Railbound is a very accessible, clever and well-designed puzzle game that goes hand-in-hand with the Nintendo Switch and its key assets. Thanks to a finely implemented difficulty level and sense of progression, competent audiovisual presentation, and controls that work like a charm, Railbound becomes a perfect companion for quick gaming sessions with its challenging puzzles and rewarding experience.

Thanks to its exquisite combat system, fun and involving game mechanics, and an absolutely stunning art style, this princely edition of Ni No Kuni II is a very competent conversion which earned its place on the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Simple to learn, difficult to master, Mini Motorways is a game best enjoyed in short sessions, and with its minimalistic but effective audiovisual presentation and growing complexity, it's certain to appeal to players who enjoy games with a strong strategic component.

Arise: A Simple Story - Definitive Edition is an emotional and visually striking journey where a simple but involving gameplay will bring players to focus on the experience, while its exquisite soundtrack fits perfectly with the game's purpose. Featuring a deliberately slow pace that will soothe the most stressful souls, Arise is a very welcoming work that will fit very well in anyone's Nintendo Switch, especially in this Definitive Edition that brings a good amount of additional content.

Replacing turn-based gameplay with dynamic action, Three Hopes brings three different stories that intertwine with each other, along with different endings and side quests that allow access to additional rewards. While the missions could be more varied, the gameplay is very fun and engaging, and this is without a doubt a very good game that can bring a renewal to both the Fire Emblem and Dynasty Warriors series.

This new chapter features the best combat ever seen in the Fire Emblem series, as well as a new mechanic that sets up a link between characters of different games and their abilities, which is extraordinary. At the same time, Engage features the least interesting plot in the series, as well as many unnecessary dialogues that feel like a chore to go through. With an exquisite visual background, Engage's positive aspects should be more than enough to appeal to those who want to focus on the combat and interactions and who are willing to put the plot in the backseat of the experience.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is an exquisite action-adventure spin-off from the Bayonetta trilogy that brings a series of new elements regarding its gameplay, boss battles and art style while reminding the player of everything that makes the Bayonetta series such a landmark of modern gaming. An absolutely indispensable addition to the Nintendo Switch catalogue that any fan of actions games should get their hands on.

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is another chapter of the Mysterious Trilogy and one that brings a series of welcome improvements regarding its predecessor, while keeping the fundamentals of the formula intact. What we have here is a classic Atelier game with a modern touch, featuring a gorgeous, vibrant and varied world with an original exploration system and an updated combat mechanic that makes it more dynamic. All in all, Atelier Sophie 2 is the best game in the Mysterious Trilogy.

Assassin's Creed Shadows on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a remarkable adaptation of this vast, open world RPG experience. Everything that made the game remarkable has been successfully ported to the Switch 2, such as the dual approach to the missions thanks to the differences between the two protagonists, the intricacies of the combat system, the shift in weather seasons with its gameplay implications, the attention to detail and fluid performance, all of that comes together to deliver a marvelous chapter of the Assassin's Creed series to Nintendo's new console. Veterans and newcomers alike will feel at home, with the added benefit of being able to play anywhere.

Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 follows the footsteps of its predecessors and sticks to their guns. This third chapter introduces some new elements, namely when it comes to character mechanics, but it keeps the overall trademarks of the Azure Striker Gunvolt series intact, with emphasis on the frantic action and the marvelous audiovisual world. Those looking for a high difficulty challenge might end up a bit disappointed though, as the game is truly as accessible as humanly possible.

Mr. Driller Drill Land is a remaster of a game from a previous generation and eighteen years later, we can say that it does a good job at improving the original experience and bringing it up to today's standards. Varied, challenging and fun, Drill Land on the Nintendo Switch packs a lot of fun action, whether the experience is solo or with up to four players.

Lair of the Clockwork God sets a rather ambitious purpose for itself: to successfully merge platforming and point and click mechanics and wrap them up in a funny and enjoyable package with its own brand of humour. It succeeds at the latter, less so at the former. Indeed, platforming and point and click still feel entirely separate from each other in this work, but that doesn't mean they can't be enjoyed.

The combat is fun and the combos available make the experience more engaging, while the game's presentation is a charm to look at, with extra points for its phenomenal soundtrack. At the same time, ScourgeBringer has nothing particularly new that can set it apart from its roguelite peers, and its difficulty level can sometimes feel unnecessarily exaggerated.

