Even though its adaptation to the Nintendo Switch could have used a better control system - seeing as Nintendo's platform does not have a mouse - Hero U is nothing short of a little gem in the Switch catalogue, thanks to its humour, writing and overall atmosphere. Fans of adventure RPGs have plenty to look forward to here.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is the latest addition to the Ys series and at its core, this is a fine game that brings with it a marvelous combat system and good exploration mechanics. Unfortunately its poor performance on the Nintendo Switch, whether on a television screen or on the console's screen, makes the experience very frustrating, to say the least, and when situations with more than two enemies on the screen become extremely difficult to handle due to a loss of fluidity, it makes it a hard game to recommend.

With a near-perfect emulation of the original classics and the possibility to change nearly every parameter possible, this is just what the 2D shoot'em-up enthusiast needs. It's true that adding collectible extras would be welcome and the compilation would be even better if it included G-Darius, but being focused on the 2D legacy of the series, Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade is more than worthy of featuring on every shoot'em-up fan with a Nintendo Switch.

Trigger Witch is a fun blend between an adventure game and a twin-stick shooter and a fun one at that too, with plenty of action and some puzzles along the way to keep players busy. While not a groundbreaking title, and its audio component could really use some improvement, its bold concept, engaging combat and colourful environment make Trigger Witch a good option for fans of both genres portrayed here.

Smelter joins elements of action platformers and real time strategy games in an effort that produces a marvelous tribute to the 16-bit era. With a fun and captivating exploration and great combat mechanics, Smelter has all the ingredients to stand out in the Nintendo Switch catalogue and make a name for itself for all the good reasons.

With its gorgeous visual world and the sharp emphasis on the audio environment when it comes to solving puzzles, this is without a doubt a striking game that with its welcoming low price, has all the advantages in becoming a reference for adventure game fans.

Fae Farm is a rich and gorgeous looking life sim and farm sim experience. There is a wealth of things to do, harvests to reap, items to make, resources to mine, and characters to engage with, all this in a very inclusive environment that puts the player at home. Where Fae Farm does less well is on its adventure component, as the dungeons feel too forced and repetitive, and with so many things to do it's easy to lose track of things and feel overwhelmed. Still, fans of life sims and farm sims have plenty to enjoy here, and Fae Farm boasts an impressive lifespan to match their expectations.

Sam & Max Save the World Remastered is a perfect fit on the Nintendo Switch. The investment made in improving the game's audiovisual environment is worth of praise and brings this game up to today's tastes, making it something to be embraced by both veterans and new players alike. With its devilishly funny dialogues and a gameplay that can be easily handled in this new format that presents the game in one go, rather than the original's episodic delivery, Sam & Max Save the World Remastered is a marvel for everyone.

Obviously based on golf, the platforming, puzzle and roguelike elements make a very creative twist on the sport of stroking a ball towards a hole. The difficulty level is high, the ball gets additional properties, the game's ambient is comically sombre, and the soundtrack is exquisite. All this put together creates an original and very rewarding experience for all Nintendo Switch players.

Manifold Garden is a peculiar and attractive experience. In many ways, the game feels more like an audiovisual experience than as an interactive work and its art style and soundtrack definitely stand out as indispensable elements. At the same time, some of its puzzles turn out to be less enjoyable than they should, and the game's short lifespan and little motivation to pick up again after completed mean that even though it has outstanding qualities, Manifold Garden falls short of its potential.

Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective is an adaptation of the children's book series and it does a marvelous job at transposing the literary world into an interactive format, thanks to its unique visual environment and many fun moments. Where Pierre the Maze Detective falls short of expectations is when its level of challenge comes into place, as this is clearly an effort aimed at less experienced players which won't thrill those more versed in similar games.

Helheim Hassle is an original and unique work that's filled with humour and some smart puzzling action. It's always good to see someone taking the risk of creating something new that doesn't try to copy what's being made elsewhere and for that, Perfectly Paranormal deserves praise for delivering this fun, unconventional and original experience to the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Vigil: The Longest Night is an interesting metroidvania-type with a gorgeous-looking visual world and some intense combat moments. It's also unfortunately affected by long loading times and some technical issues which could really use an update to correct. All in all, a good work but which needs some tweaking on its technical aspects in order to stand out among its peers in the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

This fun and good looking party game works well as a single player experience but as with most party games, it's on multiplayer that it really comes out at its best. While the novelty factor can wear off, there's enough content and unlocking here that will keep players around cake decoration, locally and online, for many enjoyable hours.

