Robots, mayhem, and destruction, what more do you want? Hookboots is a good party game, offering more than I expected at first look. Even if you don’t have three friends to play with there is enough content to keep things interesting.

Prominent amongst the PC gaming streaming scene currently, The Sinking City is a very good game that was awkwardly converted to run on the Nintendo Switch. It was unsettling for me to sit down for hours on end to review. It also launched during a stretch where a lot of new games are releasing to challenge my attention. But I’ll probably revisit The Sinking City during quieter times, and when it’s hopefully been patched.

Somehow making itself a difficult game to put down even during the most stressful of sessions, Grand Brix Shooter consistently feeds off my ‘just one more try’ attitude.

This action game is aptly named, as it is indeed a mess.

Honestly, if it had been released as a handheld electronic game in 1982 my brothers and I would’ve been all over it. But it wasn’t. It’s 2019, and even for $1 on a dying gaming system I expected better results from my Space Intervention.

Quarters, Please! has charm, is entertainingly retro, and replayable. Yes, it has cut a few games, but it’s added even more in their place. It’s basic but fun, and the latter has become a real rarity on the Nintendo 3DS in 2019.

Atomic Heist is a simple roguelike with a cool sci-fi story and all the colourful explosions you could wish for.

Zen Studios bring a top-notch level of quality that you’d expect from a company established in video game pinball supremacy. Whether you’re a casual fan or a pinball enthusiast, you’re bound to find enjoyment with Star Wars Pinball. This package is a real bargain on Nintendo Switch too, with replay value as high as Bespin’s Cloud City. Zen Studios has done the Star Wars license proud.

Daemon X Machina offers the Nintendo Switch a chance to delve deeper into mecha games, but misses the mark in challenging missions and captivating story. Still, it’s animation style and customization options make for a bright, colorful game.

Astral Chain is a wonderfully fun and ambitious action title with a great gameplay hook that improves the more you master the basics. It’s yet another example of why PlatinumGames continues to be one of the best in crafting a unique action-adventure hack-and-slash.

For a game that started on mobile, Rest in Pieces is a fine example of game fitted properly for the Nintendo Switch. The super simple horror-based game uses believable physics and addicting runs to create an easy game for anyone in the family to enjoy.

Fin and the Ancient Mystery will keep you playing for hours trying to get 100% on all levels. Honestly, this game was a lot of fun to review, it had a decent story and fun puzzles. For the price, it’s a no brainer to pick up and not regret.

Invasion of Alien X – Earth in Crisis is just OK. It’s very simple and plays fine, but without any kind of incentives, there’s no real reason to play this for more than an hour or two.

Wreckin’ Ball Adventure is a creative little platformer that is certainly interesting enough to keep you smashing and bouncing for sixty levels.

Shmup fans are going to find a passable game in here. The unique visuals and ability to choose your missions do help to set Escape From the Universe apart from the competition. The gameplay, however, doesn’t, and the general repetition and need to grind for credits make this a game that most will be fine to avoid.

If Legend of the Skyfish drops to its app price of $3.99 I’d have an easier time recommending it for its good-looking presentation and fishing pole approach to combat. But even then, my recommendation would be limited to those looking for a straightforward game and willing to tolerate the muffled music and repetition.

Aside from using different strategies for the various opponents, the match 3 battles themselves never change much throughout the game’s story. You’d think this would be a negative, but Puzzle Quest remains addictive throughout the crazy amount of content presented in this package. Even if you lose interest in the story (a kingdom under attack, precarious alliances, a lone warrior who must rise up, etc.), the gameplay carries itself well.

Standby lacks that connection that makes you care about the tend goal. It got to the point where the levels were so difficult I couldn’t care less about what happened to the little guy in the pea-green trench coat. I didn’t have the motivation or inspiration to keep trying to help him escape the glitched world.