The Falconeer: Warrior Edition is a marvelous work based on aerial combat that brings a fantastic mix of beautiful visual qualities, a very demanding combat system, and a game experience that works like a charm whether on a television screen or on the go. This version is so well made it comes technically near to its counterpart on more advanced systems. The Falconeer: Warrior Edition is truly a gem that fully deserves its place next to every Nintendo Switch owner.

Stilstand is a game that evokes particularly poignant emotions in the time we live in, where the social isolation caused by the global pandemic has highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues linked to loneliness and depression. With its comic book art style and impeccably written plot, Stilstand's only major sin is to be over so quickly and giving us few reasons to pick it up again once finished, seeing as it does a stellar job at everything.

The game has so many options and events that the experience is never identical with each time we play it, even if the management component can feel a bit repetitive at certain points. Players less versed in the musings of grand strategy and intricate storylines can feel intimidated by the myriad choices available, but those who enjoy their prescription of plot, management, character development and combat will have more than enough to keep their attention focused for a long time.

Scott Pilgrim EX brings a change in structure compared to more conventional sidescrolling beat'em ups which sets it apart in ways that are welcome but can also feel unusual at first. Nonetheless the Scott Pilgrim DNA remains unchanged, with frantic and creative combat, a gorgeous pixel art visual style and the series' own irreverent humour. Fun when played solo, and an absolute frenzy on multiplayer, Scott Pilgrim EX embodies the comics' spirit down to the last detail.

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends and the Secret Fairy is a direct sequel in the Atelier series and it brings significant improvements over its predecessor. The exploration and combat mechanics are now slicker and more dynamic, while the freedom of movement has taken a major step ahead. Coupled with its exquisite soundtrack and despite a lower prominence of the game's plot, Atelier Ryza 2 is an instant classic that provides a marvelous experience to everyone.

Alwa's Legacy successfully follows its predecessor and delivers an experience that exhibits a marvelous world to look at, as well as to explore and especially, to take part in very engaging boss fights. This is a work that easily ranks with the best among its peers and that has more than earned its right to be part of many Switch owners' collections.

Featuring a gorgeous visual environment and sharp, well structured gameplay experience, Mario Party Superstars is certain to bring a fantastic time to players, whether solo or accompanied.

While its length is relatively short the game features a captivating plot set in the hallways of 18th century France as players make their way towards the royal court, deceiving others with a panoply of card tricks. With a gorgeous art style inspired by Franco-Belgian bandes dessinées and plenty of interesting characters to meet, Card Shark is definitely a game that deserves a good look.

Fast Fusion gives futuristic racers on the Nintendo Switch 2 a fantastic start. Not only it improves on its predecessors, it sets the standard for a new generation thanks to a gorgeous and impressive audiovisual performance, creative and challenging track design and a newfound approach to racing which will ensure a lifespan that will extend for a long time, all this topped with a flawless sense of speed. The new Nintendo Switch 2 could not have asked for a better futuristic racing game to open the gates.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a marvelous work that does a fine job at portraying the torments of someone afflicted mental health issues. It's also a very good hack and slash, with a fantastic visual environment, an exquisite audio component with emphasis for its voice acting and an experience that's never enough to recommend again and again.

The Origami King brings the series to the latest Nintendo generation and while the RPG elements are mostly absent, there's plenty here in terms of platforming, puzzle-solving, exploration, visually alluring settings and new combat ideas to keep the players delighted. Naturally the unique sense of humour and myriad of quirky characters that has become a staple of the Paper Mario series is all over the place and only adds to the charms of The Origami King, making this another shiny gem in the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space returns as a remaster of the original game and not only it keeps the best elements intact, it enhances them and delivers a game that's hilarious, gorgeous looking, and with a flexible level of challenge for everyone. With the added advantage of being able to play anywhere, this remaster runs smoothly whether on a television screen or on the go, and it further contributes to make this a marvelous update of the original game.

