Blazing Beaks has a great combination of challenge and humour, with an adorable art style and plenty of surprises.

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.

While there are a few nags in the overall package, MushihimeSama is a fantastic shooter, and one I’m glad I won’t have to write the name of any longer.

Ignore the retro RPG trappings of Rise of the Third Power; this is a great game regardless of whether you’re approaching it for nostalgic purposes. Its story is just fresh enough, its turn-based combat unique enough, to keep you firmly planted in 2022, not 1992.

APICO might start off slow, but it becomes intriguing pretty quickly. It’s a chilled experience that allows you to complete the game at your own pace. The crafting and building features are easy to pick up on and enjoy, allowing you to design the island to your liking. But what makes APICO stand out is the beekeeping aspect, breeding different bees to get desired traits and ultimately discovering new bees. The game sneaks a bit of science in the fun, and I’m all for it.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe takes our pink puff out for another platforming romp. While it’s not a completely new game, there’s plenty of content on offer to make it a worthwhile purchase.

Guild of Ascension combines the familiar elements of a good ol’ dungeon crawl with a newfound freedom of actions based on real-world time. There isn’t a lot of story-telling, and a little polish which would help the tutorial and camera controls. But you get to engage in the progression of accomplishments with earning XP, gaining loot, upgrading weapons, accessing additional features, and defeating the baddies to win the day.

Mothmen 1966 manages to blend a creepy yet oh-so-fun tale into the visual novel formula, with a sprinkle of choose-your-own-adventure and puzzles to create a retro story that I had a really, really fun time with. Despite the clunky controls in the puzzle sections, Mothman 1966 has more than enough to entertain you in its bitesize narrative – I only wish there was more! Thankfully, LGB Game Studios has announced Varney Lake coming later this year. Sign me up!

The strategic gameplay of Alina of the Arena is enjoyable and replayable with the starting class, cards, abilities, and weaponry you can receive during each run. The game isn’t that difficult if you’ve played roguelikes before, but still manages to be fun.

Pinball M – Camp Bloodbrook is a fun, well-designed addition to Zen Studios’ growing catalog of original pinball tables. The game makes proper use of Pinball M’s visuals and effects, and it challenges the player without ever feeling like it’s going for a cheap “kill.”

In the visual novel adventure Winds of Change, you play as a hero who is meant to save your land. Throughout the game, you must make difficult decisions, explore your surroundings, discover secrets, and build relationships with those around you. With an interesting story with lots to interact with, this game is definitely one to play.

I had a blast from my day to day activities and my time spent with it didn’t feel like nearly enough. I will be playing this long after reviewing it. Rune Factory enthusiasts, as well as newcomers, should certainly give this a go.

A Musical Story is a short rhythm game that stands out with genuinely good original music, a touching story, and amazing visuals. If you’re a fan of music, art, or all things creative, this game is certainly right up your alley.

Luck be a Landlord makes slot machines, well, fun. It takes a pinch of strategy crossed with a bit of luck as you work your way through run after run to defeat your greedy landlord. There’s a huge number of cute icons to discover, excellent music, and a simple retro aesthetic, It all adds to an addictive game without the gambling side effects.

Overall, Time Flies is a unique adventure full of surprises. Don’t let the simple aesthetics and short runtime put you off; this is one of the most creative outings of the year.

With Mario Party Superstars alongside Super Mario Party, the Nintendo Switch has two different but great series installments. While Superstars would benefit from more boards, it’s a charming nostalgia-laden trip with far-reaching multiplayer appeal for family and friends of all ages. It’s also replayable as ever, with online play, achievements, and unlockables.

Kombinera describes itself as a brain-bending puzzle platformer, and it succeeded in every word of that description. If you’re a fan of simple yet stunning visuals and popping colors coupled with a highly addictive puzzle game Kombinera is precisely for you.

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.

The Tiny Bang Story is a fun, gentle, whimsical title for anyone who enjoys a good puzzle or brain teaser. It’s accessible to younger gamers without talking down to them, making it fun for adults, too. The game can be finished quicker than you may like, but it’s priced accordingly and doesn’t waste a single moment on anything other than the joy provided by its gameplay and presentation.

