Ultra Hat Dimension feels like a game created by people who loved old dungeon-based puzzlers. The game requires strategy, but it is entertainingly deceitful. It’s a balance of frustration and cutesy atmosphere that I really appreciate. Somewhat strange premise aside, Ultra Hat Dimension is a fun game woven with care.

Aircraft Evolution offers a lot of action and a lot of destruction, but not a whole lot of variation. Like the arcade games to which it pays homage, it’s best enjoyed a few “quarters” at a time.

REZ PLZ is a creative platforms game that blends a darkly funny premise with clever puzzles in a genuinely fun and original way that is let down by a couple of annoying (but hopefully temporary) bugs.

The gameplay mix intrigues, but it’s weighed down by overemphasis on all too familiar rogue-lite tropes. I want to love Void Terrarium, but fine ingredients don’t always make for a satisfying dish if they aren’t balanced well. This game is too heavy-handed on tedium, and progress coming from random chance rather than skill.

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.

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.

While the gameplay gets repetitive after a while, Monster Prom XXL has unique characters, a fun art style, and interesting twists for the dating sim genre.

Neversong is a highly effective release in so many ways. The standout framework and subsequent story building leave room for interpretation, and the apt aesthetics go well beyond mere window dressing. You don’t see one-man studio releases of this high quality very often. Nearly everything falls into place in the best way imaginable.

Infliction Extended Cut was a fun, scary, mysterious experience. The gameplay itself is very simple, but the story and the things you discover are what make you stay until the end. I enjoyed my time with it.

CrossCode is a colorful, fun, and content full action RPG that has a lot to offer both young and old.

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.

Superliminal borrows some familiar ideas and mixes them in ways that arouse interest. But the content doesn’t match the price, especially for a game that might be more fun to watch than play. However, on sale, this can be an entertaining title if the puzzles click. Like some dreams, this one may linger with you.

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.

Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour holds up well for newcomers even if it could do with a few quality improvements. It’s a shame there isn’t more for those revisiting, but like everything, it’s always nice to have this classic on the go.

At its core, Infini is your basic puzzle/platformer. With its highly unique visuals/audio and absolutely bizarre storytelling, however, it becomes something much…deeper? Maybe. I guess that depends upon how you react to it, and I don’t think any two players will take it the same way.

While it wasn’t what I was expecting, A Summer with the Shiba Inu has enough working in its favor. Instead of hitting a crowded beach, why not spend part of your summer respecting social distancing by curling up with this visual novel. Plop on your reading glasses, overlook the pacing inconsistencies, and be charmed by Syd and her canine friends. Keep an eye on Quill Game Studios, too.

The Otterman Empire is a repetitive third-person shooter that’s more work than play with clunky controls and unpolished graphics.

The Great Perhaps uses cute puzzles to explore the before and after of humanity’s time on Earth, with a melancholy atmosphere that reaches for, but doesn’t quite grasp, the profound.

Pokémon Cafe Mix has a great aesthetic to it. Still, the imprecise nature of its physics leads to equal parts fun and frustration.

There are much more capable racing games I’d recommend for the Switch, and unless you have some fond memories of the original game, I wouldn’t recommend this remaster until a steep discount happens.

Catherine: Full Body is a fun and unique puzzle game with a story that is fine if you don’t interrogate it too closely.

While Ancestors Legacy might not live up to every expectation, it still is a good real-time strategy game. With an interesting story, great battles, and diverse levels, gamers looking for a solid RTS on the Switch should undoubtedly check out Ancestors Legacy.

Keen: One Girl Army is an addictive tactical experience, featuring a heroine sporting rollerskates and a deadly blade. It’s fun and challenging sliding puzzle game, plus a visual and audio treat, and comes highly recommended.

Decades after being cancelled at the last minute, the revived Ultracore offers a fun and tight action-packed retro experience even if it’s a little unfair in various parts.

Project Warlock is a FPS that pays homage to classic ’90s shooters like Doom. If you like mazes filled with hardcore monsters and plenty of gore, this game will probably be of interest to you.

Laraan has many elements that are average at best or even subpar. It reflects decisions that weren’t always the smartest, leading to a rougher final product. Don’t expect the attention to detail or polish needed for a high-quality release. Nonetheless, Laraan still proved mildly satisfying in the face of these things, due to nostalgic visuals, a solid soundtrack, and glimpses of potential. This budget-priced cinematic sci-fi adventure might be worth taking a chance on.

Destrobots hit the sweet spot in something that doesn’t require a lot of variety to be fun over and over again.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated is as joyful as its source material. It’ll appeal to fans of the cartoon more so than those seeking a challenging 3D platforming adventure, but it’s a fun, nostalgic romp either way. Just don’t expect much from the new multiplayer component.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town, I’m happy to report, strips away the fat, leaving behind the sort of lean mean farming title fans crave. The new additions and streamlining made an already fantastic experience on the GBA into a near-perfect one on the Switch.