Wreckfest is an intense, fun, action-packed game that brings together arcade style racing and vehicle smashing, and it works great on the Nintendo Switch. With plenty of options and game modes to choose from, Wreckfest is a varied and complete experience and one which should be on the radar of any fan of car-smashing action.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition is a marvelous beat'em-up in the brawler style, with some RPG and strategic elements thrown in the mix. Thanks to its exquisite audiovisual component and fun-packed gameplay experience, whether solo or up to four players, this full edition of a game originally released over 10 years ago gets everything right. There's a new star in the Nintendo Switch eShop catalogue.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe brings back a game originally released in 2011 and gives it a fully contemporary clothing under the form of renewed graphics and sound, as well as its fun and fluid gameplay that will appeal to both newcomers and veterans alike. Adding to all the improvements, this remake further brings two new game modes that extend the experience and contribute to the length of this platformer.

While its puzzles are rather simple and the game's length feels short, its use of a fantastic audiovisual environment, a captivating - if not very detailed - plot, a good use of the narrative component and the creative ways in which the sound and music are embedded in the gameplay make this a remarkable experience that should be discovered by everyone who enjoys plot-driven games.

New Pokémon Snap brings back a recognizable formula and updates it to our days. If the gameplay remains simple and intuitive, the adding of online capabilities and rankings make the experience all the more interesting. There are lot of Pokémon here too, and the merging of the plot with the gameplay is achieved in a marvelous way. While New Pokémon Snap might get a bit repetitive at times, fans of the series have plenty to look forward to with this delivery.

Once Upon a Katamari does a marvelous job at delievering a modern Katamari experience, improving where it needed while keeping the beloved series' soul intact. The new levels are a wonder to explore, while the bulk of the gameplay remains fun and delightful at all times, and with the addition of new power-ups it feels even more rewarding. Everything is nicely wrapped up by the game's audiovisual component, that delivers us yet another gorgeous Katamari package of absurd chaos and fun.

Kirby Air Riders packs a myriad experiences that feature absolute chaos and bedlam, an endless amount of collectible items and achievements, charming and delightfully colourful tracks and scenarios, many, many unlockable pilots, machines and extras, and plenty of excuses to play a little bit more. Thanks to the way the game is structured, it is nearly impossible to ever feel bored, and with a million things to find, unlock and collect while winning races and minigames, Kirby Air Riders is an unmistakable bag of surprises, whether played at home or on the go.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment builds on what its two predecessors did and does it better, more ambitiously, and with a much more prominent plot, delivering the best "musou" experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 and a major addition to the Zelda universe. Thanks to the variety of quests, a more in depth combat that requires greater strategic thought, and the updates that render the experience more demanding and enveloping, Age of Imprisonment proves to be the best of its series, topped off by a near perfect performance on the Switch 2.

Neon Abyss is not a game to underestimate. With a gameplay that puts it on the same level of some of the finest roguelikes out there, this work features intense and varied combats, a large amount of content to discover and an intuitive gameplay experience, not to mention a visual environment that follows what its title suggests. All in all, a successful piece for anyone who enjoys action-based roguelikes.

It's obvious that Röki has a certain ability to touch plyers in their souls and that's clear from the very beginning. With a plot and development that feel anguishing, solitary, but also comforting and reassuring at times, this point and click adventure may not be the most ambitious production ever made in the history of gaming but this shadowy fairytale earned its place on the collections of Nintendo Switch owners.

The newfound comedic writing is welcome, and the new puzzles are very creative. On the other hand, the game's plot falls short of expectations, and the new Somniums found here are too linear and don't bear much of an impact on the story. Overall, No Sleep For Kaname Date is a fun and appealing work for the series' fans that just falls short of building a more ambitious game.

This game boasts a decent plot and a good variety of creatures, as well as quite a few elements to explore that will certainly appeal to completionists. It doesn't have enough to stand on its own against its more well-established competitors, however, and often its lack of originality stands out, especially as far as the creatures' design goes.

While it does not redefine the genre, Blast Brigade's demanding but fair gameplay, competent execution and memorable boss fights, as well as a gorgeous art style and plenty of humour will make this a safe bet for any fans of action platformers looking for a fun time.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake does a good job at preserving the original's unsettling atmosphere and the emotional dimensions of the plot. Like a master of its own craft, this game knows how to deliver horror that is not shoved on the player's face but rather creeps up slowly and cleverly manipulates the rawest of human emotions. If Fatal Frame II's mechanics have aged fine, including the Camera Obscura, some performance issues need fixing to improve the experience. While not a game for everyone, horror fans with a taste for psychological horror will find themsleves enraptured by this remake.