QV is a rather simple puzzle game but which does its job in an effective way. With plenty of challenging mechanics and difficulty levels, as well as very well communicated goals and objectives, QV puts the player on a fun journey from point A to point B, with plenty of options that make the deal more appealing over time. A great puzzler that will keep players around their Nintendo Switch for many gaming sessions.

Road 96 brings an original approach to adventure games by putting its experience on the road and structured along episodes and vignettes as the characters attempt to flee the rule of an authoritarian despot. The game features an array of interesting characters and a marvelous art style, but it's also harmed by unsolved issues, as well as by development choices. The game's structure makes it vulnerable to an inescapable feeling of repetitiveness, which coupled with some inconsequential player decisions ends up preventing Road 96 from living up to its potential, despite an innovative take on the adventure genre.

Crysis Remastered Trilogy is the premiere of the three Crysis games on a Nintendo console, following last year's release of the original game. By all measures, it could hardly have gone better. The three games are a marvel to play and to behold, and their conversion has been technically flawless, with a fluid and smooth experience throughout. Overall, this is a fitting incarnation of a trilogy so relevant within the world of FPS games. The only thing that could improve this experience would be a multiplayer mode.

The relatively straightforward way with which the map develops leaves less room for exploration, and sometimes the characters' vocalized dialogues become too omnipresent, but Yars Rising does a good job when it comes to its action and retro-inspired moments, as well as with keeping us motivated to unlock and develop our characters' abilities in a true metroidvania fashion.

While Ayo's level design and presentation of mechanics are indeed competent, and its visual world looks quite attractive, the game's controls fall way behind expectations. Due to a poor execution, it's often quite difficult for the game to translate player's inputs into actions, and as such it's difficult to recommend Ayo the Clown to a child who's just discovering video games.

WarioWare: Move It! knows how to stay loyal to a formula and still bring something new and fresh that can keep players frantically scrambling for those minigames. Thanks to a myriad of creative and delightfully crazy challenges and to the sharp use of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, WarioWare: Move It! is certain to become a reference in the Nintendo Switch catalogue when it comes to party gaming like no other.

ISLANDERS: Console Edition is a simple city-builder that focuses on providing a relaxing experience, rather than on the intricacies of urban planning and juggling of interests. This is both its most positive and negative trait at the same time - the experience at hand is relaxing and welcoming, but the lack of any kind of challenge and strategy makes this a limited effort. Those only looking for the calm side of laying down buildings and getting points without any further challenge will find a great companion and for a good price too, but anyone looking for something deeper will quickly grow tired.

The action packed titles bring with them a great length of gameplay, as well as visible improvements between them. Even though the adaptation is not perfect and there are some visual choices which look questionable, any fan who wants to pick these games again or to discover them for the first time will find a great package in The Ezio Collection, which also includes two short films.

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen bring back one of the most solid Pokémon experiences ever made, with a few additional and welcome extras such as the possibility of integrating the players' creatures in Pokémon's modern ecosystem, which help make this version more user-friendly for our time. Above all, it's a vivid demonstration of how well these two games have aged, even if this rerelease could have gone a bit further in its ambition.

Chaos;Head Noah / Chaos;Child Double Pack is a long title but one that encapsulates an enveloping experience delivering two stories of suspense and mystery. Its most pressing issue is the translation, especially with regards to Chaos;Head Noah where many of the double entendres get lost, but nonetheless both games represent a very engaging effort with a good amount of disturbing moments that will grab the players' attention.

Inked: A Tale of Love is a puzzle adventure that delivers a moving and fluid experience over the course of some beautifully drawn landscapes and with a charming audio environment. The difficulty level is not the most outstanding, mostly because the purpose is to build a relaxing experience, but Inked is very successful at creating a very touching and well functioning adventure whose only big sin is its short length.