Setting aside some motion sickness from playing with the Nintendo Switch docked – and the overall strangeness of playing a grid-based puzzle from a diagonally forced perspective – Plunge is a fun take on an action puzzler.

Super Kirby Clash is a fun game that makes fighting somewhat adorable. The battles with AI and local friends and fast and fun, although a little on the repetitive side. Online battles are too slow to be truly enjoyable but overall this is a free game that provides entertainment in short bursts as you level up your Kirby.

A good combination of beautiful, challenging and relaxing, Himno isn’t the most gripping game you’ll ever play, but it is well worth a go.

I found Headliner: NoviNews entertaining enough to play through multiple times. Yet I still have several concerns with it. Even if the length and repetitiveness isn’t a bother, the lack of choices in a key subplot (and lack of moderate choices in general) plus numerous glitches certainly are. I can’t recommend it at its $13.99 launch price, stimulating though it is. However, the very good foundation here means I’ll be watching for Unbound Creations’ next Nintendo Switch title with anticipation.

I liked Vambrace: Cold Soul, but it’s certainly not for everyone. It requires more patience than many gamers can afford, and that’s even among those who are already into roguelikes. If you can settle into its groove, however (and won’t lose it when you’re sucker-punched right out of that groove), there’s some good, challenging fun to be had here.

We had quite a bit of fun playing through Fifty Words by POWGI; it’s probably my favorite Lightwood Games release on the Nintendo Switch due to its original feel. As an overall package, though, Fifty Words does feel kind of bare-bones and rudimentary. Like all titles from the developer, there’s a free demo you can check out.

At its core, Hyperforma is a very creative game, with some interesting mechanics and fantastic audio. It’s easy enough to play although the concept starts to wear a little thin over time. There’s also a bit of a learning curve at first – and indeed throughout – as a lot of elements aren’t well explained. Still, this is a fun ride while it lasts and should be one to consider if you like something a little different – and you’re spatially aware.

River City Girls is a vibrant, colorful, and surprisingly fresh take on the classic beat ’em up series. While small annoyances may hinder its pacing, the overall package from WayForward still packs a few good kicks and punches.

Cryogear is a decent title with delightful graphics and exploration and manages to be enjoyable, despite basic combat and story elements.

Whipseey and the Lost Atlas looks great and I liked the retro inspired music, but it’s a short game. It also lacks exciting features and objectives to keep the player interested. Would be a good game for younger kids though.

The Forbidden Arts is a nice indie studio entry for the Switch and good for at least 12 hours of gameplay. I say “at least” because if you play like me you will probably get a couple of extra hours out of it (refer to the finicky jumping bits above). It doesn’t have all the polish of a big studio game, but it has heart.

Exception is a fun, aesthetically pleasing game. But it offers little to keep the player invested. Some new game modes would be an awesome addition.

Sagebrush pulls you into the life of a cult by forcing you to follow the story of someone who survived one. Perfect Heaven – and its impact on its members – feels organic and like cults that have lived in times before it. Its pixelated animation style gives you the feeling that you’re exploring the ruins of someone’s memory and the tragedy that followed.

ESport Manager wasn’t what I was hoping for. I get that enthusiasts are probably the game’s target, but wouldn’t a measure of more accessibility to widen the potential audience be a good thing? I even have doubts that Esports aficionados will find this game particularly good, given the inferior accessibility. While the game packs a fair amount, the user interface and complete lack of touch screen support make it feel more like work, seriously weighing down the promise for something addictive. The idea has potential, but it needs to be handled with more care.

All things considered, there is nothing that really negativity impacts these three games to a great degree. They have hours of solid gameplay, challenge, and fun made even better by VASARA 3’s four-player co-op. Having one great shooter is cool, having three in one bundle is epic. I tip my hat to the developers and publishers for some great arcade ports For genre fans, these make very good additions to the Switch’s library.

