Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is not, as its name would suggest, an RPG but rather a visual novel where music is the main theme. Once that settles in, Stray Gods does a good job at appealing to fans of visual novels and at doing its own idiosyncratic portrait of Greek mythology in modern-day settings, with a gorgeous visual outlook and fun musical moments. The game's scope is rather limited in its options, though, and those who are not keen on visual novels will soon find themselves with little to do. For a music-themed game, Stray Gods also displays some inconsistency in the singing performances.

Darkestville Castle may not bring a groundbreaking change to the point and click adventure genre but that doesn't mean this game is not a little gem, with both light-hearted humour and a somber environment that will remind players of landmark animated movies. With its surprisingly captivating plot, rapport with the characters and marvelous art style, Darkestville Castle is an easy work to recommend to any fans of point and click adventures.

This new incarnation brings an updated audiovisual field and an adventure mode with RPG elements, as well as online multiplayer and two very welcome new game modes, known as Speed Golf and Battle Golf. Nevertheless, this latest effort feels more like an update than a new game - longtime fans of the series won't find too much to discover here, and the game's adventure mode feels too drab and empty. There are also online performance flaws that need to be corrected.

Star Wars Episode I: Racer is a remaster of the original game and while the technical work falls below expectations, the gameplay is still as slick and enjoyable as it was over twenty years ago. This release mostly targets players who are already familiar with the original, since it pretty much recreates the experience in a contemporary platform but anyone looking for something new will come out disappointed, as other than motion controls there's nothing new when it comes to gameplay.

Anyone who picks this up will have plenty of content to discover, but it's also no less true that this conversion suffers from a clear visual downgrade, not to mention some interface adaptation time due to the lack of a mouse to drag and click. In any case, the most relevant ingredients for the latest Tropico experience are all here and they certainly won't disappoint players looking forward to act as a Caribbean dictator on the Nintendo Switch.

Mayhem Brawler is a fun and hectic beat'em up that features a comic book-type art style, different endings, and a fun world to explore. Its plot might seem strange but it goes beyond what's common in the genre, and the three available characters will provide plenty of opportunities for the player to interact with. Pity its lack of online multiplayer and some enemies, namely bosses, with life bars that get a exaggeratedly long.

Root Film is a visual novel that shares some points with other genres. Its plot ends up feeling too cumbersome and takes some time to pick up momentum during the first half of the game, along with an exploration that doesn't transmit the player a clear sense of purpose, only to then become much more compelling later on. This can be a problem for those not persistent enough, but players who won't put it down will enjoy a much more engaging effort closer to the end of the experience.

Remnant: From the Ashes lands on the Nintendo Switch to defend its reputation and fans of soulslike games have plenty to enjoy here, amid Remnant's varied and original areas to explore, weapon customization, and boss fights. Its performance raises some issues, however, as the technical limits of the Nintendo Switch end up constricting Remnant's full potential, but as far as the gameplay experience goes, this is one of the best soulslike games on Nintendo's console.

Super Dungeon Maker brings together dungeon building with dungeon exploration in an effort that stimulates the player's creativity and whose very active online community ensures there's plenty to look for when it comes to design ideas. Keeping this community running at such a level will be very important to ensure Super Dungeon Maker's longterm appeal.

Like the historical event that it's based on, Warsaw does not forgive - its difficulty is relentless and will not give players a moment to breathe. If this makes for an extremely challenging experience, it also acts as an obstacle for beginners who will feel put off. The game's combat system is compelling once the player masters it, and the soundtrack contributes significantly to this experience, but the game maps, where a lot of the action takes place, could be more elaborate to help the players find theeir way around.

Teslagrad 2 brings a different approach to the Metroidvania style and with its gorgeously detailed backgrounds and entirely text-free visually-narrated story, it provides a very enjoyable option for fans of 2D puzzle platformers. Those looking for something more thrilling might come out disappointed, though, as Teslagrad 2 does not invest in engaging combat, whether with the regular enemies or the bosses. Still, and despite its somewhat short length, Teslagrad 2 is an original effort that will capture the attention of many fans of the style and genre.