Immortals Fenyx Rising is ambitious and putting this game on a Nintendo Switch is a feat, in a certain way. However, the game fails to impress at the several facets it puts up - there's plenty of content, but it gets repetitive soon; the game world is vast, but the enemies' variety is too short; the combat is engaging, but quickly becomes too simplistic. On top of that, the game is clearly affected by performance issues on the Nintendo Switch. While there are good elements on display, Immortals Fenyx Rising could certainly use some improvements in order to stand out on the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Its additions make what was an already slick and fun experience even better, and the open world maps now bring a dimension of exploration, which coupled with a gorgeous visual environment, a very fitting soundtrack, and a finely executed co-op multiplayer all contribute to make River City Girls 2 a bright gem in the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

With addictive combats, a very interesting plot, a surprising cast and an immense amount of content, Age of Calamity can end up feeling a bit repetitive and suffers from some technical issues, mostly felt in multiplayer, but that doesn't stand in the way of making this a fine game and a very recommended one too.

This delightful, and simultaneously disquieting work features elements that will appeal to everyone, whether they are seeking a more story-driven game or a more action and puzzle-based experience. With its stunning audiovisual enviroment and a lifespan that may be rather short but full of reasons to come back to, Neversong is without any doubt a new and a very welcome gem in the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Boomerang Fu is a simple party game that won't bring much to solo players beyond its simple and intuitive gameplay. Local multiplayer is a completely different matter, though, as its absolutely chaotic sessions add a whole new layer of enjoyment for up to six players, which makes the lack of an online multiplayer component hard to understand. Those who can summon up to five other players and are looking for quick but intense experiences will find something worthy in Boomerang Fu.

If the horror atmosphere, marvelous presentation and good level design help Tormented Souls become a sharp experience, its often underwhelming puzzles, lack of new ideas or the way they are implemented, and irregular performance are a reminder that following the legacy of a beloved series is not enough. Nonetheless, Tormented Souls is a good horror and fans of the genre will most certainly draw something from it.

Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a fun, wholesome game that does a great job as a sequel to yet another fun, wholesome game. With its fun errands and activities, a gorgeous visual world and a great cast of characters, Shiro and the Coal Town might not captivate an entirely new audience but it is a marvelous adventure full of lovely and funny moments that fans of the previous game will most certainly embrace.

Please, Touch The Artwork 2 may follow the path of its predecessor but the creativity and originality in this sequel give us a more bold and ambitious experience than we could have expected and the result is a merging of atmosphere with addictive gameplay that makes this game truly stand out. While the main puzzle gameplay mechanic may feel a bit repetitive, Please, Touch The Artwork 2 goes beyond to put up an experience that allows us to explore the artworks at hand as freely as we like.

This fourth chapter features an exquisite art style which benefits greatly from a fantastic performance on the Nintendo Switch 2, that omnipresent atmosphere of solitude that goes with every Metroid game, and a jaw-dropping soundtrack. The attempts at an open world are not as fulfilling, however, and the backtracking can feel like a chore, while its plot sometimes breaks the game's momentum, but the core of the Metroid Prime series is all here, and the action and exploration still hit all the right spots.

Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition is a long name for a long game, a visual novel built around a captivating plot that's anchored on mystery and whose endings make the experience worthwhile. It might feel redundant at certain moments, when the same information is repeated way too many times, but what is on offer in this experience is nothing short of enveloping in its disturbing implications.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a narrative adventure that strikes a high note when it comes to its emotional dimension and exquisite art style, and which successfully makes photography a core aspect of the gameplay experience. While less of a conventional adventure than some could expect, Prism Peak boasts a very well implemented atmosphere and an unforgettable plot that binds every element of the game together, and the result is a game with a unique identity.

Journey to the Savage Planet is a fun and involving first person adventure game that is filled with humour and with interesting details to explore in its vast world. While its technical performance on the Nintendo Switch could be sharper, there's plenty here that will keep players captivated in this witty and addictive adventure.

Curse of the Dead Gods serves us the experience of a long, enveloping roguelite with a combat and exploration mechanic that puts the player at the centre of crucial decision-making that will affect the course of action in significant ways. With its emphasis on risk/reward and the need to pay close attention to what's happening, it's easy to forget that the surroundings could use a bit more visual variety. In the end, Curse of the Dead Gods joins the elite of roguelite games for the Nintendo Switch, and undoubtedly deserves a big deal of attention from the players.