Creature in the Well has a unique concept I cheer along with an eye-catching presentation. True, the execution can feel slightly mixed – certainly not disjointed per se, but jumbled at intervals. The difficulty, at times, is lacking in a balance that leads to consistently true satisfaction, and thus some marks were missed, or not fully realized. But when it comes to exploring the hand-crafted dungeons, finding secrets, and reading up to learn more about the mystery, Creature in the Well excels.

Epic Clicker Journey is a game that tries to mesh RPG elements with the clicker genre. While it’s fun in short bursts, there’s not enough to hold your attention for long. Its repetitiveness coupled with design issues make this one a game to avoid unless you’re a huge clicker fan.

Generally, vampires aren’t given the satisfaction they deserve, and Damsel on Nintendo Switch further proves that. Despite providing an interesting premise, the game is held back by its art style & baitful gameplay.

With only one style of gameplay, just over a handful of stages, and only six characters that look generally the same, the $9.99 asking price just doesn’t seem worth it. Gurgamoth felt more like early access or a test demo than a full game.

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.

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.

A lot of fairly standard platformer stuff is given a whole new kind of charm in Never Give Up and it comes together to make a smart, funny game that really works.

If you want 99 numberlink puzzles, Lines Infinite delivers a bit of fun, in a strictly linear fashion. But even free mobile numberlink variants offer much more, like achievements and such, for replay value.

However you decide to play Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise, do it. The game is clever, it’s funny, it’s well-designed, and it’s involving. It’s a great game to share with others, but it’s fun to play on your own, too. Even at twice the cost of the mobile version, the game is well-worth the price on the Switch. The only bad thing about it is the suspicion that we’ll have to wait another four years for the completion of a sequel.

Players who have not experienced any of the titles, just one, or just want them all together in one place, should pick this up. Fans of puzzlers and platforming alike should certainly look into the Mighty Switch Force! Collection. Honestly, the price of $19.99 is an amazing value, considering the amount of content included.

Listen; I know I shouldn’t expect much when spending $0.99 on a 3DS game, but I at least expect a full product. Squarcat feels like a group assignment in Beginners Programming, and two of the team members decided they’d rather get drunk and make Tik Tok videos than help their classmates. Give credit to the others for still turning the project in, but despite some okay puzzles, the poor physics, lack of audio, and heavy repetition earn Squarcat an incomplete.

Hoggy 2 is a brightly colored puzzler for anyone looking for a way to blow-off steam. With the way each puzzle evolves, as it introduces new game mechanics, this game can also serve as a good lower-level strategy game for children to build skills. Still, its slow start may feel underwhelming for slightly older audiences.

Unless recently divorced and/or identifying as non-binary, I have a hard time envisioning that many will get $19.99 worth of fun here. Solo, while having its heart in the right place, would have been better off as a visual novel. As a short game, it just doesn’t have enough focus on its aesthetics, camera, puzzles, or optimal porting.

Overall, Morphies Law: Remorphed is a very good game. True, the hyper-focused nature leads to a lack of diversity, which means earning cosmetics might be less of a replay incentive than hoped. But it is still a joy to look at, and the fixed netcode issues of the original game fully round out the experience in the process. A bit of fine-tuning with progression would be beneficial, but if you’re looking for another shooter on Switch, this should definitely be considered!

Omega Labyrinth Life is a colorful, well-produced roguelike dungeon game with a lot of cheesecake, set in the world of Japanese schoolgirls. The nice part is that you can participate with that aspect of the game to whatever degree you like, and there’s a pretty fun game with some decent writing to season it all.

A solid foundation is in Animal Fight Club, but it’s a real grind to pick up momentum. The limited animation and inconsistent challenge do no favors either. With missing multiplayer, I’m not sure how many will hang around for the DLC. The game is inexpensive and has some positives, but more work is needed.