R-Type Final 2 marks the return of the much revered 2D shooter series after nearly 20 years without any new games, and it does a marvelous job at bringing the R-Type experience to our day and age. Its levels are tough, the vehicles and weapons are varied, and the formula is loyal to its origins. New players might feel, however, that this game is not most suited for them, given the emphasis on an arcade experience.

Thunder Ray fills a gap in the boxing game genre and it's a good experience at that. with its slick gameplay and gorgeous visual style. Where Thunder Ray falls short is when it comes to its short length and rather arbitrary difficulty, which makes some fights extraordinarily more difficult than others without an apparent reason, and its needs a multiplayer component as well. With all that in mind, Thunder Ray is easy to recommend to anyone interested in boxing games and who hasn't had a chance to try any such offer for the Nintendo Switch.

Its lovely art style, despite the lack of animations, is also a very welcome element, helping to create a Victorian-era atmosphere that fits perfectly with the game. Lamplight City's puzzles could have benefited from different difficulty levels though, as they feel too simplistic, which might put off more seasoned players of point and click adventures.

There are several good ideas put to work here, including a wide cast of characters and a simple but functional combat system. At the same time, Pathway's ideas don't quite live up to their potential, and while the game is indeed a competent effort, it loses appeal rather quickly and won't captivate many players to pick it up again once finished.

Prinny 1-2: Exploded and Reloaded is a small compilation based on a beloved series and it comes with a good amount of challenging platforming action, as well as a good dose of humour. Unfortunately the conversion job for the Nintendo Switch gives it a lacklustre look and makes it seem like not much effort went into this, and at the same time both games included in this offer feel too similar to each other.

Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition shows that the slick gameplay and exquisite art style of Rayman are still as fun and enjoyable today as they were three decades ago. Nevertheless, this edition acts more as a modern port than as a definitive anniversary collection at some points, namely due to the lack of accessibility options for new players, and features an arranged version of the game's soundtrack with no option to listen to the original. All that aside, the bonus content is very welcome, and this game shows the original Rayman remains strong and one of the platforming classics of its time.

Filled with humour, as well as a great level of challenge, Unrailed! features a steep difficulty curve that will require some time to get used to, and this is one of the game's weaknesses, especially as the multiplayer is its main selling point. But those willing to learn its dynamics will be rewarded with a work that's both hilarious and unforgettable.

Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition is a remake of a 2015 game originally released for the Nintendo 3DS but the change in format does not harm the experience in any way. This life simulation game is full of Disney content to explore and live out, and with its relaxed game pace, accessible difficulty level, and spaces to explore, it's a very fitting experience for players of all ages and skill levels who want to explore the Disney world at their own pace.

Its audiovisual environment is perfectly tied to the narrative structure, where the story is told through pictures and background sound effects, and where subtle fears strike horror with no need of jumpscares. The experience would be even more enjoyable if it lasted longer, and the cooperative dimension needs improvement when playing solo while the need for a second Switch 2 for local play is an obstacle, but Little Nightmares III most certainly knows how to create an experience in horror gameplay.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers brings a new visual approach to the EDF series but while the aesthetics are new, the gameplay experience remains mostly the same, though more accessible for a wider audience. World Brothers also brings a myriad of characters, which help make this a rich experience, but the lack of local co-op multiplayer using a single Nintendo Switch and EDF's usual performance issues end up harming World Brothers for those players less familiar with the series, as well as its high price for what's here. Regulars and veterans will certainly enjoy what's here, though.

Marvel MaXimum Collection is a compilation that features an unorthodox choice of games based mostly on their time of release rather than quality. Some of the games have not aged well and their inclusion in this collection feels more like a curiosity. On the other hand, fans of 1990s Marvel games will find this collection to be more practical than looking for overpriced retro games, especially with the multiple formats included here, and the extras do a good job at improving the experience.

Pikmin 2 follows Nintendo's skilful adaptation of its classic series and the result at hand is an all-round marvelous and high quality conversion of the original to today's age. Keeping the essence of the experience intact, Pikmin 2 on the Nintendo Switch is able to provide a captivating, evolving, accessible and in-depth adventure comparable to the original nearly twenty years ago, but adapted to today's standards, thus opening the doors to new players while stimulating the renewed interest on the Pikmin series at a much larger scale.

