Not since Super Mario 64 has a Mario adventure had me this captivated, immersed or impressed. Super Mario Odyssey is Nintendo's finest Super Mario title yet, and easily the most impressive Nintendo Switch title available. With so much to see and do - long after you've dispatched Bowser - you'll be returning to the Odyssey for a long time. Essential for all Switch owners and worth buying a Switch for. It's that good. [Issue 9, Page 16]

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a work of art in every way imaginable. In combining the core ethos of the Zelda series with fresh, modern sensibilities, Nintendo has crafted not only the greatest game in the history of the franchise but perhaps, the greatest game in history.

Tetris Effect: Connected is the puzzler as you’ve never seen it before. The whole experience is amped to the max, producing a game that dazzles not only the brain but the eyes and ears as well.

Metroid Prime Remastered marks one of Nintendo’s best efforts at revitalising an old classic. The updated controls, pristine visuals, and atmospheric soundtrack all work alongside gameplay that remains stellar to this day to create an unforgettable experience.

Supergiant’s latest action gem Hades is a must-play for Switch fans looking for some fast-paced action, especially considering it’s currently a console exclusive. The seemingly endless modifiers keep the roguelike gameplay fresh and exciting each run, coming at no expense to its humorous, hellish story.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition boasts a living, breathing world, with Larian Studios appearing to have perfected the formula of the RPG. From the moment-to-moment gameplay, this was an absolute joy to play through, and it’s hard to see where the developers can go next.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a highly polished Nintendo Switch port of a game that should already be considered as one of the best modern metroidvanias. Running at a smooth 60fps both docked and in handheld, this is a forest adventure well worth exploring.

One of the most original modern JRPGs of all time, and beatable at the fraction of the time. Once you get over its primitive aesthetic, you’ll soon realise why everyone else has been so captivated by Toby Fox’s creation.

Celeste is a challenging, charming and near-to-perfection game that doesn't only play well, but also tells a poignant story and merges this with all the best qualities you can expect from a platformer.

A Monster’s Expedition shakes up the puzzling genre with an enormous map, combining tiny individual puzzles with an empowering sense of exploration. Gorgeous graphics and witty writing mean it mostly succeeds, let down only slightly when its ambitious scale becomes daunting.

Whatever you're playing right now, drop it immediately and buy Bayonetta 2 - this is a game of dizzying quality. Can a port win Game of the Year? Hmm... Food for thought.

Absolutely essential for Switch owners who love fun, racing, and didn't buy it on the Wii U. Packed with content, this is the definitive Mario Kart experience - and it's hard to see how it will be topped.

Playdead's INSIDE is masterful in what it sets out to achieve. It might not be Breath of the Wild in terms of its scope, or Super Mario Odyssey in terms of its level variety, but it provides a visceral and beautiful three hour long experience that is difficult to forget.

Even if you don't have a penchant for pixel art or consider yourself a popular culture vulture, there's plenty to enjoy in Retro City Rampage DX. Take the 5-6 hour main story stages at your own pace while exploring all the little nooks and crannys of Theftropolis and you'll find a wealth of customization, add-ons, minigames and a variety of vehicles and weapons to try out. A thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying retro themed sandbox which will appeal to both fans of the 8 bit era and open world adventure games.

Dragon Quest XI S is a quintessential JRPG that celebrates the series, and yet somehow is still accessible. The world is rich, the gameplay is satisfying, and with a free 10-hour demo, you have no excuse not to play it.

Steamworld Heist maintains the wit, charm, and humour found in the mainline 'Dig' series, swapping spades and shovels for some satisfyingly addictive turn-based action that both newcomers and veterans will enjoy.

Time apart can be good for the soul and New Horizons is proof of just that. Seven years in the making, this is the definitive Animal Crossing experience. This is as close as it gets to Animal Crossing perfection.

Bastion is a thrilling action RPG. Supergiant Games' fans will love it, but it's definitely for those who want a story with incredible music, fascinating characters and incredible gameplay.

Persona 4 Golden is an incredible RPG that is both wacky and intense. The twist in the different genres helps to keep you engrossed, and the story will keep you playing hours after the sun has gone down. This is the Persona game to play.