Mr. Run and Jump gives players looking for a pure platforming challenge a real test of their skill. Its incrementally difficult levels that join a thousand deadly features to a thousand deadly enemies will require the sharpest and most responsive trial-and-error responses from anyone who dares to take it on. So much so that even with its assistance features, Mr. Run and Jump will leave out players less keen on such extreme challenges.

Moero Crystal H may not be a classic dungeon crawler but that doesn't keep it from featuring a rich, varied environment with engaging combats, plenty of content and many characters to explore. At the same time, some of the game's elements definitely feel too risqué for some members of the audience and not everyone might feel comfortable with playing this, especially in front of others. Players who can look beyond those unusual features will find something that's worth exploring for many hours.

Super Mario Bros. 35 takes the original classic and adapts it to a 35-player battle royale-style of game and it's no exaggeration to say that this is one fine work when it comes to adapting a 2D platformer to a competitive feast. It's no less true that veterans will be given an advantage by the game's mechanics but newcomers will also be able to get acquainted with the levels and their secrets before they jump into the action. A classic reinvented as a competitive 35-player experience that keeps intact the exquisite gameplay elements of the original is something worth getting into.

Fate/Samurai Remnant is an action RPG with Musou elements that acts as a welcome introduction to the Fates universe and brings a vast, rich world to explore. Accessible controls and a well implemented combat system are two of the game's main highlights, though performance issues and long loading times make the experience less breezy than it should be. All in all, Fate/Samurai Remnant is a captivating and addictive experience for fans of the genre and for those looking forward to get into the Fates universe.

Thanks to its captivating plot around a disturbing series of murders, a frequently light-hearted humour completely at odds with the circumstances, and a fabulous visual presentation and art style, The Smiling Man makes a name for itself when it comes to a visual novel with a point & click adventure gameplay. At certain moments, however, it would be good for everyone if the game could rely less on trial-and-error and more on stimulating the player's detective instincts, lest the experience becomes longer for the wrong reasons.

The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters may not create the most terrifying environment ever seen in a game but it does a very good job with its art style and at providing a fun experience. The gameplay mechanics could use a bit more variety, as they end up feeling rather repetitive and cliché but there's plenty of good elements here to explore and if there is a follow-up to this game, the potential to do something more ambitious is immense.

Both fun and frustrating in proportionate doses, Batbarian also knows how to welcome new players and allure them into its thin but fun plot and towards its management of skills and commands in such a way that players will find themselves returning time and again.

Monster Sanctuary blends a Metroidvania game with monster capture elements, and it does a great job at bringing those worlds together. With its enormous amount of content and a fun, well-designed sense of progression, Monster Sanctuary does not stand out as brilliantly when it comes to its exploration, which feels rather simplistic, but there are plenty of elements here to make it worthy for everyone who enjoys any of both genres represented.

Summer Catchers resembles an endless runner, except this one is based on a soapbox car. Its concept is as simple as possible, and the game's pleasant pixel art style is a charm to look at. Where Summer Catchers doesn't succeed is in delivering an experience that rewards players for their skills, as nearly every success here is a matter of sheer luck, and the random tracks aren't always adequate for the gameplay on offer.

Featuring a gameplay experience that can feel both rather repetitive but also very rewarding, this sombre work also gives the player some rays of light in the form of looking after a child. So, and despite some repetitiveness and leaving some of the plot points open, Void Terrarium is definitely something that fans of Roguelikes should try.

Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection is a masterful remake of two original games that are over thirty years old and which now become accessible to many more players around the world. If the original gameplay formula is largely left untouched, the audiovisual presentation is given a thorough renovation that brings it closer to a contemporary experience. This detective adventure is now fit for a modern audience and it's well worth the hours spent on it.

The main game mechanic, with emphasis on combat and management rather than on plot, is definitely a point in its favour, as is its wide and varied game world. Where Battle Brothers falls short of expectations lies mostly on how the game was adapted, namely its control system, which is difficult to get used to on the Switch. Its difficulty level also feels unbalanced at moments, and its player interface feels like it doesn't fit with the game. Players able to look beyond these shortcomings will find a great tactical RPG challenge, but others will feel put off by those elements where Battle Brothers fails to deliver a consistent experience.