Featuring a great world to explore, very tricky and demanding challenges and a fully immersive plot, this edition of Soulstorm will have players fully mired in its intricacies. Not all its aspects are flawless though, and some elements of level design along with long load times will cause some bouts of frustration, but this is an overall marvelous Oddworld experience and in a handheld-friendly format, too.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is undoubtedly aimed at fans of mecha-based games. Its frantic combat featuring giant metal machines and especially, the boss fights, will keep players on their toes. However, Titatnic Scion could have done better at addressing its performance flaws, which sometimes prevent the game from standing out in the Switch 2 hardware when there's a lot happening on the screen at once, and beyond the combats, its plot and secondary missions are rather repetitive and end up pushing this game into a more niche territory.

Fairy Tail's game adaptation is primarily targeted at longtime fans of the comic and animated series, who will immediately insert themselves in the game's action and plot. But newcomers too will find something involving here, mostly the game's combat system, which can become quite addictive and engaging as the game advances. While the experience will be different depending on familiarity with the series, Fairy Tail has assets that don't disappoint.

Gynoug is a 2D shooter that first came out 30 years ago but despite being a very competent game with a tough and demanding difficulty level, it has received very little attention as far as re-releases go.

Featuring a cast of captivating characters, decent combat system and some interesting gameplay mechanics, there's enough here to appeal to long-running fans. However Rune Factory 5 disappoints when it comes to its visual performance, even to the point of harming the gameplay experience, while its exploration can quickly become repetitive. The result is a game that could have been much more enjoyable had these elements been treated differently.

This fifth chapter is not a reboot, rather an experience that focuses on what Trine does best: fun and creative challenges. Trine 5's puzzles are a delight to tackle, and the game's slick level design allows the players to adjust them to the desired difficulty and approach them in different ways, while rewarding players that make the effort to explore more and more of the game's world. The co-op experience is a marvel too, as it opens new possibilities for solving specific puzzles. Trine 5 is without a doubt a game that the fans of the series and of adventure games with puzzle-solving will embrace.

Wallachia: Reign of Dracula is a fun and compelling action platformer that acts as a good tribute to its inspirations and stands out amid its peers. While its lifespan might not be too impressive, the game's difficulty level helps in mitigating that aspect, at the same time that its game design and movements help with creating the impression of a game that works fine. Top marks for its soundtrack too, especially the voice works.

Never Alone: Arctic Collection consists of the original Never Alone that was released on the Wii U in 2015, as well as an additional set of downloadable content. While some of the gameplay in this puzzle-platformer feels rather imprecise and the mechanics are a bit dated, there is a redeeming dimension in this Arctic Collection (already observed in the original) in the way it portrays and inform the player about the Iñupiat people of Alaska and translates the barren Arctic landscapes into the game.

Kukoos: Lost Pets is a charming looking 3D platformer that's simple and accessible to everyone and which brings a fun adventure featuring a very pleasant and involving theme. While the camera needs some work to make the experience smoother, Kukoos: Lost Pets is a great effort and one that goes beyond what is usually expected from an indie platformer.

LEGO Bricktales is a fun puzzle game and a relaxing experience that follows a different direction of the LEGO world. While there is a (minimal) plot here, the core of the experience is based on building, and that's where the game stands out the most. Fun and engaging challenges and a welcoming gameplay for beginners, that's what LEGO Bricktales is about.

River City Girls Zero brings back the 1994 game featuring the origins of the characters. While this is a good way to introduce current players to the original work, the game's slow pace feels out of touch with today and its lifespan is too short for current day expectations. Still, its gameplay is simple and intuitive, and the way the game is executed on the Nintendo Switch works very well.

Lydia brings us a theme that is definitely worth exploring in a medium like gaming but it could have been approached in a much better way. The writing needs a lot of work and despite its very on touch visual environment, the gameplay experience is very subpar and there's little interactivity to be found here.

With its constantly shifting but consistent gameplay style, there's no easy label to apply to this game, but while the difficulty level can feel too demanding, this is nothing short of a fun-packed work and fit for everyone looking for some quick, crazy action.

Citizens United!: Earth x Space brings two very fun games under one package, but this is no ordinary 1 + 1 re-release. Both games included are combined in a very well implemented way, making it possible to switch back and forth between them while barely making an effort. With additional content that will please seasoned players, new players will find a whole new fun and engaging world to discover.

