You'll assuredly get your money's worth in fun out of its unusual premise and tight controls, but after you've run through the short list of events, there's not much to keep you coming back.

With entertaining gameplay, a multi-season franchise mode, an excellent homerun derby mode, and endless possibilities for card collection and customization, 9 Innings: Pro Baseball 2011 is the strongest entry in the baseball game genre to date.

The overall visual design looks really rough and low-cost, with the only relief coming from switching over to the classic style where possible. There’s a solid tribute to the original Boulder Dash here, with plenty to keep you busy for hours on end, but you’ll have to ignore a lot to enjoy it.

If you’re a fan of narrative fiction, and feel a bit nostalgic, you cannot go wrong with Paradox Factor.

Right now, I like Gloomhaven‘s digital console release a lot despite the few issues, but would not recommend it on Switch if you have access to another platform. It isn’t terrible on Switch, but the cutbacks to visuals, longer load times, and interface issues are exacerbated in the Switch release. Maybe some of this can be improved with patches, but right now it isn’t good enough to be the sole way you experience Gloomhaven. This is a fine additive release to an existing version of Gloomhaven you play so you have an option to also play it on the go until we get an iPad version.

Play it on your TV and you’ll enjoy this fish fry well enough, but those who primarily play in handheld will want to proceed with caution.

Right now, there's a solid package of soccer gameplay, just one that could use a lot more tweaking and finalization, even though it's in general release.

Even with all of its problems, there’s a certain pure affection and charm to how it’s put together. Similar its doughy protagonist, this game has a good heart that makes you want to like it. As long as you don’t mind dealing with some rough edges, you might find yourself really liking this game. That goes particularly so if you’re a big fan of the first two Paper Mario games. I think this developer has a good future ahead of it in this genre, even if this particular game has a few lumps in it.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake looks and sounds like a modern game, but it very much plays like something from the PlayStation 2 era. Fortunately, it plays like a good 3D platformer from that era. I think fans of the show or the classic SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom will be satisfied with this effort, while those hoping for something grander may be unimpressed. It’s good enough to be worth playing for fans of 3D platforming games, even if it may not thrill those who aren’t so into the genre.

This is a decent game, good enough to be worth a JRPG fan's time if not necessarily anyone else's.

Tower defense fans should be delighted by the zombie-slaughtering good times that lay ahead.

You probably won't want to set down roots in Twisty Hollow, but it's a heck of a good place to visit for an afternoon.

Gopogo is a great hardcore game bogged down by a questionable monetization scheme. I had a lot of fun learning its ins and outs, but after being bombarded with ads throughout I had to take a break.

Bottom line, if you want the fullest possible package of Turrican games, pick up Turrican Anthology Vol. I and Vol. II. There are still a few games missing, but it’s as good as you can get right now. If you want to play the games with the most features and extras, the Anthology volumes are again your friend. But if you want the best bang for your buck, I think I’m still going to recommend Turrican Flashback. You get most of the games that matter and it costs less than a single Anthology volume. It’s also the only way to get all three of the main games in one set. I’m glad digital buyers have a chance to buy a more complete set by picking these two volumes up, but they’re a hard sell in terms of value when compared to Flashback.

If you have access to an iPad, I’d definitely recommend subscribing to Apple Arcade for Football Manager 2023 Touch. It is excellent there and one of the best recent releases on the service. Having now tested Football Manager 2023 Touch across all available platforms, the Switch version is one I’d recommend if you want to play it on the go, but don’t have an iPad. I’m not a fan of the controls on the iPhone despite being glad that SEGA brought over this version to the smaller screen for the first time here.

It's a tiny, handheld version of a game that's already a bit scaled big from its originals. Still, it's one of the first truly different experiences of the Sims in a while and although it's a more directed experience, it offers enough new to keep casual players happy.

The heart of Corpse Granny is trial and error, and it works as long as you like to play in bite -sized bits and puzzle your way through how to solve each level. This game is chock-full of personality, and it also uses OpenFeint to track scores and such so you can compete with your friends.

One could certainly argue that there’s a far amount of monotony in other Assassin’s Creed titles as well, but at least those have large open worlds to provide some variety. That key is missing from Pirates and keeps it from being a better offering.

Bottom line, if you want the fullest possible package of Turrican games, pick up Turrican Anthology Vol. I and Vol. II. There are still a few games missing, but it’s as good as you can get right now. If you want to play the games with the most features and extras, the Anthology volumes are again your friend. But if you want the best bang for your buck, I think I’m still going to recommend Turrican Flashback. You get most of the games that matter and it costs less than a single Anthology volume. It’s also the only way to get all three of the main games in one set. I’m glad digital buyers have a chance to buy a more complete set by picking these two volumes up, but they’re a hard sell in terms of value when compared to Flashback.

