Tempest 4000 is perceptibly held back by a clunky UI, missing two-player modes, and a gimped AI Droid. But it’s still recommended, thanks to its superb audio/visual package and “one more time” gameplay. Especially for series fans, getting “in the zone” will ensure this entry has high replay value. Being able to enjoy this in handheld mode on the Switch is a big plus also.

Once Upon a Jester is a classic hero quest told through some creative gameplay and writing. There are plenty of touching moments mixed in with the humor, which I wasn’t expecting. The music sets the scenes perfectly as well. What I love about Once Upon a Jester is that the creators took a lot of risks, from the story to the voice acting, and even the mechanics for putting on a show. And all of these features stick the landing. This game is everything I love about the indie scene.

Tomba! Special Edition is a fantastic and unique game. Even though I had hoped for a full remaster, the original is still fun just the way it is. The added content and features—like saving anywhere and rewinding—are great, and despite some dated mechanics, the colorful world and quirky side quests make it a rewarding, fun experience that is definitely worth playing. While the 34 year old me scores Tomba at an 8.5, purely due to outdated mechanics, the 7 year old me gives it a 10/10 ;)

Everdeep Aurora, a pixel art platformer from Ysbryd Games, has its faults. It also has enough charm and personality to overcome them. Striking visuals, fun gameplay, and an absolutely adorable cat make this a game that arcade adventure fans should definitely check out.

Viewfinder provides a visually appealing, aurally relaxing environment in which to work through some very clever puzzles; the way you get from A to B is a really nifty twist. If you like the “wander around and figure things out” kind of puzzle game, I can give this one a hearty recommendation.

Altogether, My Friend Pedro is a speedrunner’s paradise, offering a charming story with good gunplay for its price tag. But if you are looking for pure replay value you won’t find that here (unless you are a speedrunner).

If you subscribe to Apple Arcade and can play Shinsekai Into the Depths on any of your Apple devices, there’s little to be gained by moving it to the Switch. But if the Switch is your only access to this undersea wonderland, Shinsekai is an intriguing, engaging, and beautiful adventure worth exploring.

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.

Please Touch the Artwork is a colourful and clever puzzle game that you can power through in an afternoon or so, but lingers with you for a long time afterwards.

Nelly Cootalot: The Fowl Fleet is the kind of charming and hilarious adventure game that only happens when real love goes into its creation.

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.

Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos is an adorable yet challenging dungeon crawler designed to play with friends and suitable for any character class. Its world is exciting, its style is lovely and it has a lot going for it that draws you into the adventure.

A finely crafted game in almost every respect, Gunbrella mixes engaging puzzles with exciting action, well-rounded characters, and a dark, intriguing mystery that infects the entire dystopian world.

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.

Kamikaze Lassplanes leans heavily into its visual novel gameplay and ecchi art, but serves up an engaging story and fun shoot ’em up combat throughout. And whether you’re more into the romantic narrative or the arcade action, gameplay options are available to bring your preference into focus.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series does a great job of grouping two beloved but not well known games together in a package that works well on Nintendo Switch. The games have a charming visual style and a gameplay simplicity that I greatly appreciate. That said the game does have some unforgiving late game platforming that randomly pops up for no reason, some annoying voice over work, and a lackluster celebration for, you know, what’s supposed to be a series milestone. There’s enough fun to be had with Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series to recommend this game to anyone who enjoys 2D platformers or someone who’s looking to rediscover two classic games deserving more attention. Hopefully, this will lead to Klonoa seeing either a new game or the Game Boy Advance games being remade.

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.

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

Everhood 2 is an RPG broken down to its core elements—visually and procedurally—then remixed as a rhythm-based action game. It baffles at the start, continues to challenge and surprise, and ends before you’ve had the chance to really figure out what was going on. It’ll captivate players who are willing to let it.

Jamestown+ is highly enjoyable for users who appreciate a fast-paced and competitive shoot-em-up. While the game is weighed down a bit by story, and the game doesn’t allow for the Joy-Cons to remain connected when the Nintendo Switch is undocked, this title still has something to offer for those looking for an addictive game with a unique setting.

If you prioritize up-to-the-minute aesthetics, Pokémon Legends: Z-A — and arguably any title in the series — isn’t for you. Still, I can’t deny how much fun I’ve had playing this game. Its addictiveness triumphs over any minor issues. Real-time battles and entertaining side quests shine in Lumiose City. Launching at $70 with $30 of DLC might give some pause. But if you have a spouse or kids who will play this one too, the value is there, with dozens of hours of thoroughly satisfying adventuring. Don’t miss this release.