This is no frantic action game, rather its experience is about diving and tracking different maritime species, with a background plot that helps the players know more about the main character. The gameplay is relaxing and contemplative, and it has a relevant educational pillar, though there could have been a lot more done here to further advance the exploration aspect of the game, not to mention that the graphics feel rather sub-par, which is disappointing in a game that depends so much on its visual dimension.

Terror Squid deserves to be praised for its intuitive, easy to grasp gameplay and for its score attack challenge, a characteristic that is not far from arcade experiences of previous years. Its difficulty level, though, gets to very high levels that may put off those less versed in these challenges, and its pricing will look too high to most players, especially when the content is so short and the game's longevity reaches its end rather quickly.

There's no doubt that Ageless is based on a laudable concept and that its plot, as well as its blend between platforming and puzzle elements work at a competent degree. As far as the audiovisual experience goes, however, Ageless needs more work. Overall and all things considered, this game means well, tries to get there and is worthy of some attention on behalf of Nintendo Switch players.

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.

Destropolis can be summed up in two words: minimalist and frantic, that's what better characterizes this twin-stick shooter where waves of enemies will rush towards the player - or even better, players in cooperative mode. There are plenty of like-minded games on the Nintendo Switch eShop catalogue but Destropolis can still put up a fun, fresh experience. Those looking for something longer and more in-depth should look elsewhere, though, as Destropolis is mostly aimed at quick and intense experiences.

Aeterna Noctis is a fine metroidvania that does a great job at taking inspiration from some of the most outstanding games in the genre. Its visual world and level design stand out and for good reasons, while the game's welcoming pace allows players to focus on the exploration. At the same time, the game's pacing can also be a weak point as it makes it harder to keep focused, and a very high difficulty level may put off less experienced players while its long loading times make the experience less enjoyable.

EA Sports FC 24 is a very welcome arrival on the Nintendo Switch, which now finally has a full, all-round football game to boast about. While it's not perfect, especially when it concerns the loss of fluidity related to its framerate, the content and amount of game modes are enough to keep football fans satisfied experiencing the ups and downs of their players, managers and teams. The experience would be even better if the Ultimate Team mode did not make such an extended use of microtransactions, and if the online multiplayer component featured crossplay with other platforms.

Its plot and visual style are definitely worthy of praise and will gain the player's favour right away but the game lacks a certain challenge and doesn't put up a compelling and engaging adventure that would keep players concentrated on it. In other words, it does well on some elements, but it doesn't match when it comes to fun, and that's a pity because Nevaeh deserved a better overall package.

Chronos: Before the Ashes is a mostly successful attempt at making a more accessible roguelike that does not compromise its challenge too much. Its experience mechanic is a very welcome idea and something that has a lot of potential to be improved in future releases, but technical issues affecting its visual performance make this more difficult to enjoy on the Switch screen, and as such there's many players who might feel behind on what the game has to offer.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is a fighting game with platform elements that delivers a simple but fun experience, drawing from Nickelodeon's rich character list, and gives the fans an engaging but accessible fighting system. Its performance needs improvement, though, as fluidity problems become too common, and there could have been a greater effort to go into Nickelodeon's catalogue, especially when it comes to the audio environment. A package of fun action that's mostly directed at Nickelodeon animation fans.

Hotel Sowls joins the niche of point and click adventure games in the Nintendo Switch and even though it does not reinvent the genre for a new age, it does a good job at delivering an experience akin to that of its peers. Featuring interesting characters, involving dialogues and a plot that can reach a surprising turnaround, Hotel Sowls does not go so far as to provide the player with a groundbreaking experience but it does a competent job at creating a game world and the atmosphere to go along with it.

Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island + Emerald Rush is a DLC that does a very good job at delivering a challenging experience and at rekindling the players' relationship with the original game thanks to its new, stimulating roguelike mode and to the nostalgia-inducing settings of old DK Island. This DLC does not intend to reinvent DK Bananza's experience, so it focuses its value on adding new experiences to the original game, but it does so in a very fun and friendly way which fits nicely with fans of Bananza who want to get a bit more out of that game.