Beyond Space is a fun shooter that will supply a couple of hours of shallow enjoyment. The linear story, lack of customization and multiplayer certainly don’t knock the current space shooter king of the throne. Still Beyond Space has the controls, and looks that make it worth considering if you are looking to blast lasers into enemies in space.

Once the camera and movement controls are improved, Wobbledogs Console Edition will be an easier recommendation. Right now, it does a lot right, but falters in some key areas. I’ve enjoyed booting it up as a break from other story-driven games, and hope to see it supported for the near future. Animal Uprising and Auroch Digital have done a good job with this conversion, but some touchscreen support would alleviate a lot of my issues with the camera and controls.

This game is well worth checking out if you like difficult games, retro games, or just unique games.

Taking everything into account, I have a hard time recommending this over the mobile version. The online requirement is less of a bother there since you probably have some kind of internet connection available most of the time, the price is lower, and the game actually runs smoother. If a Switch is all you have and you don’t mind needing to be anchored to a wifi spot to play it, Hot Lap League has a lot of enjoyment to offer. But for this price, I feel like you can find other good racers on the eShop that will actually allow you to race on the go.

In its current state, I feel like Custom Mech Wars should’ve been priced a bit lower or have the EDF DLC included in its asking price. The missions and enemies don’t get as crazy as that, but for a game focused on customization and mechs like the name suggests, it does the job well. I’ve enjoyed playing it quite a bit on PS5 and Steam Deck. With the latest update, the audio issues are also finally fixed on Steam Deck, and I recommend getting it if you are a fan of Earth Defense Force style gameplay, mechs, and customization.

Clockwork Aquario is a fun enough game, and it’s impressive that it was finally able to be brought together and released. I’m happy for that. But at the same time, I can see why the original publisher didn’t have a lot of confidence in it. It’s decent, but not much more than that. As a piece of history, however, it’s fascinating. If you are a fan of Westone, this era of arcade games, or just enjoy picking your way through the past, you might get some kicks out of Clockwork Aquario. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Pocket Army isn't a game I'd recommend to someone looking for a deep, interesting strategy title. But if you someone who's comfortable investing hours into a grind for a treadmill of upgrades and a game that, while shallow, gets more interesting the more time you put in, then you should probably get started.

Despite these shortcomings, and the fact that retro RPGs have been done to death, Dragon Fantasy offers a lighthearted and enjoyable take on the genre that practically everyone can enjoy.

While the game suffers from an extremely weak visual presentation, the gameplay scratches a similar itch as the recently popular clicker genre of games while still requiring a bit of meaningful interaction those games tend to lack.

If you're willing to overlook the fact that movement in the game can sometimes be genuinely frustrating, On The Wind is a pleasant way to wile away your time.

But looks aren't everything, and thankfully Kard Combat makes up for its weak points with a great personality.

It might sound like I’m down on Kraino Origins, but the reality is that I’m very mixed on it. It controls well and I like the level designs. The bosses don’t match up to the levels in quality, and it really doesn’t take long to see everything here. I also feel like it cribs a little too much from Shovel Knight, and the end result is that it lacks a strong sense of identity. The graphics are good, the music less so. Yes, I’m all over the place on this one, but I do think fans of the genre will have a pretty good time with it while it lasts.

Given the reasoning behind my sticking with the game, I can’t really give it more than a light recommendation. If you’re like me and sometimes like to dig into a game with lots of lists of things to fill out, you might have a decent time with Rainbow Skies. It doesn’t do anything particularly well, and it certainly does a few things badly, but there’s a hook here that worked on me and very well might work on you too.

If I have to say who this game is for, it’s probably best matched up with people who enjoy adventure thrillers and also like shoot-em-ups. Even for that somewhat narrow range of players, it’s more of a good game than a great one.

Double Dragon Advance and Super Double Dragon are both worth buying at the low asking price individually to play on Steam Deck, but I hope the few PC-specific issues can be addressed in updates. Right now they are both good on Steam Deck, but will have issues if you play on your PC or dock the Steam Deck on a high refresh rate display like I do.

While I don’t think either of the games included in The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection are particularly noteworthy, they’re solid enough platformers to get you through a lazy weekend afternoon. Ratalaika has put them in the developer’s usual wrapper, and that means the usual set of features that are welcome if overly familiar. If you’re looking for some silly platforming entertainment for a reasonable price, this isn’t a bad choice.