One Line Coloring is based on an extremely simple premise: draw lines and connect dots to form shapes. The difficulty grows as the game goes along and becomes more and more demanding but the core remains the same. An experience that becomes harder but not unnerving, as it’s accompanied by relaxing, Zen-like features. In the end, that’s what One Line Coloring is all about: challenging, but relaxing at the same time.

Based on an apparently simple premise designed around jumping, the actual challenge is much more difficult than it appears at first. The most dedicated and skillful players will find a way to the top of the structure, but this will only arrive after many minutes of hair-ripping frustration.

This game features complex but fun gameplay mechanics and lots of content to explore, which will keep players satisfied for a long time. art of rally doesn't do so good when it comes to its graphical performance, with problems in the way the action is exhibited on the screen, not to mention a lower resolution. Players able to see beyond these flaws will fully enjoy a very demanding but overall satisfying experience.

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen bring back one of the most solid Pokémon experiences ever made, with a few additional and welcome extras such as the possibility of integrating the players' creatures in Pokémon's modern ecosystem, which help make this version more user-friendly for our time. Above all, it's a vivid demonstration of how well these two games have aged, even if this rerelease could have gone a bit further in its ambition.

The dialogues and characters are fun, and the visual environment displays great quality and an art style that stands out for the best reasons. Its interactivity is nearly non-existent, though, and the few occasions where the player can make choices they amount to no consequence on the plot development whatsoever.

This conversion job can only be described as excellent and the improvements made do a great job in updating some of the game's aspects without distorting its original formula, thus making this something that's fit for both veterans of the series and newcomers. With the original's re-release, the Shantae series on the Nintendo Switch is now complete.

With a varied and high quality musical selection based on Rock and Metal, the game's audiovisual component is worthy of praise. As for its gameplay, it can get a bit confusing at moments when there are too many things on the screen simultaneously, and a plot that feels too bland. Still, Double Kick Heroes can be a fun experience, especially for those who are particularly keen on Rock and Metal music.

Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection is a masterful remake of two original games that are over thirty years old and which now become accessible to many more players around the world. If the original gameplay formula is largely left untouched, the audiovisual presentation is given a thorough renovation that brings it closer to a contemporary experience. This detective adventure is now fit for a modern audience and it's well worth the hours spent on it.

Let's Build a Zoo does not a bring a revolution to the building/management genre but it does its job in a competent, fun way. It's always amusing to try out combining different species, and with its colourful visual world and engaging mechanics, fans of the genre will have plenty to look forward to. Those less versed will find it more difficult, especially with the game's lack of tutorials or more in-game explanations.

Its accessible difficulty level is a very positive element for less experienced players but along with a rather slow pacing, it makes this effort less attractive for more versed hands. All in all, The Cruel King and the Great Hero may not tower above its peers but it's certainly a worthy and lovely-looking work to explore.

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is the premiere of this reboot of the Tomb Raider series on a Nintendo platform, and it does so in great style. The game features a very enveloping cinematic quality, and its storytelling features will keep players captivated from the beginning to the end, thanks to its balance between exploration, puzzle solving and frantic combat, while behaving very well on the technical performance side. Its puzzles can feel somewhat simplistic, however, and this version for both Nintendo Switch systems clearly required a graphical compromise that is difficult to understand on the Switch 2.

Fun, engaging and accessible, Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara can be equally enjoyed both in short bouts on the Nintendo Switch screen and in longer sessions on a television screen, as the experience easily suits both ways thanks to its captivating world and well implemented mechanics. The difficulty curve can seem unbalanced at times, but the game is very accessible to newcomers and a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack Bundle is a very long but nonetheless faithful name - what lies in this bundle really is an immense amount of content that makes for one of the finest strategy and management games available on the Nintendo Switch. Along with the possibility of playing on the go, and its helpful tutorials that make the game accessible for everyone, this content-heavy edition is an absolute must-have for those with an eye for strategy games, whether newcomers or seasoned veterans.