Those looking for a fairytale-like sense of wonder that pushes you to discover and explore will feel right at home at Hollow Knight. In a world where the Switch eShop is stacked with metroidvanias, few others are as in-depth or well-made as Team Cherry's hand-drawn modern classic.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale is an engrossing adventure that you won’t put down. The main story is enough to pull you in, but it’s the world that you’ll crave more of in the moments you’re unable to play, which is why it’s a good thing this game is finally on Switch.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is the perfect entry point for the series and deserves to be a summer hit. Full of story and adventure, it’s one of the deepest series Nintendo have delivered, and it’s worth getting past the grinding and the text overload.

Dead Cells is a game of many influences. As a child of roguelikes, metroidvanias, and souls-like games, it mixture many elements in a surprisingly cohesive and entertaining way. Thanks to one of the most satisfying sidescrolling combats and extensive replayability, it is a game that every Switch owner should play and keep playing.

Into the Breach feels like a board game in which you must control a squad of mech robots to defend the planet. With turn-based combat that is as challenging as it is deep, it offers tons of replay value thanks to its many unique squad layouts.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is as close to gaming perfection as you’ll get on the Nintendo Switch. If the story doesn’t grip you, the combat, landscapes, mechanics, or soundtrack surely will. Monolith Soft, take a bow!

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a Double Cherry of entertainment that rejuvenates a Wii U classic while also satiating the appetite of fans looking for a completely new adventure. We’ll never tire of Mario, will we?

Fire Emblem: Three Houses repetitively and competently shows a clear understanding in how to deliver in not only each individual mechanic, but how they are all intrinsically linked to create an expertly crafted end-product. From the varying storylines available throughout to the engaging, deep and – surprisingly – approachable combat, Intelligent Systems have yet again created a must-have title.

An old classic that’s never quite gotten the audience it deserves, Okami HD’s gorgeous art style and unique brush mechanic is perfect for Switch. Players looking for an equivalent to Zelda with an appreciation of Japanese myths and aesthetics needn’t look further.

Beautifully animated and a dream to play, Mark of the Ninja: Remastered rightfully stands next to the greats of the stealth genre. Intelligent design choices build the foundation to what is one of this generations best releases, let alone remasters.

Death’s Door feeds a nostalgia for Zelda-like adventures while sprucing up nearly every aspect. Graphics, sound, and—not least—combat mechanics are polished to near perfection. Despite some very minor flaws, the final experience is an extremely rewarding challenge.

The feeling when you are on holiday and you don’t want to leave: free of daily obligations and worries, and being surrounded by exciting new opportunities and adventures. This is the essence of A Short Hike. Truly marvellous.

With stunning visuals and music, Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition is a delight to play - even if it means overcoming overwhelming odds.

The Delicious Last Course is everything Cuphead fans could have wanted from a DLC. It’s just as great as the original game, and just as gruelling to complete. As always, the animation work shines, and the gameplay is stellar too.

Better late than never, What Remains of Edith Finch is quite simply a storytelling masterpiece that’s both tragic and life-affirming. Even if your time with the Finch family is short and bitterly sweet, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Fez was originally released at a time when indie games were exploding, and it’s a perfect example of why that happened. Fez is a gorgeous work of art, both effortlessly accessible and masterfully complex, and even nine years later, it’s practically perfect.

While the nineteen-year hiatus was a difficult one, Metroid Dread delivers what fans have waited for and more, building a familiar yet unique experience with brand new ideas to help push the genre forward.

This is a grandiose, yet slightly imperfect follow-up to the Wii U’s darling game. But for SMM2’s faults and a lack of the original’s wackiness, it truly does shine as another great do-it-yourself Mario game. Even if you don’t want to build, the wide-ranging levels soon to be on offer can keep you going for many, many hours.

Monster Hunter Rise is a success built on years of gradual improvements, but it also takes some giant Wirebug leaps forward to deliver an unforgettable and endlessly thrilling adventure. This is a new contender for the best game on Switch.

At a first glance, Downwell doesn’t catch the eye; it’s a simplistic game with a minimalistic art style, and basic mechanics. But it becomes compelling due to its slick controls and synergistic elements.