Samurai Warriors 5 brings a fantastic recipe of intense, addictive combat, enveloping plot, a varied and rich cast, and even a mode with tower defense mechanics. All this contributes to an experience that will grab players by their collars and no matter whether experienced or new-comers, will throw them into a frantic experience that fits perfectly with the Nintendo Switch format.

Thanks to its ambitious game modes and skilled execution, EA Sports FC 26 delivers an experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 that stand next to the other versions of the game, something that's highlighted by the addition of crossplay. On top of the many game modes and detailed possibilities, the audiovisual component is truly impressive, and it all comes together to create a memorable football experience for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Viewfinder is a puzzle game that treats us to an original gameplay mechanic based on altering reality with pictures so we can advance to the next chapter and to the next level. Captivating and with a fair difficulty curve, it does not try to overwhelm us with punitive difficulty or over the top antics, but it does a very good job at keeping us interested in what we’ll have to do next. Viewfinder is a very welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch catalogue, despite its late arrival compared to the original release date.

Dying Light: Platinum Edition is a fantastic conversion to the Nintendo Switch, one which shows that it's possible to bring a technically ambitious game to this platform while delivering an engaging experience. With very competent mechanics, solid gameplay, and a demanding difficulty level, this version of Dying Light also includes all the additional content that has been made available since the game's original release. A true gem and a real example of what Nintendo Switch conversions should aspire to.

Please, Touch The Artwork is a simple but charming effort that blurs the theoretical boundaries between an interactive game and art from the real world, in this case from the works of abstract artist Piet Mondrian. The puzzles are addictive and accessible, and they fit perfectly in the Nintendo Switch format as they deliver layer upon layer of visual poetry. Recommended to fans of puzzle games and beyond.

Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos draws inspiration from some groundbreaking references when it comes to adventure games, and adds to them an extra level of challenge with a roguelite component. But while the simple gameplay, the world development possibilities and the co-op experience are indeed very welcome and well implemented, an overly simplistic plot, a lacklustre protagonist and redundant character development mechanics make this a game of limited appeal outside its narrowest target audience.

Eastward is an adventure game that features a stunning visual presentation and art style, which alone makes it worth to explore the game world and its levels. The game also features great synergy-building between characters when it comes to combat and puzzles that makes the adventure all the more interesting, and while there is a lot of backtracking and some performance issues on television screens at moments with many characters at the same time, Eastward is still a long-lasting, stunning looking and captivating experience.

Due to some frustrating issues with the control system, unaddressed technical flaws, and an overall sense of repetitiveness that starts taking over all too early in the game, Bugsnax leaves the impression it could have made a much larger splash but as it is, this adventure/exploration game doesn't quite stand up to its peers.

Everything that made the series great is here, along with a few touches that improve the experience and a batch of welcome extras that will charm long time fans. Some things don't change, though, and the difficulty remains stubbornly frustrating at some points, and a few short input lags can make some moments feel frustrating, while the online component needs improvement. Nonetheless, it is the best anthology that the early arcade and domestic MK games could ask, and it will delight veterans and some newer, curious fans alike.

Under the guise of a puzzle-platformer, what we have here is an emotionally enthralling game that pits us in an immersive experience where subjects like love and grief are masterfully presented in a way very few games manage to do. Lost Words: Beyond the Page is without any doubt a work that deserves to be in everyone's Nintendo Switch collection.

Blue Reflection: Second Light is a JRPG that brings us a very interesting experience and theme, as well as an addictive combat system, exquisite soundtrack and a captivating plot. Second Light is a very recommended work to fans of JRPGs who enjoy building bonds between characters and going into their plots to find out more and more, which makes this game a welcome arrival on the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Mary Skelter Finale is the ultimate ending to the series' story line. It doesn't break with the formula but rather sticks to its guns, its main addition is breaking the exploration between groups of characters who will help each other escape from each dungeon. This has its advantages, insofar as it broadens the game's perspectives, but also its disadvantages in the form of a slower, somewhat less compelling game pace. Nonetheless, there's a lot of content here that will keep players attentive and this chapter brings a fine ending to the Mary Skelter trilogy.