Even if puzzle games aren’t really your thing, the standard of writing and quality of Felix’s dancing are too good to pass up. If puzzle games are for you, then look no further than Felix the Reaper.

Overall, Golem Gates, is a unique take on the card-playing genre and welcome addition to the Switch library. Nonetheless, it has some minor flaws, even if it remains functionally intact. Either Way, Golem Gates is a must try for anyone looking for a strategy game on Switch and/or a fun multiplayer option! I can definitely see this game being something I come back to during airport gameplay sessions, or even just when I have a bunch of time to kill.

Dawn of the Monsters should be on your list if you’re looking for a great co-op kaiju beat ’em up. The beautiful artwork and range of different characters and abilities will have you changing up who you pick until you find the one that fits your play style. Boss battles are tough but manageable, but they will require you to customize your character with the different augments best suited to the fight. I’ve been playing solo and with my kids, who absolutely love playing as a giant beast, smashing through the landscape, and taking out the monsters. And frankly, who wouldn’t love that?

Save Koch is an absorbing story with well-written characters and a genuinely engaging mystery.

Underneath the layers of cute pixelated art and a calming lofi-like OST is a short yet memorable story. It will leave you in need of Atma to dive into your heart after it is shattered time and time again by the tales to be told of feeling fearful of one’s future.

I’ve had an immense amount of fun with R.B.I. Baseball 19 — something I couldn’t say of the previous entry.

Terror of Hemasaurus is a fantastic time, a wild homage to Rampage that tops its predecessor in nearly every way. It’s definitely meant to be played in multiplayer couch co-op. And maybe it’ll help you understand that if our planet can’t be destroyed by daikaiju, then maybe we just shouldn’t destroy it at all.

Sword and soldiers 2 Shawarmageddon does a great job of pulling together all of the things that made the original great while adding in new elements.

Cloud Garden is a peaceful puzzle game with plenty of levels on offer and a sandbox mode also in tow. It’s a simple and joyous experience for everyone.

The mature content and somber approach of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition may put off some gamers, but it’s a can’t-miss game for those seeking an RPG with more bite and consequence (not to mention playable characters above the age of 15) than we normally get on Nintendo systems.

In its own right, Nintendo Switch Sports is fantastic, doing everything you hoped it would. Super-responsive controls, family-friendly fun, and a solid online and offline co-op system. However, when you look at what we could have got, and when you compare this to Wii Sports, has the game built on that foundation enough in the last 16 years? I don’t think it does. Again, it’s a great game and one that I will sink many hours into because it’s essentially Wii Sports on the Switch – but when you look at the bigger picture, there is endless potential on what Nintendo could, and probably should, have done. Golf has been confirmed, and I hope that there is more on Spocco Square’s horizon, as, with a few more sports and features, Nintendo Switch Sports could become THE must-own game on the system.

Some minor visual elements don’t translate to the Switch as smoothly as they could, but Planescape: Torment and Icewind Dale: Enhanced Editions sucks you into all the most captivating fantasy adventures.

Wildfire is a unique stealth game that’s fun to play with a friend. With short levels, you can pick up and play this title anywhere.

Othercide is a unique take on the strategy game and adds a new depth with the addition of roguelite elements. Mix that in with unique design and a high risk and reward system, this game is a great place for veterans and newcomers alike.

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle improves on its predecessor in nearly every way imaginable. Successfully maintaining what made No More Heroes so adored, all the while improving on the original without sacrificing the heart and soul of the game: having fun.

Two Point Campus is a management sim in which you create and maintain college campuses. Its joint focus on business and provides a fun challenge as you create a great learning environment where your students and staff can thrive.

Monomals may look like a sleeper from an indie studio, but it hits a lot of the right notes for gamers looking for some action platformer fun with a musical twist. You get good game play, plenty of time and replay, and an outlet for your creative side.

Nekograms is an adorable puzzle game about helping cats take a nap. This cute premise is coupled with a stgrong puzzle element, bringing over 100 levels to conquer. This relaxing and well-designed puzzle outing is sure to please genre fans.