Wonder Boy Collection celebrates 35 years of the Wonder Boy series by bringing together four of its most popular games, including one that had never been released outside Japan before. Thanks to a competent work of emulation and to a stable performance, the experience runs smoothly. Extras such as saving anywhere, rewinding the action and screen visualization options make this a user-friendly experience that contemporary players appreciate. While there was room for more content, what we have here is quite good for fans and newcomers alike.

Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is the official video game of the biggest sporting event in the world and with the Olympics finally being held this summer, the Games' video game incarnation brings a varied array of events, a fun multiplayer component - whether local or online, which works marvelously well - and an exquisite character editor tool with endless possibilities. It might not be a serious realistic simulation of Olympic events, but it's certainly a very fun experience for all and one which will fill many hours at home and on the go.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated is a long name for a game that does not have a lot to offer. This remastered version of an older work brings a 3D platforming formula that worked much better in its original day than today. On the other hand, this new version brings an updated visual environment and a multiplayer mode, even though the latter only provides the bare minimum. Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated fits better within a specific group of players rather than with a wider audience.

Crysis Remastered on the Nintendo Switch would have sounded nearly unthinkable a few years ago, but here we are. Even though it's been thirteen years since the original release, the game still looks slick, marvelous and vivid. With its vast world, sharp gameplay mechanics and a very good performance both on a television screen and on the Nintendo Switch screen, Crysis Remastered is one of the finest FPS experiences in the console's catalogue.

Darius Cozmic Collection Console is the other half of the Darius Arcade collection for the Nintendo Switch and it follows the same principle. Unfortunately it cannot make the same boasts, mostly because there's too many relevant games lacking from this collection and its heavier price tag means this effort represents less value for money than its arcade-based counterpart. This is not to say that the reproduction work in this release is not stunning because it certainly is, but what is being proposed here ends up feeling more like a shortcoming than a proper compilation of Darius console games.

DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power is a fun, simple, and accessible animation-licensed game that will without a doubt appeal to its target-audience. While veteran players will more likely be put off by the game's simplicity, fans of the animated series will find a good representation of the source material, an intuitive gameplay, and a very fun - if not very challenging - combat system.

Super Meat Boy Forever follows the legacy of its adored predecessor and it improves on several elements - namely, the stunning animation sequences, as well as the boss fights, which are the most enjoyable part of this game. At the same time, the decision to implement an auto-run mechanic when the level design feels completely disconnected from this way of playing is difficult to understand. Super Meat Boy Forever has plenty of qualities but it also has its peculiarities, fans of the original need to take that into account.

Night Call has an unusual formula - it's not an orthodox adventure game, it's not quite a visual novel either, but it has elements of both, all set against a Parisian noir aesthetic that goes along perfectly with its premise. Funnily enough, Night Call can be more enjoyable as a literary piece than as an interactive game and while it will not be everyone's cup of tea, this effort is definitely rewarding for those who look into the characters' backgrounds and personal stories.

Its fun mechanics and several pathways, the wealth of content to find and a soundtrack that fits like a glove on this cliché-ridden comedic experience mean that those players who know what to expect will find a fun and delightful game. Players outside its target audience, though, will struggle with enjoying the experience and are unlikely to become fans if they are not receptive to its mixture of on-rails action, visual novel interactions, and absurdist humour.

Wonder Boy Asha in Monster World revisits a classic that most players didn't have the chance to discover and it does a great job at bringing it into our day and age. While it's true that the game's pacing feels rather slow, which is to be expected from a title that's over a quarter of a century old, everything in this work was done in a way that respects the original and brings it up to today's standards.

If the plot and background events are mere motifs, the combat is accessible and easy to get into, which along with its variety of game modes and components like local multiplayer and a map editor make this an enjoyable experience, even though it doesn't go out of its way to become a groundbreaking game among its peers and a certain monotony becomes inevitable after some time.

While its combat may not add a revolutionary formula to the genre, the game's simplicity and accessible nature, along with an engaging cooperative mode and multiplayer experience, make this a game to consider by those looking for a fun work set in the Kirby universe, not to mention that longtime Kirby fans will get their share of rewards.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a remake of the 1999 original and it does a good job at bringing the Pac-Man platformer to our day and age, with its remarkable visual renovation and significant improvements to the controls and gameplay mechanics. Nonetheless this is a game that fans of more modern platformers will find rather limited, given how its structure mostly reflects the time of its original release with worlds that are completely separated from each other and a camera that is far from dynamic.