Reviewing this game was a ton of fun. I enjoyed every minute I have put into it. With so much more to be discovered, I can’t wait until the next time I have a chance to play it again. Forager is easily one of my favorite games. Players who enjoy crafting, farming, and exploration should definitely check this game out.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses was a long time in the making and, thankfully, was well worth the wait. It’s impossible to put down, bringing a deep story that involves true character development across a diverse cast, all voiced to perfection. It looks glorious and has epic turn-based battles to boot. This is a must-own game for every Switch owner.

Gravity Duck offers an entertaining enough, if repetitively simple, time. But it ends far too quickly. Taking into account what other low-priced Switch titles offer, including those from the same developer, this game is a sizable distance from great. Gravity Duck does nothing to stand apart amidst its crowded genre. Having zero replay incentive is a crucial blunder! It might have been better staying a free flash game or a cheap mobile offering. This Duck needed more time in the oven to reach its potential.

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.

While there are absolutely zero excuses for the missing multiplayer, I suspect Turok 2 might still draw a bit of a nostalgic audience on Nintendo Switch. Having a smoother, fogless experience (no $30 Expansion Pak needed) with modern touches like gyroscopic controls and a wealth of player options does help. But this game is uneven and dated, and it shows. Add in the cut multiplayer – I can’t stress that enough – and it makes Turok 2 just a so-so release on the Nintendo Switch.

Furwind is a great platformer with puzzle-like levels and a grand adventure. With cute characters, a fun soundtrack, and pleasing graphics, this is one to give a try.

Chilling from the very beginning, Shadows II Perfidia is a game that knows how to use everything in its arsenal to scare the hell out of you.

Overall, Super Mega Baseball 2 is a great package–there is a ton of depth, plenty of customization options for players, teams, and leagues, and online multiplayer. If you can get around the art-style, the poor soundtrack and umpire sound effects, the game is really a ton of fun. If you’re a baseball fan, it’s definitely worth checking out and being able to play on-the-go makes this the definitive version of the game.

Not enough to go around for the asking price when much better puzzle games are on the Switch. Aside from over 130 stages, this game doesn’t have much to offer.

Overall, Youngblood is a welcome reinvention of the series, but lacks the personality of what makes a Wolfenstein game. Microtransactions aren’t as bad they’re made out, but it is still understandably going to impact each person differently. The extensive replay incentive and a charming, albeit short, story are appreciated. If you are a Wolfenstein enthusiast, this game definitely deserves at least one playthrough— just make sure you won’t have any interruptions during your sessions.

Paradox Soul is a Metroidvania that manages to keep the spirit of the genre despite being smaller in scope. Mix in some decent collectibles and combat scenarios, this is a great title any fan of the genre should try.

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.

Despite suffering from some issues on the user-experience end, Clue: The Classic Mystery Game is a lovable take on the classic board game, and one of the best renditions of the murder mystery to date. With new DLC, there’s never been a better time to check it out on Nintendo Switch!

While simpler than its VR counterpart, Mini Trains is priced accordingly. It’s only $ 5.99, which I feel is just about ideal for what’s offered here. True, some things are lacking (tutorials, non-linear design, HD rumble) which does drop my score. But if model railroads hold any type of appeal to you, I think this is a very good puzzle game. It’s one that stands out due to its theme, offering challenging fun, and packed with charm.

The Church in the Darkness takes the unsettling approach of realism. It’s convincing as a story of a 1970s cult, and Freedom Town is a chilling look inside an isolated cult in the middle of the jungles of South America.

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.

A shorter title, Bitlogic – A Cyberpunk Arcade Adventure will nonetheless likely appeal mainly to older gamers. It successfully mixes genres in a great setting with a good soundtrack. It effectively draws you in with unlimited ammunition, no time limit, and well-spaced checkpoints, to balance the atypical lack of jumping. Having two game styles – the MSX original is included – is also a cool plus. I think it hits its nostalgic target without overshooting into too-dated territory.

Wordsweeper by POWGI blends two popular games together in a way that offers puzzle fans something interesting and a bit different.