3000th Duel is a great play through and truly a hidden gem on the Switch. The more time I put into it, the more I enjoyed it. Despite my one small complaint, I enjoyed seeing what I would discover next. Metroidvania fans should certainly give this game a playthrough.

Pure Crosswords is a great example of a simple game done well. The clean interface and personalization make this an accessible and fun title. There’s plenty of content to keep you busy for a very long time and crossword enthusiasts won’t be disappointed.

Kraken Academy!! is a well-crafted adventure story. With endearing characters, intriguing time-travel mechanics, and a retro-style look, Kraken Academy!! will undoubtedly appeal to those looking for a game reminiscent of the adventure games of the ‘90s.

This game is built to get you into the action quickly with just a few cutscenes to explain the creation of the Delta Squad. I enjoyed the chance to mindlessly shoot droids and see how far I could get. With a variety of difficulties to help you set your pace, gamers of any skill level can play Star Wars: Republic Commando.

Hungry Baby: Party Treats lacks a complete campaign offering, but the atmosphere, treats, party mode, and performance make this a must-own for anyone looking to get an affordable party/puzzle game.

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

TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns is a strong platformer with a uniquely Aussie charm. A lot of care has gone into bringing TY’s fourth outing to life on the Switch, with delightful audiovisuals that immerse the player in the outback.

Defend the Rook is a rogue-like tactics game that’s challenging enough to make you earn your victories while keeping you ready to try again when it beats you. If you like strategy games, this entry is worth adding to your Switch library.

Revita has a lot going for it. Part roguelike, part shooter, part platformer, it has something for just about everyone. Throw in a melancholic story and addictive gameplay, and you’re in for an enjoyable time.

All in all, I can’t hate on this game. The story’s interesting and keeps you going; if nothing else to see what happens to the spoiled prince. Overall, KEMCO has another nice entry on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Play Monster Viator for a sense of what I described.

Freedom Planet 2 is an enjoyable, creative, and pretty release overall. With a bit more polish and fleshing out in the writing, I feel it could be a truly amazing game. But as is, it’s definitely more expanded than the more simplistic first title.

Whether it’s just for short burst, or even if you want to spend hours playing it, TENS! is a must play for any puzzle game enthusiasts.

Somewhat short for its genre but reasonably sweet, Kaptain Brawe: A Brawe New World comes recommended for fans. While speech is certainly missed, the art style is inviting to the eyes. It plays it straight, but the fun characters and satisfying puzzles make it well worthwhile for those who overlooked it upon initial release.

Chained is a unique puzzle game that’s simple and will keep you busy and entertained for a couple of hours.

Vinebound: Tangled Together is an excellent co-op game with cute aesthetics, high replayability, and the right amount of challenge.

Astalon: Tears of the Earth may be yet another in a long line of retro 2D action/platformers available for the Nintendo Switch, but it deserves to be moved towards the front of that line. Fans of the genre will find plenty to like here, so long as they’re willing to accept backtracking as a core gameplay element.

As an arcade rail shooter, Rogue Flight hits all of its marks. It doesn’t aim for anything outside of the norm, but that allows it to focus entirely on its frenetic gameplay and anime setup/presentation. Players of all skill levels will be able to hop in and enjoy.

Dreaming Sarah’s surreal world is fun to explore, all wrapped in great pixel art and an excellent soundtrack. There’s plenty of variety and puzzles to solve. Despite its short length, it’s worth checking out if you’re after something different yet memorable in the genre.

All of this comes together for a mostly engaging strategic experience that is just long enough to not wear out its welcome. You’re not going to sink hundreds of hours into it like you did with Breath of Wild and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but that’s a good thing in this case. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac age chugs along at a decent speed (albeit sometimes slowed by long, repetitive environments and the micromanagement of the gambit system), with story elements dropped in just often enough to keep you intrigued.

Heaven’s Vault is a relaxing game with an interesting, immersive storyline and a beautiful world to explore. While it lacks some “side activities,” it has plenty to offer with its unique puzzle system and tons of replay value.