Aerial_Knight's Never Yield proposes an interesting interception of concepts between a sidescroller and an endless runner, and it works great. With its demanding but fair gameplay mechanics and a surprisingly elaborate plot for a short indie title, the game also boasts a good use of the camera and an exquisite soundtrack. The only things that could make Aerial_Knight's Never Yield much better would be a multiplayer and online component, as well as a longer lifespan.

The Red Lantern is a survival game that gets some things right...and some things wrong. This is a game where players can marvel at the beauty of the Alaskan landscape, portrayed with stunning detail, and the characters' animation is executed with a great degree of authenticity. At the same time, the gameplay experience is constricting as the player has very little control over what happens, and the survival mechanisms end up too dependent on sheer luck, which raises the difficulty level to very frustrating levels.

Space Invaders Forever is a collection that consists of three adaptations of Taito's timeless classic and if the presence of Space Invaders Extreme is by itself a major highlight, then a bigger effort should have gone into adapting these games to the format of the Nintendo Switch. Local multiplayer is a very fun experience, but an online component would have made everything much better.

Keeping most of its early 1990s sidescrolling action conventions and tropes intact, it's a good throwback for fans of similar efforts but it also feels that it's stuck in its original development age at too many moments. Fortunately the control system works like a charm and the experience is overall fluid and smooth. As such, Ultracore can be forgiven if some of its pillars seem outdated.

HyperBrawl Tournament brings a heap of chaotic fun to the Nintendo Switch, especially on multiplayer. Therefore, it's difficult to understand why the multiplayer options are so restricted and, for a game that doesn't stand out on a solo experience, why its artificial intelligence shows some consistency problems. In any case, for those having multiplayer brawls, HyperBrawl Tournament is jam-packed with frantic action.

It may not be revolutionary or redefine its genre, but Golden Force is a lot of fun to play thanks to its successful formula of good level design, fun combat system and accessible difficulty. It's not a groundbreaking piece of gaming, but it's certainly a very good formula.

Within the Blade brings us an action platformer with stealth elements under the guise of a ninja-themed adventure. Beyond the good presentation, the game's appealing nature gets difficult to enjoy, as the implementation of movement and combat will often put the player at odds with the game. This is a pity, because there are ideas in Within the Blade that are worthy developing but as it is, the game's mechanics need to be reviewed and executed differently.

Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars looks ambitious and indeed sets high expectations under the form of a platforming hack and slash that looks good and can rightfully boast about its comical dialogues. Where Ninja Wars falls short though is in fulfilling all its ambition, and the game's disappointing lifespan and feeling of repetitiveness make this an effort that could have gone much further but which doesn't achieve what its expectations set out.

Unusually enough, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a prequel of a game that hasn't been released yet but it will appeal to fans of the Suikoden series and JRPGs in general. While the game takes a while until it truly takes off and its more in-depth characteristics become more prominent, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising features a gorgeous art style, a surprising plot, charismatic characters and a very welcome city-building mechanic.

With a vast game world, full of points of interest, varied missions and a fun, comical plot, Maneater's flaws mostly derive from its performance mishaps, namely a less stable framerate when there's plenty going on in the screen, and a feeling of repetitiveness in the mid-term. Nonetheless, this is a fun game to explore, which fits the Nintendo Switch perfectly.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX converts an old classic into a new era and goes beyond the original formula, bringing new levels and game modes. The result is a fun game, with a great performance, and a good chance of appealing to both newcomers and veterans alike. While some of the game's original flaws remain unaddressed and the classic mode might not please everyone equally, this modern take on the original Alex Kidd game is a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Mega Dimension is a DLC that brings some welcome new features to the game, such as a more demanding difficulty and new Mega Evolutions, as well as a plot that directly follows that of Pokémon Legends Z-A. Mega Dimension does not do so well on other fields, however, and very often the game feels repetitive when it comes to its overdone actions and settings, especially when it comes to the small dimension of its map. Mega Dimension is competent, but it adds more in quantity than in quality, and the price is too high for what it delivers.