Although it won't be everybody's cup of tea, SpikeDislike is a simple and fun challenge that's worth checking out.

And it's a game that has great production values for what it is, as a 2D top-down shoot 'em up. It's just that the game has a lot of issues that keep it from being a solid recommendation.

The core idea is really good, and there's fun to be had with it. But the actual execution leaves something to be missed. The combat is entirely mismanaged. The design shows a lot of good ideas, but having to deal with enemies shooting at you the whole time that you're trying to solve the puzzles is absolutely suboptimal.

In its current state, Amanda the Adventurer on Switch is a good port, but I feel like the change to how you interact with preset options rather than inputting on a keyboard like in the PC version holds this back from its true potential. It is still a good game for fans of the genre with its way of presenting the story and involving the player, especially at its low asking price.

Double Dragon Advance and Super Double Dragon are both worth buying at the low asking price individually to play on Steam Deck, but I hope the few PC-specific issues can be addressed in updates. Right now they are both good on Steam Deck, but will have issues if you play on your PC or dock the Steam Deck on a high refresh rate display like I do.

If you want a solid, friendly-enough hack 'n slash, Spirit Lords isn't a bad choice, but not essential.

Even with the game's half-hearted conclusion, I think Soul Unleashed is worth some attention from RPG fans.

Downhill Riders probably isn't going to make headlines, but if you're looking for a stylish new runner, it's worth checking out.

When it comes down to it, Quiz Climber is an extremely straightforward game. If it weren't so totally addictive, I'd have a hard time recommending it.

It's a good thing that the game's core mechanics are so fun and relatively unique, too, because the rest of the package just isn't. That's probably okay, though, because the gameplay is really what matters most in neat little time-wasters like Super Bounce Back.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a really good run-and-gun action game, one worthy of the name it bears even if it feels somewhat crushed under it at times. I think it’s a Contra game that Contra fans will enjoy, and we don’t see those all that often anymore. The biggest problems here are specific to this version, with an inconsistent framerate that never gets as high as you would like and input lag that makes an already tough game harder in the worst possible way. If all you have is a Switch, there is still some enjoyment to be had here, but those with literally any other option should probably exercise it.

It's probably enough to temporarily satisfy the hunger of JRPG fans, though it's unlikely to do much for anyone else.

Besides the lack of Retina Display support, Bouncer Boot Out could really benefit from some sort of online high score tracking, such as Game Center. But even with these two shortcomings, it's still a really solid game.

Clickers are all about progression, and keeping the player interested for as long as possible. Nonstop Knight hits that point way too soon.

My current favorite futuristic racer in the App Store. The camera angle, the well done tracks, the visual effects, the excellent sense of speed - they all come together to deliver what really does feel like a "console" title on the iPhone.

The actual game of Ascension is a somewhat refreshing spin on fantasy-based card games in that instead of building a specific deck that you use in battles, you're building your deck on the fly from game to game.

This seems to be the perpetual theme of Wild Blood: every positive seems to be counter-balanced by an unnecessary negative. The controls, story, gameplay -- even the visual engine itself, all seem to work against the elements that Gameloft do succeed in implementing. It's a shame because Wild Blood has the potential to be a must-have iOS title. Unfortunately, as it stands now, it's a mixed bag.

With some improvements on the technical side, Warhammer 40,000: Bowgun would be a game I’d recommend to any first-person shooter fan. As it is, it’s still a lot of fun, but you’re going to have to deal with fits of jerky controls, audio stutters, and varying framerates. Those who have come to get used to gyro aiming might also be frustrated by its absence here. Nothing that can’t be tweaked with some patches, but here and now the Switch version is enjoyable but hard to recommend over playing Boltgun on another platform.

The premise of Crime O’Clock is a solid one, and the art is really fun to look at. On top of that, each scene has ten slightly different variants. It’s neat to see things play out, even the bits that aren’t relevant to the case. Still, I can’t help but feel that the game held my hand too much most of the time. I never felt like I was actually solving any of these cases but rather just watching my AI do it while I fetch it a cup of water now and then. If you like games built around hunting objects in busy scenes, you’ll probably enjoy this game. Those who are simply intrigued by the set-up should be aware that it doesn’t deliver on it the way you might hope.

While some might prefer the new aesthetics and a stand-alone version of an app does have merits in and of itself, it's hard to make a strong case for buying Super Gridland over simply playing the browser version on those qualities alone. I choose to look at this as an opportunity to pay Townsend for the fun I had with the browser version of Gridland, with Super Gridland serving as something of a bonus. You'll certainly get your value out of the money spent, even if it doesn't offer quite the same impact or replay value as some other games in the genre on iOS.