Pokémon Legends Z-A brings some very welcome news, such as a dynamic combat system, a very good integration of the Mega Evolution mechanics, and an incredible variety of content to find in a relatively small landscape. The cast of characters is fantastic, one of the very best ever in a Pokémon game, and the soundtrack is a gift to our ears. The game's performance on the Switch 2 is up to a very high standard, too. The exploration can feel repetitive on the medium term, though, and the game's graphics are in need of an update, while the day cycle transition animation can cause problems, but Legends Z-A most certainly lives up to its high expectations.

Inmost carries with it a strong, emotional message related to feelings of loss and grief and as such, it's a game that starts off right when it comes to bonding with its players. Unfortunately it doesn't take long until unexplainable performance issues start harming the experience with an inconsistent framerate, which is difficult to understand as this is not a visually demanding game (despite its very competent audiovisual art style), and the dull, redundant gameplay with two of its three characters transmits close to nothing in terms of challenge. Inmost could have turned out much better, with a greater investment in its gameplay experience and in solving its paralyzing issues but as it is, this is an interesting but also extremely frustrating game.

Putting aside the concept of two dogs sharing the same body, PHOGS! puts the player solving puzzles that require a good use of the laws of physics, and it does a great job at that - even more so in cooperative multiplayer, which is where PHOGS! truly shines. If the execution of the mostly simple and accessible puzzle-solving is done without a scratch, there are a few technical flaws to be found but which don't harm the game's overall experience.

Wingspan is an example of how it is possible to take a board game and carry out a near-perfect conversion work to turn it into a functional and enjoyable video game. Nearly every element here has been the target of a marvelous work and players will find themselves welcomed by a very broad and encompassing tutorial, a lovely audiovisual world, an addictive multiplayer (as well as single player) experience and sharp, fine-tuned controls. Wingspan should be held as a benchmark for how to convert board games into electronic entertainment.

With its very well written characters and dialogue, as well as a marvelous looking world, Haven could have benefited from more ambition during its development, rather than going for a simple work which at times can feel somewhat repetitive.

While its game world is not as fully explored as in other JRPGs, what we have here is a real work of fan service, topped off with praiseworthy graphics and art style, and a fantastic audio work. All this might not be enough to convince those who are not keen on Dragon Ball, but its fans will be delighted with Kakarot.

Moving Out 2 builds upon its predecessor's concept and brings a hilarious and engaging effort, that joins comedy, fun gameplay, and multiplayer chaos in all its forms. Thanks to its intuitive but by no means facilitating controls, Moving Out 2 is quick to welcome new players but it makes them think and coordinate at all levels, especially in its multiplayer component. Moving Out 2 brings hours of fun to the Nintendo Switch. where it performs very well on its hardware and is a very welcome addition to the system's catalogue.

The Eternal Die sucks us in with its absolutely gorgeous and exquisite art style, which gives it a unique gothic horror look, and its frantic and fun combats. The game mechanics deserved to have been developed at a deeper level, though, and the game's short length means that dedicated players will quickly reach its limit but the experience is nonetheless very addictive and a marvel to the eyes and ears.

This story-led adventure game more than earns its credit for its beautiful art style and exquisite soundtrack. The plot is the main driver and it's a marvel to find out more about the game's tragic but heartwarming background story. Its combat is less impressive, though, and it feels repetitive soon enough, especially as we expand Kena's capacities, and at some specific points there seems to be a performance issue with regards to the graphics. Nonetheless, the game's narrative dimension, its audiovisual world and the exploration and search for collectibles more than help Kena: Bridge of Spirits merit its place on the Nintendo Switch 2 catalogue.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a 3D remake of a game from a former generation and it's fair to say it picks up everything that made the original enjoyable and builds up on it, making this a work that's thoroughly recommended for all tastes. Whether it's doing menial seeding and plowing tasks or bonding with other villagers, Friends of Mineral Town is filled with lovely moments that make even the most routine actions feel like something to look forward to.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fitting remaster of a game (or rather, of a pair of games) that has more than earned its place in the Donkey Kong Country series. A lovely audiovisual experience, levels with the distinct DK flair - including the barrels, the mine carts, Rambi, and the crazy enemies - and a gameplay packed with trial and error and collectibles, never too harsh but not a walk in the park either, this is an easy recommendation for players less versed in the original game. Those well acquainted with the original though will think twice when looking at the price tag for a remaster that does not bring significant new elements.