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

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

Minus co-op, with some late cheapness and lack of character diversity, knocks Clash Force down several pegs. It’s certainly not a bad little release, but if you’re looking for a higher quality title from Spicy Gyro Games with more meat on its bones, I highly recommend Polyroll instead.

Spacejacked turns the tower defense genre upside down and also manages to toss quite a bit of challenge into the mix. If you’re looking to get your butt kicked a few times, Spacejacked is for you.

Tower of Time provides a detailed combat system that requires plenty of tactical thinking, so you get good value for money. There are points which could be refined, but as it stands, this is a good game for strategy/RPG fans.

It’s not my favorite in the series, but Quell Zen is a game that puzzle fans should enjoy. It manages to be simultaneously relaxing and quite challenging.

Overall, Ninjala is an enjoyable game but doesn’t have a lot of meat on its bones. It’s fun to play from time to time, but not something that gives you much variety or content. At least not yet, this game is still young, and I look forward to seeing Ninjala grow.

Other than the original Darius and Sagaia, these games are a great way to play a series of seriously challenging arcade shmups from the past where arcades ruled.

Biped is perfectly suited to the Nintendo Switch, providing plenty of fun for you and a pal, even if it’s short-lived.

While adjusting to the controls takes longer than it should, it’s mostly worth it. Edna & Harvey: The Breakout – Anniversary Edition shines with more to like than loathe. Particularly the overabundance of dialogue, which is accomplished and comical. I’m glad I stuck with this game. As a genre enthusiast, I found it to be entertaining.

The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters is a fantastic game that absorbs you into a grim parallel universe and uses every tool in its arsenal to create an addicting sense of tension.

Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition is that rare party game that succeeds equally with its single-player and multiplayer components. The story mode puzzles are very clever, the multiplayer games are tremendously fun, and there’s enough variety to provide a surprising amount of life. If you missed the original release for Nintendo Switch like we did, don’t miss this relaunch.

It’s a niche genre on consoles, but as someone who’s intrigued that the Switch is getting titles formerly limited to the PC, I’m growing as a fan. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction from a job well done is real, and I can have more success thanks to the elimination of some of the complexities. I’ve enjoyed my time with Truck and Logistics simulator, and only wish it had more options ready for its $39.99 launch.

Because of its dedicated focus on strategy, Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia is a refreshing change to today’s gimmicky turn-based JRPGs. Its serious story, unique gameplay elements, and challenging scenarios will appeal to those who recall a time when tactical games were more about strategy and less about selecting their waifu.

Radio Squid has varying moments of charm with its monochrome look and fun chiptune soundtrack. But, sadly, it falls short due to a beat-based shooting mechanic that continually works against you and feels half-baked.

Do Not Feed the Monkeys is a simple game that has put a lot of effort into constructing an absorbing world that it is easy to let take priority over making sure your character eats.

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.

Demon’s Tier+ is a charming dungeon-RPG with unforgiving mechanics. With perseverance and a friend, getting through the dungeon is possible.

While it may not be critically riveting, Potato: Fairy Flower is a game that is simply meant to be played and enjoyed. There is some storytelling, some sense of adventure, some pattern learning and an adversary to overcome. There are also some areas where it could use some polishing, but taken for what it is, this is a fun game.

If you’re considering Railway Empire because you love the sound of a train in the distance, you’re not likely to enjoy the game. This is a management seem that digs deeply into the technology, the business strategy, and the economic acumen required to tame America’s landscape and reach the pinnacle of what this nation’s all about: corporate power.

The Borderlands series was better then I expected. Get over 200 hours of gameplay with this Legendary Collection of the first three Borderlands games. If you’re a fan of first-person shooters, then I highly recommend the Borderlands Legendary Collection on Nintendo Switch.

The XCOM 2 Collection is a great addition to the Switch library with its strategic gameplay and intriguing storyline. While there are some issues with framerate drops scattered throughout the massive campaign, this is still a title fans of the genre will love to play on the go.

If you are like me and have never played a BioShock game before, I highly recommend picking up this collection. If you played one of these games or even all of them on another console, it is still an excellent collection on the Switch. Since you get all three games and their DLC, I think it is well worth the asking price of $49.99.

Bridge Strike delivers technically competent arcade action that fans of River Raid will appreciate. Repetition, lower difficulty, and no leaderboards in the endless mode combine to make it not as enjoyable as it could’ve been. But it still is a fun little game, one that has me hoping for a sci-fi sequel.