Hot Wheels Unleashed captures the spirit of the toy line in a very appealing way and fans will find here a marvelous experience between collecting cars, customizing them, and making changes to the areas around us. While the gameplay experience could use some tweaks when it comes to its controls, and the high difficulty level will prove tough for some players, it's easy to get completely absorbed by everything that Hot Wheels Unleashed does well.

DNF Duel is a 2D fighting game that features an extraordinarily accessible control system and move list that’s certain to put newcomers at ease while welcoming veterans as well. Its Story Mode could certainly have been more developed with such a rich lore, but the sharp, intuitive gameplay experience is going to fit like a glove on anyone who enjoys 2D fighting games.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance is a great example of fan service and one which does a very good job at celebrating the Gundam series for its long-running fans. If this group will be delighted at the huge number of robots to unlock and enjoyable combat, those less versed are more likely to see the game's flaws with regards to repetitive missions and a rather lacklustre plot. With all things considered, SD Gundam Battle Alliance is an action RPG that mostly aims for the Gundam fans group rather than for a general audience.

Disney Illusion Island is a marvelous action/platformer with its fair share of Metroidvania elements set in a Disney-themed world. While this is not a combat-rich experience, the game world is a positive surprise on account of its design and size, as well as the way entirely different parts link together, not to mention its immense wealth of collectionable objects that almost make a small museum of their own. Its cut scenes, delightfully animated, are perhaps a bit too long, but Disney Illusion Island easily becomes a very reliable companion for fans of 2D platformers on the Nintendo Switch who want something that just keeps growing.

Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water is a remaster that does a lot of things right, and which shows that the series still has the ability to deliver a good amount of frights. While the opportunity to implement a more functional control system was not taken and there are some technical performance issues, the overall effort is a work that's very satisfactory to explore, especially thanks to its high quality level design.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl bring the fourth generation of the Pokémon series to the Nintendo Switch and they might perhaps take this job too seriously, in the sense that these remakes demonstrate a lack of creative freedoms taken in the conversion process. While many of the elements that made the original games popular are still here, it would have been very positive to take a few steps forward to make the experience more in line with contemporary standards. As it is, it's still a great game, and one that fans will appreciate for being able to enjoy in a new, more immersive format.

The game consists of an array of new, competitive, and addictive challenges, carefully tailored in a way that helps newcomers feel at ease and lures in veterans eager to try out their skills. The source material and overall environment have been optimized enough to fit with our day and age while remaining faithful to the classics, and the online leaderboards ensure plenty of global competition.

Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny brings the series to a new threshold - and if that can be said for the level of absurdity in the game, it's better applied to the characters' transition from 2D sprites to 3D models. The combat remains largely the same and very competent but while the performance isn't stellar and players have the option to scale down the visual quality in exchange for a smoother experience, it's safe to say this sixth chapter will be very much appreciated by long-running fans of the Disgaea series.

It's not as ambitious as it should be, however, and its rather simple gameplay means it will be fairly quick to finish but the experience encapsulates the SpongeBob world and with the original voice actors lending their vocalizations, The Cosmic Shake does a good job at representing the world of this extremely popular animated series.

Monster Prom XXL is a fun and creative dating sim, a kind of game that's not very common on the Nintendo Switch catalogue. With plenty of content to unlock, the included DLC, the large amount of possible game endings and humour, Monster Prom XXL is not the most in-depth experience available and feels rather drab when played solo but as a multiplayer experience, this is a good and funny alternative to many games out there.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is a thrilling detective puzzle game that puts the players at the very centre of a masterfully portrayed Sherlock Holmes story. Using one existing Sherlock Holmes case and five original cases devised for the game, Crimes & Punishments does a brilliant work when it comes to mystery-solving, where the player has a wide margin to approach each case and decide where to proceed. While the visual performance does show the Nintendo Switch limits and the controls can feel a bit awkward at times, this is an overall very involving experience and will captivate all fans of detective mysteries.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl bring the fourth generation of the Pokémon series to the Nintendo Switch and they might perhaps take this job too seriously, in the sense that these remakes demonstrate a lack of creative freedoms taken in the conversion process. While many of the elements that made the original games popular are still here, it would have been very positive to take a few steps forward to make the experience more in line with contemporary standards. As it is, it's still a great game, and one that fans will appreciate for being able to enjoy in a new, more immersive format.