No, I didn’t chuck my controller as I’ve grown up. However, I still say the game cheats. That aside, LA-MULANA has a ton of playability as you try to find hidden shops and solve the puzzles. It is not the best game on the Switch, but it is a lot of fun. It would be a shame to pass up this little hidden gem.

While there are good ideas presented here, PHOGS! is too slow and unexciting for it to stand out from the crowd.

Wingspan is a calm, thought-provoking bird-watching game with fun visuals and sounds and simple controls.

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.

DBZ: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens Set is packed full of epic fights, side quests, and a good amount of free DLC. The game looks and plays great on the Switch. I highly recommend it for fans of the series.

While the races are thrilling, the lack of any features found in other racers, such as sliding or braking, prevents you from building skills to master the game. Most times, it feels like you win on sheer luck. Coupled with the fact that the tracks all feel relatively the same, the experience gets stale fairly quickly.

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.

Wavetail encourages you to explore to its fullest a beautiful aquatic world, with fluid animation that makes for thrilling action and a profound story that reinforces the importance of community and compassion.

Although the story in the adventure puzzle game Frank and Drake takes a while to get going, it does eventually draw you in. There are several, non-linear paths to complete the game, allowing you to play through several times and explore all the options and elements. And the unique, rotoscoped animation looks great through each time.

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.

A provocative and technical feat, Terra Nil stands out from games with a similar environmental setting. It requires you to think creatively and intelligently about the challenges faced by the natural world, and it leaves you with a realistic vision of what humanity needs to do to change the world for the better.

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.

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.

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.

Overall, Back to the Dawn is fantastic. There’s so much to do that you’ll be kept busy for many, many hours. I found myself thinking about my in-game plans before real-life bed – it just gets in your head. The retro graphics, fun characters, and seemingly endless quests all add towards a game that’s well worth your time.

Nintendo continues its long tradition of enhancing past games with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. While the third time isn’t quite the charm it could have been—more of the same Retro Studios title that millions have already experienced on past Nintendo systems—the game is still plenty enjoyable, and even more in co-op. The Cranky Kong in me wants a long overdue brand-new entry in the series. But if you’ve missed this game through the years, this oldie is still a goodie, and make sure you don’t miss it a third time. Even though these bananas are looking a little brown at full launch price, grab the game at a discount, and you’ll have a “barrel-blasting adventure!”

Touhou Spell Bubble is a clever and challenging game that combines bubble popping mechanics with rhythm elements and surprisingly intricate strategies. The price may be high, but it’ll pay off if you’re able to stick with it—especially if you can squeeze extra life out of local multiplayer instead of having to rely on the DLC purchases.

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

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a fun, accessibly challenging game that looks fantastic on the Switch. There aren’t enough new elements or improvements to help it compare to Luigi’s Mansion 3, but it’s still an enjoyable romp, especially for those who didn’t visit Evershade Valley on the 3DS.

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

Modest though it may be, Poker Night at the Inventory proves to be as fun as ever. And while it’s easy to wish for more, the game is only $9.99. To quote Strong Bad, that’s “Chump change, I say. Chump change!” The game’s charming personality guarantees you’ll be busting it out for a tournament or two every now and again.

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.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream thrives on chaos, creativity, and offbeat humor, offering a constantly evolving experience that improves on the original. It isn’t deeply structured, but that unpredictability is where the fun comes from. While future updates and larger DLC would help reduce repetition, its charm still holds strong. It’s a unique and worthwhile pick for anyone wanting something fresh and different.

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.

Volgarr The Viking II is a fun, but flawed, platformer. There’s a lack of communication that leaves one guessing as to the terms of play. It’s meant to be punishing, and the zombie option helps, but things could benefit from difficulty options or a better restart system.

Even with an inconveniently designed save system, Lunark is a game I’ll look back fondly on for reaching the highest of highs. It’s easily one of my favorite titles in recent years, one I’ll undoubtedly revisit. A must-play for cinematic platformer fans, Lunark’s full of surprises, bound to leave lasting positive impressions with players. If this is indie studio Canari Games’ first release, I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

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.