Demon-slaying may feel simplistic compared to Monster-Hunting, but as the pioneer of the co-op loot-chasing dungeon crawler, Diablo III: Eternal Collection is the definitive article on the Switch, packing a wealth of content and variety of ways to slay.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is everything that you may want for a sequel. It takes the digging formula of its predecessor and makes it more fun to play, prettier to look at, and more pleasant to listen to. Fans of both platform and Metroidvania genres will be pleased by its enjoyable gameplay and, even if you’re not into those style of games, it may be worth a try - as it is one of the best indie games released on the Switch.

Ikaruga is hard. That may be the conclusion you've already drawn from the review, but rarely before has it been so apt. This is bullet hell with emphasis on the hell - don't think you're going to breeze through it.

More than ten years after its first release, Cave Story+ still holds its ground as the apex of its genre. There is hardly anything left to be improved upon regarding its gameplay, visuals, or soundtrack - and this plus version is truly the definitive release of the game. You'd be doing yourself a disservice by not adding it to your library.

Deemo excels in every aspect for a game of its genre. On the surface it may seem like any other rhythm game, however its musical accuracy combined with a stellar and diverse song selection makes it an incredibly captivating experience - it even has an emotional story! The premium package will seem a lot to those not into the genre, but it's an easy recommendation for anyone who is.

FILMECHANISM is a series of excellent puzzles with minimal packaging. The look and sound of the game are fine, but the overall structure is a bit uninspired and there’s little beyond novelty to hook you in.

The farming simulator genre is back and better than ever! Stardew Valley provides you an experience that just grows more and more as you play. Every little thing, from planting to befriending the community, becomes surprisingly meaningful as your hard works comes to life in front of you. With tons of content, it’ll keep you hooked into living this calm, pleasurable and magical second life, all made better with Switch’s portability.

Cuphead’s exquisite visuals and jazzy soundtrack perfectly transfers over to Switch, though you’ll need to be up for the challenge to appreciate most of its rewards. Most importantly, this game may be the start of a beautiful friendship between Nintendo and Microsoft.

The experience of The Stanley Parable is as fresh and unique now as it was almost ten years ago. To make things even better, the new content included with this Ultra Deluxe edition expands the game in new and interesting ways, making it well-worthy of a (re)visit.

Astral Chain is one of the most confident, stylish and satisfying third-person action games we've played in quite a while. While its narrative might be melodramatic, battles and enemy encounters always deliver a thrilling but balanced challenge.

Beautiful graphics, responsive mechanics, and frantic gameplay are mixed together in Dragon Ball FighterZ, a superb 2D fighting game that adapts the iconic Akira Toriyama anime in a very competent way. Despite the uninspired story mode, it presents engaging and accessible mechanics that can be enjoyed by fans and newcomers alike.

Guacamelee! 2 is a brilliant continuation of Juan's story. It's largely more of the same, but when the gameplay and visual design is this good, there's little need to change it. Yet another fine example of the Metroidvania genre.

No game is perfect, but Enter the Gungeon is currently the pinnacle of Switch indie titles. It displays beautiful pixelated visuals, addictive twin-stick gameplay and outrageous rewards around every corner. A must buy!

A worthy sequel in every regard, Rogue Legacy 2 improves almost every single element that made the original Cellar Door Games title so appealing. Even its slow progression system is easy to stomach when everything along the way is so fun and entertaining.

If you have never experienced Link’s Awakening before then go and buy this now, because it’s amazing. If you have, the new styling perfectly complements the adventure. Plus, you’ll know that it’s well worth playing again. It’s the best 2D Zelda.

SMB3 is a surprisingly engaging video game recreation of the famous sport. Despite its accessible nature, this won’t be for everyone. But for those who have even an inkling for some ballpark action SMB3 still knocks it out the park.

DotEmu are the absolute dons of beat ’em ups, and the collaboration with Tribute Games is a match made in heaven. Whether your persuasion is TMNT or Streets of Rage, you can rest assured that the results from this partnership are best in class.

Severed has hit the Nintendo Switch, and it's just as good as it was the very first time it released. A touch-based game which runs in handheld mode only, this title has a rather unique take on gameplay mechanics, art, story, and more. It very much deserves to be played by the masses, and if you haven't played it elsewhere then you should definitely pick it up.

Two Point Campus is a shining example of how to make a management sim and all its deep gameplay systems engaging and enjoyable. It can still feel overwhelming, but its charm far outweighs any flaws.