I find myself incredibly conflicted about OK Golf. There's a lot of cool things about it, but there's just some aspects to the game that other golf games have already gotten right, and there was no reason for OK Golf to go around messing with the golf formula. I'm interested to see what future content and updates bring to improve and diversify the golfing experience here, because there is a great game somewhere in here with some fixes. Until then, I have to say OK Golf is just...okay.

Wizard with a Gun has a lot of potential. It absolutely could reach the highs I expect from a quality Devolver Digital-published game, but right now it feels like it needs more time in the oven. I love the visuals, movement, and music, but it feels a bit too grindy and lacking in other ways. It perfectly suits the Steam Deck though, and I recommend getting it to play on Deck over even PS5 if you have the option right now.

For a free game the IAP is rather fair, and the ability to watch an ad to double a bonus (or subsequently, ignore a negative effect) is fairly inoffensive.

Manic Mechanics is aimed primarily at the multiplayer co-op experience, with support for up to four players via local or online play. As a solo affair, it’s probably not going to satisfy you. Taken as intended, as a multiplayer experience, it’s quite a lot of chaotic fun. I’d be hard-pressed to recommend it over Overcooked but if you need something similar to that game, and I mean really similar, this game checks off all the necessary boxes with sufficient level of quality to satisfy.

Overall, this is a really enjoyable shooter. It feels good to play, and that’s really what counts in the end. It could be a little harder, and I do hope the technical issues I had while playing it were either unfortunate coincidences or will be fixed in an update. But I certainly found the game worth my time while it lasted, and it scratches the Defender itch well enough that I suspect I will be returning to it now and then in the future.

It may not blow you away with high end visuals, and the core gameplay is pretty simple and won't appeal to everybody, but GeoSpin is a catchy and original game that is executed very well.

Another Lost Phone is worth playing because it does broach the kinds of topics we don't usually see in mobile games but we see and hear about every day. Some may disagree about the potential of mobile games as a tool for social awareness, but since these devices are usually implicated in all kinds of unpleasantness, I think it's appropriate that they also be used as a way to remedy the issues they can often create.

The nearly real-time combat is the kind of fast action you want to enjoy on an iPad, but may just be a little too cramped for iPhone play.

If you've only played a couple of their games, go for it by all means, but if you've played most of their lineup and find yourself getting a bit tired of the old hamster wheel, you're not going to be missing out by taking a pass on Ninja Village.

I’ll still recommend Oscura Second Shadow to anyone that loves the visuals from the screenshots or are looking for another platformer. However, it’s a far cry from being a mandatory experience.

A safe bet. While not the kind of game that will eat away hours of your time before you realize what's going on or the sort that would be branded as revolutionary, Little Acorns is the sort of title you'll find yourself constantly going back to, the kind of game that fits too easily into a spare five minutes. In short, pick it up if you have an appetite for well-executed and adorable 2D platformers.

The metagame aspects of Puzzle Family are a little lacking.

When I actually play the game, I find a remarkably enjoyable soccer sim. And the Ultimate Team parts, upon reflection, aren't that horrible.

A cautious recommendation will have to do. If you're looking for an old-school strategic romp through some very traditional dungeons, you're in the right place. But these aren't play sessions you can cram into five minute smoke breaks. Dungeon Crawlers is built to last - for better or worse, you'll get hours out of it. If you're a sit-back-and-be-patient sort, you'll be just fine.

After its first update, Fashion Dreamer still needs work. While the performance is my biggest problem with it, some design decisions need to be addressed like letting any body type wear any clothes or accessories. I’m going to revisit it through each update, but right now this feels more like what we got in Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer rather than a true Animal Crossing experience as an example. There’s a lot I like, but this needed more time.

You certainly have to appreciate a bit of old-fashioned sensibility to get the most out of Dungeoneers Quest, but if you're open to that sort of structure, you'll likely have a good time here.

Even though Blockolicious ends up light on the content, it's still a decent little Match-3 game with enough interesting gameplay elements to stand on its own. The visuals, music and overall presentation also do a good job complementing the core gameplay and making the game stand out.

I think if you love Final Fantasy Tactics, Arcadian Atlas will give you something to chew on. It will also likely irritate you in a variety of ways. It’s every bit the game it’s trying to be, a passionate expression of adoration for one of the genre greats. It’s just a shame that it is content to only be that, since the sparks that do light up properly here show such promise. Perhaps we might see some of those become proper flames in the next game from this team, but for now this is really just one for those heavily thirsting for any tactical turn-based intrigue they can get.