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

As an action/adventure game, Helvetii falls just a bit short on some elements of gameplay and storytelling. However, it’s still a solid entry with very appealing looks, sounds, and mechanics.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Turing Test and have no complaints about it. I think it was a solid port from Square Enix Collective and it gives me hope for their future games that come to the Nintendo Switch. The puzzle gameplay is some of the best in the genre and it’s further enhanced by the creative level design. If you are looking to learn more about Alan Turing’s famous test or just simply want to add a puzzle game to your Nintendo Switch collection, The Turing Test is a no-brainer. Honestly, The Turing Test is one of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played! It is literally ‘out of this world’.

Telling a cautionary tale about society isn’t usually the goal of an arcade sport game, but that’s exactly what Golf Club Wasteland does. That it’s also fun to play is a nice bonus, providing an oddly relaxing and challenging experience for puzzle and platforming fans alike.

Vaporum is a “Steampunk Dungeon Crawler” with a hidden mystery lying underneath the strange laboratory of mechanical creatures out to destroy you. I recommend this game to anyone looking to play a game with collecting, puzzle solving, and combat.

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

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.

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.

A little stale outside of racing mode, and the game is hardest at the beginning because the three cars given to you are bad. Still, Rush Rally Origins is a solid racing game with above-average graphics.

Diablo II: Resurrected gets enough polish and features to appeal to fans of the original release and to series newcomers. The exploration/combat loop is still fully engaging, with only a few remnants of its age interfering with gameplay on the Switch.

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.

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

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.

SteamWorld Build is another great entry in this long-running series. This latest outing encouraged me to give simulations another go, taking a series I enjoy and introducing me to a genre I’m not usually fond of. The relaxing style and intuitive gameplay make this an accessible and interesting title for all players.

As far as retro puzzle/platformers go, Moons of Darsalon is one of the most unique and entertaining I’ve played in quite some time. It’s engaging, it’s funny, and it’s frustrating in (usually) the most entertaining of ways. The gameplay, graphics, and audio combine to remind us that sci-fi is still allowed to be campy fun. Gil Gerard would be proud.

Through and through, Moon is the anti-RPG. It’s a satirical stab at the RPG genre. While it could have been better with a more updated look, I still find this game innovative and fresh even by today’s standards. It’s cute and funny and fun to play. If you’re looking for a laid-back RPG, this is it. Moon is a title that reviews can’t do justice to; it has to be played to really appreciate what the developers were trying to do.

While newer players could be frustrated by camera limits, some gameplay quirks, and overall lack of personality, simulation fans can see minutes turn to hours when playing Pure Pool. It’s a highly entertaining game that I’ve sunk more time into than expected.

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.

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is a unique 3D and 2D story with many gameplay mechanics. However, the controls may be finicky, and the game can get repetitive after a while.

Overall, the fun gameplay had depth, and the quirky story was both engaging and humorous. Metal Slug Tactics is a cool twist and does a great job of keeping the series relevant.

Long Gone Days is an RPG with a very smart story. It’s a bit of a shame, then, that the gameplay elements are elementary. If you allow yourself to get attached to this somber world and its young cast of sympathetic characters, however, the experience will be well worth your time.

Megaton Musashi W: Wired has a good-enough story and decent-enough gameplay to keep mech enthusiasts entertained, but the real attraction lies in the myriad ways to customize and overpower your robot. Players will want to spend more time in the hangar than on the battlefield. I think that’s OK in this case, as the battlefield isn’t terribly exciting.

Little Kitty, Big City is a joyful experience that successfully emulates playing the role of a cat. This sweet and relaxing game provides plenty to do in an easy-to-navigate environment that’s ripe for exploring. I appreciate the work the developers have put into this, and I hope they get a chance to create similar titles in the future.

In most respects, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is the definitive way to play the best-selling sequel. But a few of the level and boss alterations prove questionable at best (especially the latter), and the easy (immune) mode is a sizable step back from its more balanced predecessor. Bandai Namco would be wise to address both in an update asap. The game mostly makes up for these mistakes with its aesthetic and control improvements. Add time trial leaderboards, two-player co-op, and plenty of new and returning extras with some fun unlocakables, and you have an adventure that might keep you playing.

Grow: Song of The Evertree is reasonably compelling for the first few hours. But in juggling a lot, some of its more commonplace elements are uneven. While the story sings a familiar tune and long load times add up, this is still a worthwhile adventure with many surprises. Just be prepared for some feeling of recognizable repetition as you play at your own pace.

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.