This isn’t a game for the faint-hearted. It’s a challenging action adventure which forces you to use physical and mental dexterity in equal measure. It wields nostalgia and innovation with laser precision, creating one of the most fun and inspiring games that you will have the chance to play. If you want an excellent adventure platformer, then it would be a disservice not to own this game.

Rarely has skateboarding in a game felt so creative and accessible as it does in OlliOlli World. It’s very much more of the grind-based platforming that long-time fans will know, just with even more tricks and challenges primed to keep you coming back for more.

Ten years in the making and certainly worth the wait, Owlboy is a fantastic platform/adventure game that succeeds in making you care about the game's characters through a great tale of an underdog (or owl) wanting to prove himself to those who doubted him. Looking for a new indie game? You'd struggle to find one as well designed as this!

Velocity 2X fires on all cylinders in every way, providing frantic yet fun space shooter action that is always a thrill to jump back into. Get the first game in the series onto the system, stat.

A hilarious point-and-click presented seamlessly, There Is No Game parodies a cavalcade of video game genres in its futile attempt to stop you from playing even one. Fans of absurd, paradoxical humour will get a kick out of this one.

Iconoclasts is a fun, but difficult platformer with a great cast of characters, brilliant controls and a fantastic soundtrack that is let down by a story with little direction.

It's Rocket League, and it's incredibly entertaining. Static screens do not do this game justice; yes it's a little rough visually but you will hardly notice because you will be having so much fun. It's brilliant. If you love fun, football and/or racing you'll love this.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is well worth your time, offering one of the most compelling stories on the Switch. It’s refined, charming, and engaging, and a great experience for newcomers and fans of the Ace Attorney franchise alike.

Overboard! is a short but sweet murder mystery adventure with lashings of sophisticated style and an addictive gameplay loop. There’s always something new to see when playing the same day over and over again by making different choices and decisions.

The Messenger stands alongside the likes of Shovel Knight as an example of classic platforming mastered. By retrofitting modern sensibilities, fine-tuned controls and deep replay value into the heart of a traditional game formula, it creates an experience that's nostalgic, yet new and exciting.

With a fascinating, grisly, and grimy world to explore, Disco Elysium offers an engrossing world and captivating characters in every moment of gameplay. Unveiling that story and interrogating citizens is an unforgettable adventure, but it’s sadly held back significantly by long load times and performance issues.

Beautiful, graceful and full of charm. Transistor is a gem that should be in everyone's collection.

If you don't already own Minecraft elsewhere and it appeals to you then there's no question, buy it! If you do own a copy on something else then you'll be needing to justify that double dip. It's the most practical and probably best portable version of Minecraft you can buy and that added Super Mario content really adds to the charm. You'll be playing this for a very long time and the only real limit will be your imagination.

Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze is as impressive now as it was back in 2014. Displaying gorgeous visuals, fantastic level design and a steep difficulty curve that seasoned players will appreciate, it's a game that fully deserves a spot in your Switch collection.

Bigger is not always better, but Bayonetta 3 does more right than wrong when trying to surpass everything that has been done with the series before. It is a bold game that is thrilling to play, and a truly wild ride from start to finish.

Crypt of the NecroDancer has risen once again to bring a hefty amount of rhythm action goodness to Switch. If this is your jam, then its definitely worth picking up again for portable and local co-op play. If you haven't played before and aren't sure if you'll dig it then the Switch version is a content-rich way to give it a whirl and find out.

A treat to the eyes, Warframe is a beautiful looking free-to-play game that presents a fast-paced and very fluid third-person shooter gameplay. Despite being a bit grindy, it has a huge amount of content to be enjoyed with friends.

You might not be going to Luigi’s Mansion 3 for Halloween frights but with so many inspired set-pieces, mechanics and secrets, this is the ghost-gusting adventure at its charming best. But this time Luigi deserves to share his limelight with his green gooey doppelganger.

Assault Android Cactus+ is a tough but moreish space-set shooter. Infuriatingly difficult in places, it sure does feel satisfying to polish off the later bosses in particular. It left me wanting more, and provided the good kind of ‘game rage’.

Sonic Mania is like a greatest hits album that your favourite artist may release, with a few new tracks as a bonus. It has a high level of nostalgia, gloss and polish and will really challenge your skill, reflexes and patience. There's quite a bit to get stuck into, but you may find yourself being frustrated. If you love the little blue chap and relish a challenge, speed along to the e-shop and pick this up.

Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda is a game I didn’t know I wanted until I’ve seen it for the first time. By (re)mixing the visuals, soundtrack and structure of a Zelda game with the gameplay from Crypt of the NecroDancer, it creates a unique experience – one that is faithful to the Zelda series at the same time it stands out as a superb spin-off.

Thumper offers an extraordinary rhythm experience on the Nintendo Switch, and is heightened by its well-oiled reactionary gameplay, haunting soundtrack, and unique aesthetic. As one of the most enjoyable games on the console there's very little it does wrong, but it must be noted that there's not much staying power for those uninterested in chasing S-ranks.

Despite the many similarities to its predecessor, Kingdom: Two Crowns is a minimalistic town-management game that still holds many wonders. With the addition of couch co-op and many improvements, this can be seen as the definitive edition of the series.

Blaster Master Zero 2 is a wonderful if sometimes difficult platformer that makes good as a sequel to one of the Switch’s earliest hidden gems. It’s by no means expensive, either; it’s definitely a game worth picking up.

Night in the Woods is a special game and a must-have for the Switch in 2018. With some of the most well executed, naturalistic dialogue I've ever seen in a game, it's an experience that is different, but up there alongside some of the greats on the platform so far.

Without a doubt, The Binding of Isaac is the most varied, addictive dungeon-crawler ever made. As the most definitive version, Afterbirth+ is perfect both as a portable game for quick runs and as a docked game for lengthy plays. A must-have for Switch owners.

Monster Train First Class earns its seat as one of the best card battlers on Nintendo Switch. Its complex mix of mechanics and systems are initially overwhelming, I’ll admit, yet seeing it all come together can be absolute bliss.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Complete Edition is like any addictive substance. You need it, you always have to have more, and once you have it, you never want to be without it again. With its immense content load, well-crafted systems and engaging combat, you’ll soon forget that this is a downgraded port of the game.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is fresh but familiar, offering plenty of opportunity to hone your hunting skills against new, more challenging monsters in delightfully detailed locations. It’s the very best way to hunt monsters on the Switch.

Two Point Hospital is an addictive management experience which you’ll adore if you enjoyed the likes of Theme Hospital, Theme Park and Rollercoaster Tycoon. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in getting things to click and watching the money rack up – and who doesn’t like making money?

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 does a decent job of bringing the game into 2021, however it falls short in a few unnecessary ways that might keep newcomers to the series from enjoying it.

Beautiful, challenging and engaging, Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a fantastic strategic experience and is accessible to players of all skill levels. It’s the best version of the best Pikmin title.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 takes the base formula from creative sandbox titles such as Minecraft, and mixes it with the best elements from a lengthy JRPG. Its single-player campaign offers tons of quests to conquer, places to explore, and people to meet, resulting in a charming experience.

Heroes of Hammerwatch is the definitive edition of an already fantastic game. It’s a killer rogue-lite, a great twin-stick shooter, and it comes packed with additional content for a very modest price point. There’s just no reason not to own this.

The amount of humour, fun and character within West of Loathing is astounding. Repetition in the turn based battles is the only slight in an otherwise amazing game. DLC is on the way too, and I for one cannot wait for it.

Return to Monkey Island feels like a greatest hits of Monkey Islands past. The overwhelming sense of familiarity is both a blessing and a curse, but ultimately if you’re a series fan, you’re going to enjoy swashbuckling with Guybrush once again.

A Space for the Unbound is an incredibly touching story that will keep you guessing until the very end. With beautiful pixel art and a fantastic soundtrack, this is a game you don’t want to miss.

Tangle Tower is a pleasure to play. An interesting story, well-crafted gameplay, and a brilliantly diverse cast of characters marred only by small faults here and there still make it an easy recommandation for adventure game fans.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a colourful, magical, platforming-adventure delight with a cute factor that is out of this world! The game isn’t very difficult, but the upgraded copy abilities, mouthful mode, and fantastic level design make it a worthy addition to any Switch collection.

As a challenging indie title which offers a good chunk of replayability, NeuroVoider is certainly worth some of your time. Know before you make the purchase that you're going to be shooting, shooting and more shooting, though, and you should be able to take advantage of it in quick bursts thanks to its pick-up-and-play nature. It's not a cheap one at £12.99, but it's an indie game you ought to give a chance.