Endling: Extinction is Forever is a good game for survival fans and another reminder that humans suck. The story evokes a lot of emotion and tough choices. Overall this is a bitter-sweet game. The story is bitter, and the gameplay is sweet.

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

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.

Reigns: Beyond is a cute, quirky adventure with excellently designed art, music, and storytelling delivered in a simple yet engaging format that works better on the Switch than most other mobile-friendly games.

ORD. is a special game that lets you choose your own adventure via three words at a time. The stories are uniquely presented, making it creative to witness and enjoyable to play. It might not warrant a second playthrough once you’ve been through all the scenarios, but it’s a fun journey nonetheless.

Asdivine Kamura is a strong RPG. The controls are smooth and the graphics are well done. I personally felt there wasn’t too much depth with the characters when it came to development, but I enjoyed my time with the crew nonetheless.

Spidersaurs is a beautiful homage to a bygone era of over-the-top ‘90s cartoons and challenging platformers. The game does enough to make it feel distinct from similar games, adding in special abilities and beautiful art and voice acting. The game is a challenging yet short experience. If you are a fan of Contra, you won’t be disappointed.

Whether or not you fancy yourself a platformer aficionado, Alwa’s Legacy should be on your playlist. It combines retro graphics with modern precision to create a wonderfully engaging experience that strikes a fun balance between platforming and puzzle solving.

Trigger Witch successfully combines a top-down RPG with a twin-stick shooter, creating a fun amalgamation of genres that works really well. It’s fun to play and provides plenty of exploration in a cute and colorful world that also happens to be ultra violent. I’d prefer less violence – or an option to turn it off – but there’s still plenty to enjoy here.

Crown Trick is a cute dungeon crawler with a great sense of humour, lovely animation and plenty to discover to keep you coming back to take on the chaos.

Turn off the lights and go into your play of Inscryption knowing you will experience a narrative like no other. The gameplay is well done, but the story that lies under it is perfect. If you are a horror fan, do not skip this one.

The platform and theme are simple, but Swordship is not easy. Its take on shmups is unique, its visuals are interesting and its story is just enough to inspire the whole “be the hero” ethos. If you like dodge-em games this one is a good addition to your game library.

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.

Fans of classic arcade games should love Donut Dodo, mainly because it gives them something new. It’s not a port; it’s a new game that looks, sounds, and plays like it should’ve been released in 1982. It’s a clever, low-cost addition to your digital arcade.

Tales from Candleforth uses escape room-like mechanics to help its protagonist not only find her missing grandmother and uncover the secrets she left behind, but also to realize her own powers. With creepy imagery, this 2D, hand-drawn game is sure to catch and hold the attention of point-and-click puzzle/adventure gamers.

If you want your fix of Sherlock and don’t feel like whipping a book open, this game is a safe bet to whet your appetite. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments has a ton of charm, uniqueness, and freedom, and with the right gamer, this will be a dream.

Disjunction is an action/arcade RPG with an effective emphasis on stealth combat—you can’t just stroll through shooting people. The look and feel of the game are slightly nostalgic, and there is some variety with the three characters you get to play. If you like sneaking around, this one is a fun option.

Bleak Sword DX is a tough sword-slashing adventure that stands out thanks to its interesting visuals and standalone levels. Although this exciting outing feels fresh and looks great, the difficulty level may be too high for some players.

Space Invaders may be a monumental entry in the history of gaming, but it’s not exactly the most enjoyable title in the Switch era. Super Destronaut DX-2 is if Taito’s debut title got a handful of QoL updates and thrown smack dab in the middle of a rave. It’s a solid entry in the arcade genre if you’re into classic space shooters.

Death’s Gambit’s Afterlife is a creative 2D platform that has incredible level and character design. The start menu and actual combat instructions could be more detailed, but all in all, it’s a very good game.

Like me, if you own most of the Pinball FX3 tables, this one should make its way to your library. I’ll continue to support Zen Studio’s DLC, popping my virtual quarters and again to top my high scores. Williams Pinball – Volume 6 is addictive fun.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes carries enough of Three Houses to appeal to that game’s fans even if they’re not into the hack-and-slash of Musou games. Warriors fans should like it, too. If your Fire Emblem fandom reaches further back than the 3DS, however, you’ll once again have to grin and bear all the fluff.