Xenoblades Chronicles X: Definitive Edition lands on the Nintendo Switch 2 promising to deliver what its title says, and it does a very good job at upgrading the game's features when it comes to fluidity, responsiveness and resolution, while keeping all that made it an amazing game with its exploration experience and dynamic combat system. It could have delivered in all its promises if it was more consistent with regards to its graphical performance, namely on some of its textures and aliasing effects which could use some improvement, but this edition is nonetheless a better way to experience this adventure.

Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is both a welcome port that brings another classic to the Nintendo Switch, and a game that shows its age. The best improvement lies obviously on its visual upgrading, now full of details that make us want to explore every nook and cranny in each level. On the other hand, the game's structure - more fitting for a 3DS game - and control system feel somewhat dated, and there's little in terms of new elements that deliver a renovated experience.

The game delivers a very competent experience when it comes to its fun, varied gameplay, going from action/adventure to visual novel, and its stunning presentation fits in nicely with a well written plot. It leaves the players wanting for more, though. The supporting characters deserve a lot more protagonism, its hub world would benefit greatly from sidequests and further exploration, and some occasional performance issues need fixing.

While the plot is hardly worth praising and is too predominant throughout the game, the frantic action in the boss fights and the game's visually appealing presentation, together with captivating gameplay mechanics make Luminous Avenger iX 2 something that fans of the original game and of the Mega Man X series will definitely enjoy.

Helvetii is an interesting and gorgeous looking roguelite action game with a welcoming gameplay and frantic moments that will keep players captivated for a long time, with the added advantage of its procedural generation levels maintaining the player's attention for long. Overall, a welcome arrival to the Nintendo Switch catalogue amid its extensive set of indie games.

The Caligula Effect 2 improves on several aspects of the original, namely the combat system, and brings an exquisite story with many captivating elements, very well written characters, as well as a stunning soundtrack. At the same time, its level design could use improvements, and even though the soundtrack is indeed one of the game's top assets, some of its tracks are repeated to the point of exhaustion, which only leads to saturation. Overall this is an enjoyable experience which could have turned out better if some of those elements had been addressed.

Fans of the original and who would like to play it on the go will be all over this remake, a work that not only successfully captures the spirit of the original but also delivers an updated visual world. Those less keen on the Oddworld series and who don't enjoy puzzle challenges as much will mostly notice the game's somewhat clunky and imprecise control inputs.

Drawing inspiration from several Japanese animation series that feature the aforementioned mechas, this is a 2D action game that is jam-packed with frantic action exploding all over the place. Occasionally a less-than-ideal performance when it comes to its frame rate can be an obstacle and the game's steep difficulty level won't welcome beginners with open arms but a healthy lifespan, absurdist plot moments and never-ending action, as well as a friendly price, make Hardcore Mecha a gem for those who like games with giant robotic vehicles.

SteamWorld Build brings city builder, resource management, and dungeon crawling together for a lovely experience that will see us helping our charming steambot friends reach their new planet. With a simple and accessible approach that welcomes everyone in, the game makes sure we are in the know of what needs to be done, and allows players to advance rather quickly in what is a motivating and rewarding gameplay environment with a charming audiovisual work and a cast of affable and comical characters.

The game allows for the players' gradual immersion into its mechanics and fundamentals, in a way that even those of little experience with such games will feel welcome, and the use of the Nintendo Switch 2 mouse control does wonders for the interactivity. Citadelum would have benefited from a greater development of its diplomatic and military components, and in the medium term it can feel somewhat repetitive due to the lack of a strong plot, but the game does a very good job with its core mechanics and fits neatly in the Switch 2 catalogue.

Pure Pool may not be brand new but this Nintendo Switch conversion shows that this pool simulator is weathering the years very well. Not only does the audiovisual component stand the test of time, its gameplay mechanics and variety of game modes, including multiplayer, fit like a glove on the expectations of pool fans. Pure Pool is without a doubt the finest pool game available on the Nintendo Switch and its welcoming price make it a very accessible work too.