With its simple-to-grasp, challenging-to-master gameplay, Perchang held our attention through to the last of its 50 levels. It has a satisfying length, offering a fair amount of content without overstaying its welcome. Finishing a level with just a Bronze medal (or worse, a Pass) also prompts some replay. Perchang manages to stand out amongst the puzzle crowd on Nintendo Switch and I hope it’s a sign of more Goldbergian puzzlers to come.

Pawarumi is a good old-fashioned “shoot everything that moves” game which engages the player right from the start; I had an adrenaline rush going the whole time I was playing. At $14.99, it’s a great addition to your Nintendo Switch catalog of games.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell how much weight a game will carry once your done reviewing it and have moved on to new titles. In Astro Bears’ case, the passage of time has proven my initial assessment wrong to some extent. The game has endured with me and my friends as a multiplayer attraction, and this new iteration is even better. It’s dropped part of its original handle, but Astro Bears is more a party now than it’s ever been.

If you’re looking for a cute platformer for $4.99, I would say to take a look at Super Wiloo Demake. It’s an easy introduction to the genre and has plenty of charm.

Garage Mechanic Simulator takes an uneventful premise and wraps it in an aesthetically uninteresting package with an embarrassing user interface. When it comes to fundamentals, console polish, and stand out features, this game is out of gas. It’s so boring, I’m taking my business to another garage.

Lucah: Born of a Dream takes a unique animation style and tells a deeper story. However, if you suffer from any type of photo-sensitivity, this game should be avoided.

Graveyard Keeper’s limitations and shortcomings come real close to outweighing the fun that can be had from playing a new game. When I got the game and read the premise, it sounded quirky and fun. As I played, it seemed more awkward and vexing.

Bouncy Bullets really isn’t a good game, but when I changed my style of play I did find a bit of fun. As a speedrunner I don’t think it’s satisfying trying to master these levels, but there are some possibilities beneath the surface for those willing to look. Yet, it still feels amateurish in ways. With subpar controls, I’d take a pass until a patch or sale, even with the low price.

So while some improvements definitely need to be made, Cybarian: The Time Traveling Warrior is a neat little game that will present you with a pretty good challenge for just $5.

Zombie Driver is everything you’d expect from a game called Zombie Driver – zombies and driving and guts splattered all over your screen. Its great.

That Terraria continues to receive ports to new systems is a testament to the game’s playability. It continues to attract new fans while prompting long-time players to double- and even triple-dip. I don’t think you need the Switch version if you’re already set up on your other gaming system(s) of preference (especially at the current price). If the Switch is your only option, however, it’s good enough for us to offer a recommendation. Let’s just hope the developers manage to dig up and build couch co-op before night falls again.

Timespinner is an absolute joy to play. There’s so much to love, with a compelling and mysterious story involving exploration. The interesting time mechanics, coupled with an amazing soundtrack and pixel art style, make this game a welcome addition to any Nintendo Switch library.

Redneck Skeet Shooting blunders on such a fundamental level that, I’m surprised it even reached the eShop from mobile without more adjustments. A game with such low quality simply doesn’t belong on the Nintendo Switch. Dull as dishwater, Redneck Skeet Shooting is, sadly, simply horrible.

Dandy Dungeon ~Legend of the Brave Yamada~ is hilarious and fun! Anyone in the family can pick this game up and have a good time. This game is best played by lovers of humor and RPGs.

Captain Cat is an entertaining, addictive puzzle game that’s great for killing time, be it while riding down the highway or after rage quitting your other games. It won’t provide you a reason to leave dinner unfinished so you can race back to it, but the time you do spend with this fishing feline will be fun.

I really wanted to enjoy Attack of the Toy Tanks. But I found the AI poor, something the repetitive level design only emphasized, leading to tedium. Meanwhile, the multiplayer is disappointing in its limitations. Replay incentive is low, due to strict rating time limits, and the fact that you don’t seem to unlock upgrades or anything else.