XenoRaptor is a solid arcade shooting game with a fun boss rush element and a unique space experience.

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.

Gerda: A Flame in Winter is an interactive novel featuring well-written dialogue and varied pathways, coupled with simple RPG elements. Much like a good book, this is one game that’s hard to put down.

Tadpole Treble Encore is a charming rhythm game that’s easy to play through, but difficult to 100% complete. An included level editor extends its life span, but its whimsical gameplay and music may take care of that on their own.

Rune Factory 3 Special is a life/farming simulation game originally released for the DS in 2009. Remade, it’s now playable on the Switch. Fight monsters, grow and harvest crops, sell loot, cook, fish, and raise your relationship levels with the villagers in this very interactive and fun game.

The logic behind the puzzles combined with the design of the visuals combine to create a game that is both relaxing to play while demanding your full attention to solve. Challenging without being stressful, She Remembered Caterpillars is an ideal game for shutting out the world and mapping out all the paths to victory.

Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure is another worthwhile entry in the Pinball FX3 library. Although it’s not the best deal Zen has to offer, the machine is good enough to appeal to fans of pinball in general or Indy himself (with visual presentation options to accommodate both groups).

Rainbow Cotton is a lot of fun. It’s one of those games you can grab quickly and not have to drop hours on. The cutscenes between levels will make the kids giggle at the antics of Cotton and her friend as they journey to get candy.

If you played the original game on the Wii, you’ll have to ask yourself how much the new extras, admirable though they are, trump the missing multiplayer. However, for those yet to experience it, it’s certainly worth picking up Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn on 3DS. It’s a high-quality package with charming aesthetics and a good amount of content for the price that should keep you playing.

About an Elf is a tough game to sell and something you must experience to fully understand what it is and why I genuinely loved my time with it; however, I was left wanting more. More of what, I don’t know, but what I do know is that if this is Meringue Interactives first go at making games, then I cannot wait to see what they do in the future.

Severed Steel is a rapid-pace first-person shooter that demands quick reflexes and creative thinking to blast your way through the minions of a nefarious mega-corporation wreaking havoc in a dark future.

Moving Out 2 provides more of the same slapstick shenanigans in a world of clumsy movers and fragile items. The silly humor is present and accounted for with more levels to conquer while you laugh along. The developers have played it safe with minor changes that improve the experience overall.

Pepper Grinder is a platformer that wears its inspiration on its sleeve, with collectibles, checkpoints, and more in tow. It adds a unique spin to the formula with the addition of a drill mechanic, creating a fun-yet-tough experience that’s satisfying to conquer. It’s not a super-long game, but the challenge will keep you busy for some time regardless.

Paperbound Brawlers was so frantic the first time I played it that I couldn’t keep track of the action and quickly switched the game off. I’m glad I came back, though, because things start to click once you get the hang of how to use gravity as a weapon, and you start to see each level in a brand new light. Planning becomes virtually impossible, and you exist simply in the moment. Until a goo bomb kills you, that is.

Monopoly brings the classic board game to life on the Nintendo Switch. The game remains intact, with easy-to-use controls, optional rules, and modes for faster games. If you’re a fan looking for an interactive electronic version of the game, this could be the one for you.

If you’ve never heard of Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams, that’s no reason to ignore Cotton Reboot! You need not be a retro gamer to appreciate this shoot ’em up’s excellent arcade/action gameplay, you just need to be a fan of cute, upbeat fun.

Ultra Foodmess 2 is a bargain bin collection of ten mini games that mostly stand up pretty well. It’s easy to pick up and play for some local multiplayer fun, and that’s definitely the best way to enjoy it; there’s no online play, and the AI opponents aren’t much competition.

Potionomics: Masterwork Edition is a charming and absorbing game that blends the day to day management of a growing business with a cute fantasy world populated by a community of wholesome and interesting characters.

Linn: Path of Orchards is a creative puzzle game with a beautiful fantasy setting and a unique approach to keeping you engaged with each level.