Metal Slug Tactics is a good example on how to adapt a beloved franchise to an entirely new genre while keeping the elements that its fans cherish the most. Taking the form of a turn-based tactical game with roguelike elements, Metal Slug Tactics delivers a fun and challenging experience that requires a good deal of thinking and planning with regards to the approach to each mission. Its progression mechanics and high paced gameplay, along with the series' typical humour and gorgeous visual identity make this a marvelous game for fans of both the original series and turn-based games alike.

This first-person puzzler makes the player manipulate the perspective and use optical illusions in order to solve its challenges and while it's a difficult concept to express, the game is surprisingly satisfying to watch. On the other hand, something seems to have been lost in the way and Superliminal is less fun than it wanted to be, not to mention somewhat repetitive, giving the impression that the player is doing the same puzzle over and over again. Superliminal has its qualities but it's also a difficult game to recommend.

Yooka-Replaylee may have come as a surprise but it's a very welcome surprise nonetheless, as this remaster of the original not only expectedly improves on several audiovisual elements, completely redesigning some of them, but also makes the experience more fluid and dynamic by starting the adventure with the entire moveset unlocked, with each level fully expanded, and fast travel. While on the technical side the game could have made more of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, Yooka-Replaylee is a marvelous 3D platformer that will be duly enjoyed by both fans of the genre and fans of the original game.

Do Not Feed the Monkeys may seem like a strange title but it pretty much describes what this games is about. This point and click adventure with a management component has a very unexpected plot that's not short of hilarious moments. Thanks to an intuitive gameplay (as well as to the use of the Nintendo Switch screen) and to a good variety of choices and endings, Do Not Feed the Monkeys is a good way to spend some short gaming sessions.

Enormous maps, a gorgeous visual world, marvelous soundtrack, amazing combat and a jobs system that feels just right to go with this experience all contribute to make a turn-based RPG that features the right elements to stand out within the Switch catalogue.

Mario Tennis Fever keeps up the tradition of the series by bringing a fun and funny tennis game based on the Mario universe to Nintendo's latest console. Most of it will be very familiar and the game does not take a lot of risks or treads extraordinary new paths, but it does a very competent job at keeping the experience enjoyable, especially on multiplayer. Mario Tennis Fever is a very welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 catalogue, where it's bound to keep players serving and smashing like its predecessors did in decades past.

The Long Dark is a survival game that does a very good job at conveying an experience mired in solitude and bitter loneliness, all while keeping a pleasant-looking art style. Even though the visual quality was a bit compromised when the game was ported over to the Nintendo Switch, fans of survival games will find many resources to work with, a healthy variety of game modes, and a plot that's truly immersing.

PAKO Caravan picks up the successful formula behind a timeless mobile classic and presents it in a fun, modern package that will appeal to everyone who enjoys simple, quick experiences. With a great variety of levels and a lovely art style that fits its purpose entirely, Pako Caravan is one of the best new clothing that an old formula could ask for.

Save me Mr. Tako: Definitive Edition is a marvelous tribute to handheld games from eras past, and it works at all levels. With a depth that's surprising for a seemingly simple game, this action platformer joins Metroidvania elements to the mix along with a very balanced difficulty level and the result is a fitting tribute to the 8-bit handheld era.

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg keeps itself very loyal to the original, even with a transition from 2D to 3D but the game's main mechanics remain overwhelmingly the same. This is worthy of praise, as the result is very positive and acts as a great introduction for new players as well as a pleasant return for fans of the Atelier series. Its renewal was carried out very competently, and its relaxed environment will facilitate the experience for those who want to play at their own pace. A marvelous addition to the Atelier series of RPGs.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a well-executed remake of a Game Boy Advance classic with very welcome improvements in several fields while leaving the core gameplay intact. Simple and accessible, it will easily draw younger players with its straight-to-the-point puzzle platformer design, and the newly added local co-op sets a good benchmark for future games. The tougher challenges start later on, but for its price tag this game is a bit short, while Mario's more limited moves might leave some players yearning for the platform classics.

The WarioWare series finally lands on the Nintendo Switch and not a moment too soon. Get It Together! brings us a collection of 200 new microgames that feature everything that made the other WarioWare games memorable, this time with an additional story mode as well as a series of weekly online challenges that will reward the players. Zany, fun and long-lasting, WarioWare: Get It Together! is an absolute blast, whether on solo or with friends.