For the budget price range, Rigid Force Redux is a solid game and fun to play—no loss in grabbing this and blowing stuff up. But not much has been done in this title that stands out amongst an extensive library of shmups on the Switch. It needs more content.

If you’re a fan of side-scrolling beat ’em ups then look no further than The Takeover.

Arcade Archives: Sunset Riders for the Nintendo Switch is a clear indication of why the game deserves to be placed in the upper echelon of arcade classics. It’s non-stop joy from start to finish, offering an effective blend of comedy and action that you’re free to beat with either skill or restarts.

Thy Sword is a good platformer with many controls that need time to get familiarized with. Once you get past that, the gameplay is pretty fun. This is one to go back to once in a while.

As far as party games go, Knight Squad has more going for it than you’d expect at first glance. It’s accessible, it’s frenetic, and it’s fun. The lack of online multiplayer and a worthwhile single-player mode will be easily overlooked when you’ve got your personal squad of knights seeking battle in your living room.

While I’ll eventually grow bored with this title, it hasn’t happened yet, even with 50-plus hours combined between my wife and I playing. I still have perks to unlock and properties to fix and sell. House Flipper is much better than expected and will keep you busy for a long while, even longer once the game is updated.

Aqua Lungers is a fun multiplayer title. It’s quite challenging, and not as much fun in solo mode, but it’s worth a try if you’re after something different to play with some friends for a few hours.

Evan’s Remains is a “mystery-thriller” that, while pretty big on mystery, is shorter on thrills. If the story (and the way it’s set-up) connects with you, you’ll have much more enjoyment than I did. However, I don’t think this is a tale with a broad audience in mind. Joined by puzzles that look and play quite similarly, the impact lessens. But the great audio/visual package elevates this one to an okay experience for me.

Crypto by POWGI is a clean and simple game featuring 180 cryptograms comprised of well-known famous quotes. It does what it’s good at effectively, but there isn’t a lot to differentiate it from puzzles you can find for free online.

There’s a lot to be said for keeping it simple, and this game is a testament to that. Jump King only tries to do one thing, but it does it so incredibly well without compromising the challenge.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted’s port to the Nintendo Switch has proven to be a difficult one. The slippery controls render the game difficult to play, but I don’t consider this a hit against the franchise. FNAF will continue to be a fan favorite, and I’m sure more games are planned for the future.

I have yet to play a game that needed a Definitive Edition as much as Xenoblade Chronicles, and it fully delivers. It’s a game no JRPG fan should miss, and a version that no JRPG fan should bypass for a second or third play-through.

So maybe Nintendo will never make a truly great Paper Mario ever again. Lucky for us, Moonsprout Games may have cracked the chemistry of what many fans actually want from the series in Bug Fables. If you’re still mad about Sticker Star, or you’re still reeling about Color Splash, do yourself a favor and nab this masterpiece as soon as possible, and see what all the buzz is about. Rest assured, that even if Origami King turns out to be a dud, 2020 will see at least one great game with Paper Mario mechanics…even if it doesn’t bear its name.

Reed 2 is a simple platformer with cheap ways to die and similar mechanics from the first game. For a short game of 52 small levels, it can take a while.

Castle Pals uses clever character and level designs to create a somewhat fresh-feeling platforming experience. The short and sweet levels are meant to be completed quickly, and it’s certainly fun while it lasts.

Shantae and the Seven Sirens is a cute game with funny dialogue and clever puzzles that are interspersed with great mini-games that draw you into the story world at every turn.

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.

My time with SuperMash was interesting, to say the least. Some mashups were extremely fun, while others were just boring. I have to say it is a game that is going to give you a different experience almost every time you play, and while story mode isn’t too intriguing, I can’t say fully it is a bad game. That said, I couldn’t say that it is an amazing game either. The concept was a valid attempt of an idea, however many times; the mashes felt bland. As it sits even with the promise of DLC, I’m not sure it is worth the asking price of $19.99.

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.

Genetic Disaster is cute and quirky and designed for co-op play, as long as you don’t mind grinding to unlock the more creative features of the game.

Liberated tells a poignant story through a beautifully drawn series of comics that seamlessly integrates simple but captivating gameplay.

Strawberry Vinegar tells a weird story centred around a graphic passion for food that is genuinely funny and unexpectedly wholesome despite some subtly suggestive undertones.

From great musical and visual presentation, to smooth fluid gameplay and unlockable content, bundled with online co-op play, Streets of Rage 4 is an absolute blast to play. Not disappointing in the least, it’s more than just the finest addition to the series; it’s the best in the genre, in my opinion.