It’s been so long since a Madden game has been playable on a Nintendo device that pretty much anything would’ve satisfied NFL fans. Thankfully, Madden NFL 26 happens to be a good game that offers a massive playbook of depth and content. Just be prepared to spend time on the practice squad while you get up to speed.

Northgard is a fantastic, well put together title. I found it to be challenging enough to keep me at it, but not over the top and unbalanced. Vikings conquering, smashing, and crushing enemies is a lot of fun! Get this game if you’re an RTS fan, it’s a must-have.

MouseCraft, while pretty easy, is a fun and unique puzzle game. It’s great to play on the go and worth a buy.

A fun point-and-click game from 2012 that you can tell is at least a decade old. The storyline is interesting and will make up for some of the visual flaws of the game.

Wave two of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC hits the spot in every way. Every track brings a smile and feels like it truly belongs. It’s a fun yet challenging collection that will have you laughing, even while occasionally losing in frustration.

Foretales has a lot of moving parts to this card-based game. The narrative-driven mechanic allows the players freedom to select which path to choose and how to play their hand is a fascinating, albeit risky, take on the genre. However, it works. You’ll enjoy your time with the game if you approach Foretales as a strategy game rather than a deck-builder.

If these Taito milestone compilations are to continue, a slightly lower price combined with a couple more exclusives could be the winning combination. Some extra historical content (seen in comparable collections) could add welcomed value, too. But I’ll say this for emphasis, if you already own the A-material in this third installment as individual Arcade Archive releases, you might not be the ideal audience.

Monster Hunter Stories may be aimed at a younger audience than Capcom’s standard Monster Hunter games, but it still requires plenty of strategy when it comes to the turn-based fighting and reaching further in the game. If you’d rather collect and raise animals than hunt them, this is your story.

HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition is perhaps thus named because it literally requires your signature to play. Once you’re past that and a few other technical and online issues, however, you’ll get a ton of content with countless ways to work through it. Make room for the 60GB install file, because you’ll want to keep this game around for a very long time.

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.

Despite a couple shortcomings with the story and extraneous elements, Bravely Default II is a rock-solid JRPG that will appeal to anyone with a love of world exploration, character management, and turn-based combat.

With tight controls and a good amount of entertaining content for completionists, New Super Lucky’s Tale justifies its $39.99 launch price for genre enthusiasts. But uneven level design holds this adventure back from true greatness. Check out the demo to get a feel for it.

Induction is a simple yet clever puzzle title with a unique concept. Don’t let the relaxing music and pastel tones fool you; this is one tough game! Replayability is minimal, but there are some real brain teasers in here for those ready to accept the challenge.

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.

Grapple Dog is an adorable, challenging platformer with a lot of content for the price. It’s a great filler if you’re waiting on some of the bigger 2022 titles to be released, or if you’re wanting a game to play with the kids. I highly recommend checking it out!

Overall. Mario Tennis Fever is a terrific entry in this long-running series. It adds a new gimmick that doesn’t distract from the game yet balances the playing field. Plus, you can turn it off if it’s not for you. With plenty of multiplayer modes and a decent solo adventure, this is a title that will satisfy even the most disgruntled of Mario Sports fans.

Tiny Thor is a cute, colorful 2D platformer with a fun, nostalgic style. But an over-reliance on genre tropes and under utilization of its mythological source material mean it doesn’t stand out from the wealth of similar games.

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.

Journey of the Broken Circle is a lovely, thought-provoking game that uses simplicity to explore the complexity of relationships.

The Long Dark is a title that successfully uses the classic plot device of man vs. nature. With so much detail put into the gameplay, it can be easy to feel as cold as your player in this freezing Canadian wilderness. The endlessly entertaining survival mode lets you explore Great Bear Island to your heart’s desire.

Fitness Circuit offers a convenient, flexible, and thorough way to get in some guided exercise. The visuals look like an anime adventure, the audio is well done, and the controls are easy to use. Kudos to the developers, as Fitness Circuit is an easy recommendation for your Switch library.

The violent mix of combat and platforming provided by Gori: Cuddly Carnage won’t be for everyone, but it will be for more people than you’d expect. The gameplay is surprisingly engaging if you’re willing to take on the unsettling visuals.

Inbento is a joyful little game that’s wonderfully presented. It’s perhaps too challenging for young kids, however, and not varied enough for adults. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth playing, but rather—like lunch itself—that it’s best enjoyed if you and a youngster can share the time spent with it.

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.