As far as control and action go, this chapter of Mario Strikers works very well and it knows how to introduce players to its mechanics. The game disappoints when it comes to its content, however, as it feels like it's been cut short with regards to characters and game modes. On top of that, while the online multiplayer experience is marvelous, despite the lack of some functionalities, the single player experience is rather limited in its scope and its appeal ends too quickly.

Horizon Chase 2 pays homage to classic arcade racing games with its dizzying speeds, marvelous landscapes, accessible gameplay and a very engaging multiplayer component. With car customization options for a more personalized experience and objectives that act as a motivation to move forward, Horizon Chase 2 is a thrill to play and will fit nicely in the Nintendo Switch of every arcade-style racing enthusiast.

Featuring an excellent selection of minigames and very well implemented controls, this new chapter in the Big Brain series is more than welcome to the Nintendo Switch, where it will certainly help with fun multiplayer sessions, whether locally or online.

While not a gigantic or epic effort, Worm Jazz does its job right and provides some good fun, even though there's not actually a lot of jazz here and the experience could be longer. Still, for those looking for some simple, puzzling action, Worm Jazz does the trick and is worthy of attention from Nintendo Switch owners.

Super Animal Royale brings something new to the battle royale genre, namely an approach that keeps a frantic and action-packed gameplay while making its world accessible to all age groups by toning down the raw violence found in other similar games. The experience is marvelous for anyone who's looking for a thrilling time, especially with the added advantage of multi-platform crossplay.

While it does not reinvent the original game, what we have here keeps the main tenets of the experience and pairs them with welcome new improvements, especially on its visual component and combat system. This fits nicely with the game's more serious plot, character development and long lifespan, which help with shaping a very enjoyable classic JRPG experience.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning brings back to our day a marvelous RPG but instead of remaking it, this remaster adds some improvements to the original formula, rather than trying to rejuvenate its appearance. The result, which includes all the original game's extra content, is an effort whose gameplay experience fits perfectly today, and whose frantic combat and vast world to explore will captivate both the players who know the original and those discovering it now.

Shantae: Risky's Ravenge - Director's Cut is a testament to Shantae's quality and longevity as a series. This enhanced port of the sequel to the original game features several improvements over the original that fans are certain to appreciate, as well as elements that will be welcomed by fans of Metroidvania games. Recommended for both audiences as fun and wholesome proposal, now on the Nintendo Switch.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a sidescrolling beat'em up that does a very good job at being fun, looking sharp, and at providing a very solid cooperative experience, local and online. While it can get a bit repetitive, the game fits nicely with the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, and its cast of characters, pixel art visual style, and dynamic combat are certain to find their place with Marvel and beat'em up fans alike.

Casting cinematic realism aside, this pixellated 2D non-stop shooting fest is not for those who can't take on a challenge but players who like to be pushed to the edge will be duly rewarded by its fast-paced, exhilarating gameplay. Colt Canyon would be even more rewarding and enjoyable if its experience lasted longer but even if it's rather short, there's enough here to satisfy some wild west-themed appetite, whether solo or co-op.

Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 1: Phantom Brave / Soul Nomad is a compilation that brings back two tactical RPGs from the 2000s that deserved to be presented to a wider audience. Unfortunately there was little effort in treating these two games to a more modern format in order to make them more appealing to today's audience, and even though both remain fun and captivating for the players who are familiar with them, there's no additional value to gain from this rather expensive set.

Its combat is less appealing, though, as there are too many random encounters and the combat mechanics end up becoming too repetitive, so there's a clear difference between the game's exploration and its combat. Overall this is a lovely game with a strong personality, and fans of JRPGs who don't mind a lot of random encounters will find plenty to enjoy.

Tanuki Justice is a homage to 8-bit era action platformers and does a good job at that, with its mix of simple action and frantic boss fights, along with a lovely visual style. At the same time time, Tanuki Justice does not particularly stand out in any of its components, and despite its good formula it doesn't rise above its peers.

