by seeking guidance from the stars. This visual novel is full of fun choices, characters, and songs, as well as cool spiritual aspects that will keep you somewhat entertained.

Journey to Kreisia is a breezy JRPG that clearly shows its 10-year-old mobile origins. It brings nothing new to the genre, but it’s confident in what it’s trying to be and checks the right boxes with a wink and a nudge.

My time with Nicky Home Alone Golf Ball was filled with mixed feelings. While I enjoyed my time playing it, for the most part, the control issues did cause some frustration. For the asking price of .99-cents, it is hard not to say don’t buy it despite the frustration it still can be a fun game.ds

Despite not reaching its full potential, I still found some entertainment in Arcade Spirits. By ignoring the romantic aspects, I was able to play it as someone with an appreciation of the heyday of arcades. The charming setting made for a promising launching point, the audio is excellent, and the story (with smart pop-culture nods and humor) has page-turning qualities to some extent.

Overall, Narcos: Rise of the Cartels offers some unique strategy mechanics to help distract you from the game’s slow nature.

While hardly the most exciting package, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is big on quantity. Unfortunately, the quality can’t always match, with multiplayer restrictions and online lag being among the most sizable concerns. Solo Players probably won’t find this one long-lasting, but families will fare better. Even if this won’t be your first choice for gatherings, a decent time should still ensue.

Papertris is solid for its budget price. While I would’ve liked more options (and a consistent challenge), it’s a game built off classics. Local and online leaderboards help, too.

Avenging Spirit is a lesser-known ’90s arcade game with a unique “possession” angle that helps distinguish it from the excess of retro platformers available on the Switch. It’s worth a playthrough, especially if you’re unfamiliar with its charms.

Germs is enjoyable with a few players in short bursts. The user interface is well-designed and there are plenty of options, plus its just plain fun being a cute germ battling in a body for supremacy. On the downside, there’s just not enough to entertain you for long periods, and the lack of a dedicated single-player experience is unfortunate.

Hot Lap Racing is a decent racer in a genre that’s underrepresented on the Switch. It has its issues, but if you can make it through those, it provides enjoyment to burn rubber on the go.

Grime Definitive Edition is a fascinating action-platforming experience that I can’t recommend experiencing on the Switch. Its unique visual and narrative presentations will compel genre fans to the end, but the game would surely be better enjoyed without Switch performance problems dragging it down.

When it’s firing on all cylinders, Bayonetta 3 serves as a confident reminder of why we’ve been looking forward to its release for so long. Unfortunately, the number of misfires can’t be overlooked, making this easily the least enjoyable game in the series.

River City Girls 2 almost ticks all the boxes: fun gameplay mixed with anime-style aesthetics and a humorous story. The jarring loading screens between each playable area annoyingly slow the pacing. It’s enjoyable, it’s just not as smooth as it should be.

Brotherhood United is an entertaining beat ‘em up at a budget price. It might not be perfect, but there’s just the right amount of run-and-gun action to keep genre fans entertained.

This “cozy RPG adventure” was clearly picked before it ripened. As such, it’s not as easy to recommend as it should be, with its many positives (music) clouded by sizable blemishes. Expect imagination and irritation, often in equal measure. Maliki: Poison of the Past has plenty of good ideas, but needs a patch to grow to its full potential.

Overall, The Hand of Merlin is a tactical game that plays well if you can look past the long loading times and user interface issues. While it initially put me off with its complicated menus, the decent visuals and engaging battles are fun once you get the hang of them. It’s possibly a tad on the expensive side, but fans of turn-based strategies will likely find some subtle enjoyment here.

As the first Mario Golf series game on a home console in almost 20 years, my expectations were high. While I smile seeing my favorite plumber tee off, Mario Golf: Super Rush admittedly lacks some polish I’d expect from Nintendo-published software. It’s also heavily focused on gimmicks, though standard golf presents a fun simulation-lite alternative to PGA Tour. But, the overall package is mixed and not “content-packed” as advertised, at least for solo players. Like Mario Tennis before it, some tweaks, additional content, and a sale would make this a wiser purchase.

With a mixed trio of tables, Williams Pinball Volume 8 offers an uneven package. Black Knight 2000 is peak ’80s fun, but for $14.99, you’re hoping for every table to be of comparable entertainment. Earthshaker’s big claim to fame is HD Rumble, while Banzai Run is a “growing pains” table—empty and struggling to run on Switch. Wishlist this pack for a future sale, or stick with Pinball FX3.

Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? is exactly what you expect it to be – a carbon copy of the television show it is based on. With that, you get a simple and not particularly challenging trivia game that is accessible to the whole family. Sadly, it’s let down by the slow pacing, annoying character hosts, and performance issues mentioned. Hopefully, the latter can be sorted sooner rather than later!

If you really like platformers, Jello can provide a bit of a unique challenge with the level layout and more so with the non-standard movement controls. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it, but if you’re fine with grinding a level until you can run it quickly, and you like getting your name on a leaderboard, then there is some fun to be had with this game.

Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast will not be enough to win people over to SRPGs or to the game’s source material. But if you’re already a fan of either (or both), it does more than enough to keep you entertained throughout.

Lyrica comes together quite well in presentation and gameplay, but it’s going to have a limited audience by design. The theme—although interesting—doesn’t lend itself to the type of frenetic fun conveyed through most other rhythm games. Also, rhythm games on the Switch require portable play and (ideally) a pair of headphones, limiting their accessibility. If you’re used to that, Lyrica is a unique entry in the genre. If not, there are others out there that will likely hold your attention longer and at a lower price point.

Cash Cow DX certainly looks and sounds like it would’ve fit right in with your favorite ’80s arcade games, but you’d have either needed crazy skills or a bag full of quarters to play it for long. The game’s immediate difficulty will turn away a good portion of its target audience.

Overall, Aka is a solid attempt at the life sims genre, with it truly hitting the mark of being casual and cozy rather than being like the others within the same genre that are more-so grindy time and resource management games.

Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars will keep strategy gamers busy for a while, so you get decent value for money. I think the experience would be much more enjoyable with some well-aimed tutorial, movement, and UI refinements. Hopefully, we will get some improvements with the next installment, as I’m looking forward to seeing where this story can go.

At $24.99, I think Staxel’s priced a bit high, and I’d wait for a sale. But multiplayer can be lots of fun, playing with friends both locally and online. If you find the premise and presentation appealing, Staxel’s a cute, chill, but familiar title. It’s a game that can bore or relax depending on your thoughts about Minecraft and farming/new-guy-in-town simulators like Harvest Moon.

Hero Concept’s additions help to break up the inherent monotony of Space Invaders, but Doughlings: Invasion is still a game that’s fun for short bursts only. That’s not a deal killer, of course, just something to consider before buying.

If you’re the type who likes to relax with the calming sites and sounds of an ocean life documentary, Beyond Blue will allow you to get more interactive with it. The educational and narrative moments don’t fully gel with the undersea exploration, and the visuals get murky on the Switch, but that won’t matter when you’re exploring these deep, safe waters.

Tamashii is one of the most disturbing experiences I have ever had. With intense horror and gore-laden imagery, this is a title that will stay with me for a while. Even with all the positives with the setting and art style, at the end of the day, this game is a poor platformer, with pretty solid puzzles to work through.