Let’s Go Nuts! is a platformer catering to children, but even for the younger gaming generation, this title may not offer enough for even its marked-down price.

Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity is pretty to look at and easy to pick up. It gives you everything you need to challenge yourself and a story that is genuinely moving.

While I can’t overlook that M2 failed to tap the more robust home ports, SEGA AGES Virtua Racing will appeal to Model 1 arcade purists. Don’t let the relative ease of cruising past Big Forest’s amusement park fool you, this is still a challenging experience. And “the herald of modern racing games” is still fun, nostalgia goggles or not.

Cadence of Hyrule didn’t click with me at first but the Fixed Beat Mode really helped. Without that mode, I don’t think this game would have as much appeal but the developers were wise to include it. With such a great visual presentation and an excellent soundtrack, players need to check out Cadence of Hyrule even if they’re just a little curious. The gameplay may trip you up as it did for me, but check out the Fixed Beat Mode–you’ll be glad you did!

Altogether, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 innovates upon the original titles, creating the first fully-rounded Ultimate Alliance title. The depth provided is welcomed, even if it did leave less time to polish synergy attacks and the camera controls. Whether you are looking for a Marvel game or just want a fully-fledged RPG, there is fun to be had with Ultimate Alliance 3.

Overall, Attack on Titan 2: The Final Battle makes significant improvements over its original release, but it still suffers from performance issues and has a niche target audience. With a steep retail price of US$59.99 this game is hard to recommend unless you are an Attack on Titan fan or just simply need another hack-and-slash RPG to play.

Blazing Chrome’s gameplay borrows a lot from many arcade classics, no question. But a shorter experience that’d be worth a few quarters in a coin-op might not be worth $16.99, especially with the highly repetitive nature (and communication error popups). For better or worse, this title has the overall feel of a relic. As an older gamer who grew up with arcades, it should hold high appeal to me. Yet I can’t help but find myself thinking more about the games it’s trying to emulate, at least when playing solo.

Overall, Bus Fix 2019 is another poorly, rushed out game, that could use a rework. Bus Fix 2019 combines modern-day elements with terrible graphics, ultimately, into an inaccessible package–and respectively, it seems to be Ultimate Games latest cash grab effort, in addition to their numerous ones already on the Nintendo eShop.

Gunlord X, although at times seeming difficult, is still a fun run ‘n’ gun game. The variety of weapons and stages is a warm welcome, making it worth the asking price of $9.99.

Overall, Run The Fan is an interesting approach to puzzle solving, but isn’t completely rounded out with its’ features. That said, it is definitely worth a look if you are in the market for another inexpensive puzzle-game.

All in all, For the King is a seamless port to the Switch and fun experience! You are going to die and you will probably grumble about it. But then you will spend your well-earned lore points on a new event, encounter, item or class and hit that new game button one more time to start a new adventure all over again. I encourage anyone who enjoys RPG’s or rogue-likes to get a copy and see just how far you can get! Until next time, good gaming.

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.

Scrap is a fun little game with more content promised to be released in the future. It’s priced at $4.99 which is the most you’d want to spend on it since it is pretty short

Overall, Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered, feels like a unique addition to the Nintendo Switch library, and one executed well. That said, if destruction isn’t your playstyle, this may not be the game for you. But if you are into any action or open-world games, I’d highly suggest taking a look at this port. Though, from what I’ve seen, this game doesn’t add anything new from its original release. So, it may not be worth the playthrough for someone familiar with the title already.

Overall, Stranger Things 3: The Game is a nice addition to the Nintendo Switch library of games, and fills the void of good, inexpensive beat- ‘em-up games that were previously missing on the platform. That being said, the game was designed with hardcore fans of the series in-mind, which will differentiate it’s value to some. As mentioned previously, it does emphasize a lot of fanfare, but its beat-‘em-up combat is some of the best on the Switch, making it a must-own for any beat-‘em-up fan.