The Smurfs – Dreams is going to pleasantly surprise a lot of people who think they’re just playing it to keep their kids happy. Although never too challenging, its colorful visuals, clever gimmicks, and solid 3D platforming gameplay help it escape the franchise tie-in doldrums.

I expected Super Mario Maker 2 to be an outstanding sequel but instead, it’s simply good. It takes steps forward and back in near equal measure, having significant post-launch shortcomings that go beyond mere nitpicking. Namely, the inferior online implementation at present, especially the, at times, borderline-unplayable online multiplayer. I certainly don’t expect perfect, but I also don’t expect a selling point this flawed from the Big N. It forfeits the right to a higher score, but I’m absolutely confident the game will continue to improve with updates. Meanwhile, it still offers a ton of creative potential and courses to play, representing good value for the cost.

While boring at times, Pig Eat Ball is a fun puzzle game that manages to bring the players in with its basic mechanics and interesting world and characters.

Cross Tails is one of KEMCO’s more unique releases in quite some time. Although the story never surprises, the gameplay mechanics of this isometric, tactical JRPG certainly do. Turn-based combat fans shouldn’t let this one slip past without serious consideration.

Trifox is a fun action platformer that allows you to choose the type of character you play as. Although there are a couple of concerns with floaty physics and a rigid camera, but they are outweighed by fun fights, clever puzzles, and vibrant visuals.

Trombone Champ is a goofy, chaotic music sim that never for a moment takes itself seriously. Everything from the gameplay to the song selection to the loading screens is meant to amuse, making it a perfect fit for the Switch. The fun can wear off quickly when playing solo, but it’s consistently entertaining for a full band (up to a quartet, anyway).

Interrogation: You Will Be Deceived is no longer a suspect to being a bad game. Multiple levels of difficulty allow for multiple playthroughs. The Visual Novel is interesting enough for players who just want the story, while the other two difficulties add a bit of twists and turns to the already enjoyable game.

9 Years of Shadows’ pixel graphics are gorgeous, its story is compelling, and its boss battles are worth the slower moments you have to wade through to get there. It’s a fun adventure that offers enough surprises to keep Castlevania fans engaged throughout.

Silver Falls Episode Prelude offers an intense and atmospheric introduction to the world of Silver Falls, in a concise narrative game with some bonus battle content on top.

As someone unlikely to play most of these courses in real-life, I relish the chance to visit them in video-game form. From driving off the tee, reading the green, and everything in between, this title offers a lot in spite of itself. If you’re someone who enjoys golf sims, please don’t let some careless glitches prevent you from checking out PGA Tour 2K21 on the Nintendo Switch. With practice, even a real-life duffer like myself can rack up his share of eagles.

After sinking several hours, I can say that Mini Motor Racing X is pretty fun. From seemingly small options to many extras, it offers a lot. While I wonder if it’ll prove a memorable racer when compared to many, I suspect it’s a game I’ll keep downloaded to revisit for short spells now and again.

Super Street: Racer is a fun driving simulation game with plenty of customization options so you can build your perfect car. The races are fast and fluid and, with a few more features and tracks, this could be an even better racing title.

With its narrative, cooking, crafting, and (of course) fishing, there is plenty more to do in Reel Fishing: Days of Summer than just cast your line and hope for a bite. The game provides easy to access reminders and pointers, some nice scenery to enjoy, and a relatable story, making for a fun and accessible fishing sim adventure.

Quest for Infamy is an excellent outing for fans of those old-school, point-and-click fantasy games of yesteryear. It’s packed full of missions, side-quests, and things to discover, albeit a little bare. The writing and characters breathe so much life and comedy into this game that you can’t help but have a merry old time with Mister Roehm.

EcoGnomix is a solid strategy game where you’ll need to be on your toes through every run of the game. Patience is key with this one.

Exit the Gungeon is a refreshing next step for the franchise. The smaller scale comes with certain drawbacks, but it’s nonetheless a worthwhile experience, even if it’s not to the same standard as the original.

As a solo game, I admit this one won’t endure for me as a series newbie. It’s just okay, at best. But if you’re a returning player or wish to experience it in co-op, there’s positively good fun to be had. You can lose track of time, making all manner of tasty-looking dishes while bobbing your head to the great soundtrack.

Initial frustration with balloon navigation eventually clears to let the lighter puzzle and platforming elements of Passing By – A Tailwind Journey create an overall pleasant experience. Even with survival elements, however, gameplay may be a bit too cozy and relaxed to hold players’ attention.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! offers a unique take on party board games and anime-based games in general. It’s an easy recommendation for fans of the series, but those simply seeking a truly fresh spin on a somewhat perfunctory formula should enjoy it regardless of their mastered breathing style.

Barry the Bunny provides an addictive platforming experience, complete with cute critters. A few issues prevent it from being perfect, but platforming enthusiasts should consider giving it a go.

While lacking in certain areas, THOTH remains a really fun game at a very affordable price. Pick it up.

DARQ Complete Edition is a dark puzzle platformer in which you must help a boy named Lloyd navigate a seemingly endless loop of nightmares. Its lack of story and solid scares may disappoint some players, but it’s a solid pick-up for those seeking a quick, creepy gaming experience.

While there’s definitely room for improvement and expansion, I can see kids liking this game quite a bit. There’s plenty to unlock, and hearing that you did something better than Mama brings a smile. As someone new to the series, Cooking Mama: Cookstar felt reasonably fresh to me. But vets may find it more so resembles leftovers. Hopefully, the rights holder and publisher can work things out.

Bassmaster Fishing 2022 is a great fishing sim, especially if you’re a hardcore angler. If not, this might be a little too detailed for you. But if you’re a patient fishing enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to keep yourself busy in this realistic-feeling title.

Cotton Fantasy: Superlative Night Dreams is a bit pricey for the time it takes to get to the end. However, it’s a shoot-em-up. It’s not about getting through a story, it’s about shooting baddies and getting a high score. Fans of shmups (and of the recently revitalized Cotton in particular) will have some fun with this one.

Tropico 6 may not be at its best on the Nintendo Switch but it is still worthwhile even on noticeably underpowered hardware. Once you get past the huge load times at the beginning and the lengthy tutorial, the only question is how would you like to rule? For the people? Or with an iron fist?

Crystal Ortha offers a breezy adventure that breaks from the norm just enough to please grizzled fans of JRPGs. It looks and feels right home on the Switch, but it’s easier to enjoy in short, handheld gaming sessions as opposed to long hours in front of your TV.

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.