Arrest of a stone Buddha was way too repetitive for me. I didn’t get into the story, and the gameplay was overall frustrating. One thing I did enjoy was the retro graphics and the ambient soundtrack. If you want to checkout Arrest of a stone Buddha, I recommend waiting on a sale.

Although Star Horizon could really use some more levels to stretch out its short story, if you are generally OK with on-rail space shooters, this game is generally OK. I can’t say it is great, but it is a good game and should keep your trigger finger happy for a few hours.

The Persistence is a game built of components that any fans of the horror and sci-fi genres will recognise, in a format that merges seamlessly with them to make an absorbing and challenging game.

The Elder Scrolls: Blades is a game with good ideas but bad implementation. While this story is scaled-down and has a unique twist to combat, this entry is riddled with bugs, monetization, and timers that can make this game a drag.

In the beginning, I felt that Concept Destruction was kind of bland, but after unlocking several vehicles and testing them out, I started to realize that each vehicle changes the strategy of play. It is more than a drive-fast-and-smash-your-car-into-another-vehicle style of game. It is certainly worth the asking price of $4.99.

Ion Fury is a must play experience for anybody who wants a challenge and misses the aesthetic of a ’90s first person shooter.

911 Operator Deluxe Edition is a stress-filled management game, that requires you to strategically think through simulated emergency scenarios. This game’s tension makes up for the lack of physical gameplay. If you’re looking for a tense and educational experience, try out this game.

It’s not just the history and nostalgia, but the high quality, sense of discovery, and genuine allure that’s undeniable with this pioneer. It’s proven to be a timeless journey. But this Switch port of realMyst: Masterpiece Edition needs an update, to add some missing features and fix the significant audio glitches, to be genuinely outstanding.

Aces of the Sky immediately hits you with frenzied, stylized, WWI-era aerial combat, then does little to change the formula throughout its two stories. Whether you can deal with the repetitiveness depends upon how much of an arcade gamer you (and hopefully a nearby squad mate) really are.

Slayin 2 has some UI issues, and its gameplay doesn’t stand out for me. However, if you’re looking for a game to just play while passing time, you could certainly play worse.

The pitching mechanics have improved, the base-stealing is light-years better than before (it actually takes good timing and skill to execute), and the game’s performance is excellent. There were only a couple hiccups I experienced, but that was in online play which could’ve just been connection related. If you’ve been looking for a great baseball game to play on the Switch, Super Mega Baseball 3 should be your first choice. They’re also offering a free demo that allows you to play the online Pennant Race mode, play the Exhibition games, and access to player customizations. Hope to see you in-game sometime soon!

TT Isle of Man Ride on the Edge 2 is a good game, but maybe not so much for the Switch’s limited Joy-Cons. I feel gamers shouldn’t have to fight the controls to get a game to feel right.

Cannibal Cuisine is a game I had my doubts about. Within a few levels, I was enjoying my time playing as long as players can swallow the idea of cannibalism for their next game night.

My time spent with Gun Crazy wasn’t terrible; it also wasn’t anything special. It felt like a half-baked idea that sacrificed length for difficulty. The game in its current state is hard to recommend, especially at the asking price of $4.99.

While it claims to be “The golf game for people who hate golf!”, I think it sells itself short. I don’t hate golf, but I still really like this funny game. WHAT THE GOLF? has a “one more round” thing going for it, coupled with a favorable amount of content, especially for completionists.

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.

There would be a good story to be had if Tharsis was developed to involve more than just trying to survive a few rounds. The theme of surviving on a spaceship and figuring out how to keep everything—and everyone—together should make for a good game. Unfortunately, Tharsis fails on too many points to be really worth playing.

Considering their amazing catalog, I’m not sure why Atari keeps trying to make 1972’s Pong relevant for modern gamers. Pong Quest is a clever, valiant run at it, aided by solid controls and some decent multiplayer life. But it’s still just Pong, and the game is at its best when they help you forget that.

Overall, Make War is far from strategy and more simulation as you seemingly try to make the battle the best it can be.

Whether you’re pedaling down tight paths with little margin for error, catching air off natural stone ramps, or getting a quicker than expected reprieve by cruising over a railed bridge, Lonely Mountains: Downhill delivers a challenging, yet remarkably calming, experience. Don’t let a few miscues prevent you from checking this one out; it’s a game worth mastering.

Infinite – Beyond the Mind is a fun and fast platforming experience, bringing with it some excellent visuals and audio. With a little more depth and variety, this would be a must-have title.

Confusing marketing and a visual choice that impedes while in motion will probably alienate potential customers. The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] is targeting a narrow audience, with a 2-bit CGA graphics gimmick. Some will enjoy it a great deal. Others, like myself, will develop eye strain, and end up reaching for FLASHBACK instead.