Egglia Rebirth brings us an RPG where the gameplay mechanics involve exploration and construction, topped off by a humorous and welcoming environment and plot. Simple and accessible, Egglia Rebirth is best enjoyed in shorter game sessions, given its origin as a game developed for mobile devices which leads to a feeling of repetitiveness if played like most of its console counterparts. Nonetheless, those looking for a fun, comical and accessible experience will find a great time with Egglia Rebirth.

Spitlings presents itself as a chaotic arcade game, even though it starts off on a rather slow pace that may put off less patient players. Nonetheless, those who dedicate some time to immerse themselves with the simple mechanics involved will be duly rewarded with a fun and varied multiplayer experience that doesn’t leave out a bit of a tactical dimension. Spitlings is less stellar on a single player basis, though, and it can become rather repetitive on a short-term basis.

This port of Dragon Star Vanir for the Nintendo Switch includes all the game's DLC, a good point to begin with. Its theme and combat system also score well with the game. Not all works as good as expected, though: the game has too many technical issues and performance flaws that can render the experience a real ordeal, not to mention its rather dull dungeon exploration. In the end, there's a feeling of lost opportunities to make a much better game that were wasted in this conversion.

Syrup and the Ultimate Sweet is a name that doesn't hint much at what kind of game this is but it reveals that its content is very sugarcoated. Indeed this visual novel features a very sweetened world, with ten different endings and a good plot for a game with such a low selling price. It may not be the most breathtaking work ever made but Syrup and the Ultimate Sweet does a decent job, even if its main protagonist seems a bit off from the game's world.

Elden: Path of the Forgotten will definitely evoke memories and impressions of some very known action and adventure games, namely those with a particularly difficult combat. When it comes to the fights, Elden demands a certain tactical mindset but it also runs the risk of becoming too repetitive. With a charming audiovisual presentation but a plot that suffers from minimal narration efforts, this is a game that might please fans of action and adventure games but which will have some work to do if it is to convince other players.

While a more ambitious transition to a home console format would only do better, the game is very competent at creating an atmosphere of suspense, even if there are several moments where the gameplay experience finds itself unnecessarily interrupted.

PUSS! is an unusual arrival, in the sense that there's not much to say about it, other than being a very surreal and by no means conventional experience, with an audiovisual environment that fits the description. Unfortunately its difficulty level makes finishing the game a very difficulty task, and the occasional crashes only hinder what value PUSS! could have brought for some fringes of the public.

This RPG features a stunning game environment, where the visual world and the soundtrack contribute to the player's immersion. The experience could benefit from a more dynamic gameplay, however, as its rather slow pacing and long prologue will make things difficult for players who want to see the plot advancing and their character developing with each play session.

Urban Trial Tricky is simple...simple and fun, and it's good at what it does. While the game doesn't harbour AAA ambitions, this is without a doubt a very fun way to pass some time and to enjoy the kicks and adrenaline rushes given by performing stunts on a bike. The experience would be better if the levels felt a little less claustrophobic but as a quick, fun experience, Urban Trial Tricky is a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch catalogue.

Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break does not reveal what the game is about but the word 'rock' is key - yes, this is a game about rocks. Beyond that, there's really not much more to add. There's a level editor that allows online sharing, which is always welcome, but Rock of Ages 3 barely makes an effort to provide any hints or notes of a fun and engaging experience and it will only take a few minutes for most players to move their attention elsewhere.

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is not a revolution but it does wonders for the Ultimate Ninja Storm series and its fans. Featuring new plots lines that link perfectly with the previous plots, a massive roster of over one hundred characters - each of them with their own dedicated background - and a visual presentation that remains very much loyal to the source material, Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections falls short when it comes to combat complexity and a rather repetitive gameplay, but it's a welcoming game for new comers and a delight for old fans of the Naruto series.

Afterimage is a gorgeous looking Metroidvania that wraps itself around its players with an enveloping plot, charismatic characters, and engaging combat system. While some of the exploration tasks can feel out of place at times and the plot takes a while to fully settle in, Afterimage is without a doubt a very welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch rich catalogue of Metroidvania games, and one that can stand proudly next to its peers.