With fast-paced, albeit very simple gameplay and a lovely looking visual environment, Super Arcade Football is much more suited for a multiplayer experience as its artificial intelligence is rather lacklustre and will leave solo players a bit underwhelmed with what's at hand.

Ninja Gaiden Master Collection definitely has an appeal, and the excellent conversion job behind Ninja Gaiden Sigma creates high expectations for what comes next. Unfortunately the conversions of Sigma 2 and Razor's Edge fall way below expectations, with an appalling performance and erratic screen resolution, which makes the games often appear worse than they should be. On top of that, no improvements were done on Razor's Edge original formula and despite the additional content, this compilation feels like a botched effort whose only asset is the very good work done on the first game of the trilogy.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet brings the Pokémon series to an open world experience and while there's plenty here to enjoy and co-op gameplay stands out very positively, there are several elements that needed more work, namely the difficulty balance that puts a hindrance on open world exploration, and the technical performance that raises unnecessary obstacles. Overall Pokémon fans still have plenty to explore here, and the plot grows increasingly interesting near the end, but Scarlet and Violet definitely could have benefited from a bit more time in the works.

El Hijo is a stealth action game that acts as a good introduction for those taking their first steps in the genre, at the risk of not attracting many veterans. Despite a challenge level that many would call sub-par, El Hijo's simple and intuitive gameplay works as a great roadmap for anyone who wants to know more about stealth action, and the visual art works marvels at creating an experience that flows naturally for any beginner.

Cathedral is a game that packs a lot of exploration in its action and platforming design, as well as many metroidvania elements and a healthy mix of adventure, combat and puzzles. Along with the quality of its level design and visual presentation, this is a game that will provide an involving experience for many players looking for a tough and demanding experience.

Out of Line is a puzzle-platformer that features a stunning art style, intuitive gameplay, a very interesting co-op component involving its NPCs, and a difficulty level that will fit perfectly with beginners. While more seasoned players might not find it very challenging, Out of Line's gameplay mechanics and audiovisual environment make it a game very deserving to be part of the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet brings the Pokémon series to an open world experience and while there's plenty here to enjoy and co-op gameplay stands out very positively, there are several elements that needed more work, namely the difficulty balance that puts a hindrance on open world exploration, and the technical performance that raises unnecessary obstacles. Overall Pokémon fans still have plenty to explore here, and the plot grows increasingly interesting near the end, but Scarlet and Violet definitely could have benefited from a bit more time in the works.

OMNO may bring a simple and rather short experience, but its gripping and accessible gameplay, gorgeous art style and ease of exploration will no doubt provide a welcome few hours for players looking for something more relaxing. Indeed while OMNO's simplicity might not be ideal for those looking for something very intense, anyone who wants to enjoy themselves with rather accessible puzzles and a charming world to explore will find in this game a lovely addition to their Nintendo Switch collection.

Gothic II: Complete Classic brings us an opportunity to experience a landmark action RPG using today's means. While some of its elements need improvement, namely a graphic performance which suffers from occasional frame rate losses, and a control system that feels less natural on a console than the original game's did, this version of Gothic II stands out when it comes to its exploration, the way we approach our tasks, and multiple interactions which will keep players looking under every nook and cranny for a long time.

With its memorable boss fights, a balanced combat system and a very interesting weapon management mechanic, Ultra Age's gameplay comes out on top when faced against its dated visual environment and lack of an interesting plot. Hack and slash fans will find this a very interesting and enjoyable game.

Given the short number of similar games, it's always good to see the Nintendo Switch catalogue accepting more proposals of less represented endeavours. In the case of Nexomon: Extinction, it features a laudable amount and variety of creatures, appealing art style, and it's fairly simple to get into. At the same time, it's far from a groundbreaking game, though competent, and it feels like it follows its main inspirations a little too close. That said, it's a welcome arrival for those looking for more creatures to capture and collect.

Spellbreak joins the growing catalogue of battle royale games on the Nintendo Switch and adds its contribution under the form of a game that follows some of the genre's conventions but also brings something of its own, namely when it comes to a combat that features magical elements, rather than firearms. Spellbreak could use some more content and reasons to return to, as it can feel rather empty too quickly, but its tactical elements and fun combat, along with its free-to-play model, make this an option that is set to grow and develop in the near future.