Dragon Ball: The Breakers is somewhat of a surprise in the sense that a survival game is an unexpected way to take on the Dragon Ball series but The Breakers does a good job at its heart and it gives players a fun and engaging way to explore the Dragon Ball universe, both as survivors and villains. The experience would be more enjoyable if it had more offline and single player options, especially on a format like the Nintendo Switch.

Tales of Symphonia Remastered brings back one of the finest JRPGs ever made and for anyone who has no other way of experiencing the original, this could be an interesting choice. Unfortunately this remaster suffers from too many issues compared to the original, artistic and technical, and the result is a rather frustrating experience that should undergo a revision towards correcting its main flaws, as Tales of Symphonia deserves a much better contemporary treatment.

Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues is a sharp beat'em-up experience that's especially aimed at fans of the series, who will find countless content and references to appeal to their knowledge of the franchise. While visually some of its choices are questionable and it has some flaws in this regard, the overall gameplay experience is fun and fits perfectly with players who keenly follow the original series.

As far as the structure and gameplay are concerned, this is a great achievement which strikes a good balance between the original formula and today's tastes. At the same time, the way this sequel fits in the Nintendo Switch has its share of problems, with visual performance issues becoming too frequent. All in all, this is a remarkable work that nonetheless ends up getting harmed by its technical execution.

Chocobo GP brings us back to the world of go-kart racing with these famous Square-Enix characters and what we have here is a fun game with a huge cast and a very motivating main campaign with plenty of content to unlock and a well implemented online multiplayer component. It takes a considerable amount of time to unlock every single item but what's on offer here is a very wide and long-lasting game that will certainly make fans happy.

Its gameplay mechanics are enjoyable, although a bit too unwelcoming for beginners, and its audiovisual world is good enough to be immersive. The problem is this third chapter in a series of action RPGs does little to stand out amid its peers and what was remarkable in previous years ends up feeling repetitive by now, with little new elements to add. Fans of the series who want a modern Torchlight might be pleased with what they find here but players looking for something fresh and able to stand against other modern action RPGs will end up disappointed.

TAITO Milestones is a compilation of ten TAITO arcade games of the 1980s, some of which less known to the general audience. If the emulation of the games is done successfully, the overall presentation and interface is rather poor, as there are no extras about the games or TAITO that could sweeten this package, not to mention a lack of online multiplayer. Overall this could have been used to present a broader look at TAITO's past.

Astria Ascending is a rather unusual RPG in the sense that it's visually similar to a side-scrolling metroidvania, but its gameplay is that of a turn-based JRPG. With that in mind, and while its plot feels rather sub-par, Astria Ascending features a very fun combat system, engaging and complex character progression, and an absolutely astounding visual world. Fans of JRPGs will have plenty to enjoy here, including committed completionists.

Fashion Dreamer had the potential to deliver an engaging and fun experience, as its peers in the genre attest to, but beyond a glimpse of enjoyable gameplay during the creation of fashion sets, the game is unable to provide something coherent and competitive. The lack of any kind of consequences when it comes to the quality of our creations feeds a gameplay that does not motivate, and the game's limitations that extend to its online interactions make this an overall restrictive experience that's very lacking in motivation and keeping the players committed.

Thanks to an exquisite art style, a challenging combat system, a very interesting mind-based plot and a very well implemented and flexible character development model, Monark boasts elements that are worth highlighting. Where Monark does less well is on its execution, though, as well as on its simplistic and repetitive puzzles, but it's the game's laggy performance that often harms the experience and makes it difficult to enjoy to anyone beyond a core of RPG fans.

Lost Ember can be quite a relaxing experience, one where players will enjoy the benefits of a beautiful audiovisual world under the form of different animals, and sometimes it's even possible to simply put the game's goal aside and just enjoy free roaming. While the game demonstrates some signs of a technical downgrade from its conversion to the Nintendo Switch format and the loading times can get a bit long, Lost Ember is a marvelous, enveloping and relaxing experience that would fit good in anyone's Nintendo Switch.

Kill It With Fire has a very fun and absurd concept which creates high expectations at first. Unfortunately its performance issues and repetitive nature quickly become too large to ignore. An unstable framerate, a poor resolution when played on the Nintendo Switch screen, constricting elements, and uninteresting goals make this a passable effort that could have been a lot more fun if its concept was better executed and technical flaws had been corrected.