LUNA The Shadow Dust looks much better than it plays. The game looks gorgeous, with its hand-drawn like style and its colouring but the gameplay experience doesn't live up to the same threshold set by the visual environment. Its puzzles are accessible enough to most players and the game doesn't push too hard but what's presented here could perhaps fit better in a visual novel rather than a point and click adventure, especially when its control system is far from perfect.

It's not every day that a cult series of nearly 40 years has a brand new entry in a contemporary gaming system. It does a fine job at portraying elements of the series, and with two history modes it allows for players to either follow the main character or create their own, which is the most rewarding choice. Nonetheless, Rise of New Champions has some aspects that need additional work. Most of the football experience is fun and addictive, but the game's camera often feels off, the loading times are long and the game's overall technical performance on the Nintendo Switch falls short of what is expected. Fans of the series will love this entry, while others might feel put off by its flaws.

The changes implemented in this release help consolidating the experience, with emphasis on the vehicle and character development mechanics, coupling it with an enjoyable exploration effort. It's more difficult to understand why several plot elements were removed, though, and things could be better from a technical performance point of view, but as it is this is without a doubt the best version of the game released so far.

Miitopia returns to a Nintendo console, this time adapted to the Switch, and once again it does a great job at making a fun game out of something as simple as personal avatars. With its countless customization options, the ability to import characters from the Mii community, and a fun combat system, Miitopia might not be the most ambitious turn-based RPG ever developed, but it's an accessible, fun effort at a social game that can bring a smile to everyone's face.

While simple at first, Slipstream's gameplay becomes more complex and addictive as the game goes on, and the variety of game modes and effects, as well as its marvelous visual environment make this game a fabulous choice for those seeking some retro-inspired driving fun, which could have been even better if it featured an online multiplayer experience.

Fight Crab is...exactly what the name says, a fighting game where the characters are crustaceans, and as crustaceans they will use their pincers, as well as some unexpected weapons that most people would not associated with crabs. Once players pass the game's hilarious and absurd concept, it becomes clear some aspects about Fight Crab need improvement, including its controls, the opponents' AI and the graphics. With all that said, those looking for quick, absurd-ridden fun will find something here to keep them entertained.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the Nintendo Switch brings new and welcome ideas to a familiar formula which can feel fresh and captivating, while at the same time denounces hardware limitations that are impossible to escape on a system that's almost nine years old. The combat is more dynamic and engaging, the cast of characters is very appealing, there's plenty to do on exploration and side quests, and the soundtrack is magnificent. However, the game's world is rather small (though full of content), and its visual direction needs updating. Legends Z-A features good ideas but it craves a new space to live up to their promises.

Just Dance 2021 follows the classical formula of Ubisoft's successful series and while it doesn't tread outside of its usual conventions, it proves once again that this is one of the best designed party games out there. It misses, however, in one crucial aspect - despite the possibility to pair up with players around the world for tournament play, it lacks an online component that would put friends playing against each other. With that in mind, Ubisoft's subscription service widely expands the catalogue of songs and the fitness option, as well as kid-friendly mode, are two very welcome components.

Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a re-edition with some modern touches of two cult classics of the 32-bit generation. While some aspects feel outdated, this work holds quite well and it will bring a smile to the faces of fans of the original games thanks to its qualities around the in-depth development of creatures, their design, and the amount of content to explore.

Namco Museum Archives Vol. 1 & 2 is a compilation of arcade classics similar to other collections we have seen in the last decades. The emulation of the games included in the two releases is extremely competent at every level. At the same time and unlike other similar works, including others by Namco, these two titles are very bland beyond the games included and have nearly nothing to offer in terms of additional content, something which seems to particularly affect the European release of Namco Museum Archives Vol. 1 & 2.

Minoria is a metroidvania-type of game that encourages the player to explore and which benefits from having a good combat system. At the same time, it feels it could have gone much further in its ambition, and its rather short length and repetitive settings, a certain lack of orientation when it comes to the exploration, and the lack of attention dedicated to the other characters make this a game that doesn't clearly standout amid its peers, even if it gets part of the job right.