The game is basically a trippy combination of Asteroids and Space War! played on the screen of the iPhone or iPad and marks the first in a series of Llamasoft games that are part of the "Minotaur Project," an effort by the developer to release numerous titles featuring retro gameplay, progressing forward from the Atari VCS aesthetic to the VIC 20, Commodore 64, and beyond.

Tallowmere is full of neat little touches. It definitely isn't for everyone, but almost everyone seems to come to like it after a while.

In all fairness, if you don't like endless runners, you won't like Garfield's Wild Ride, but if you do, there is a whole heap of fun to be had without spending a single penny over the initial purchase price, though you may very well feel the urge to part with those hard earned bucks after playing this charming little game.

A little rougher around the edges maybe, but a ridiculous, ageless thing that can be enjoyed by anyone. And that's okay.

Sadly, the nasty input lag that permeates the three games in this set does its whammy here, too. This is an intensely challenging game that already had a bit more lag than it should have on the Saturn, and the extra helping thrown on top of this Saturn Tribute takes a must-have down to a solid maybe.

The controls are precise and work terrifically, even if the campaign isn't particularly amazing, the survival mode is well executed.

I really think Joinz is a flawed game, but I think the moments where it's in its groove are really, really good. That strategic tension of trying not to make the one fatal screwup is a hallmark of great games. It just makes a few missteps along the way to being great.

Well-made, clever and fun, Niko is definitely a platformer that's worth your attention. If you explore the first six levels for free, and if you find you're hooked, it's pretty cheap to score the rest. Then you can slingshot, jump and fly through the air to your heart's delight.

Overall, the game quality is so high and the gameplay so fun that it was well worth the download for me. Now, if only future updates could somehow make one of those fruity drinks with all the umbrellas appear next to me (preferably in a coconut bowl with a Krazy Straw), it would be pretty much near perfection.

Assuming you can handle the grind associated with its difficulty, by all means check out Fury of the Gods as its certainly worth playing.

Unfortunately, there's just too much variability in terms of match quality to unequivocally recommend N.O.V.A. 3 based on its multiplayer. The annoying glitches and matchmaking system don't help and the lag is an issue that needs to be addressed. It's a shame because the underlying advancement and build systems are solid with a large potential for customizability.

Ultimately, The Teal Mask isn’t going to change anyone’s mind about Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. If you were able to get past the technical flaws of the base games, you’ll probably enjoy yourself well enough here. The main story isn’t as good and there’s something lost with the more linear structure, but the photography is fun and the basic loop of Pokemon remains as entertaining as ever. We’ll have to see how the second part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero goes to make any final judgements, but for now this is really just for those who loved their time with Scarlet & Violet and want to keep the good times rolling.

There are undoubtedly some JRPG fans out there that embrace this style of play. Considering that Fantasy Chronicle gets a lot of the underlying gameplay and controls right, I'd actually recommend it to those types of gamers as a title worth checking out. However, if you're looking for something a bit less formulaic or a game with more emphasis on story quality, Fantasy Chronicle may not be the RPG you're looking for.

It does do an amazing job of exploiting its aesthetic, and it’s worth picking up purely because of that.

While I did enjoy a lot of Moonscars in the time I’ve put into it on Switch as of version 1.3.003 and the current PC build, it feels like an early access release that is close to hitting the finish line. There are a few things that need work like enemy HP, some areas looking too similar, and the unforgiving nature not pushing me to learn, but frustrating me in parts. In its current state, I’d recommend it assuming you’re ok with all of that and some performance issues on Nintendo Switch.

Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher sticks very close to the original Monster Rancher concept, perhaps too close. Adding in giant monsters and Ultraman appearances provides a bit of spice, but it would have been nice if there were more of an effect on the gameplay just to liven things up a bit for veterans. As is, it’s another Monster Rancher, albeit one with a little more charm than usual for fans of large rubber-suit creatures.

If you have fond memories of Terminal Velocity or other '90s flight simulators, you can relive your glory days on your mobile device with little to no issues.

I can't help but feel that if this was made by any other developer, we really wouldn't care that much.

Magnetized has the ability to excite and frustrate you in the same moment. With a slightly more polished design, it really could have been a must have puzzle title. But as it stands, hardcore puzzle fanatics will most likely get the most out of it.

There is a lot to like in Grimm, and if you can deal with tilt-only controls and some minor frustrations, it's worth taking a look at.

There’s a lot to like in Terra Memoria, especially in the game’s outstanding presentation. It’s clear its creators are fans of the RPG genre, and the foundation is here for something really great. Unfortunately, after a solid start the game doesn’t really build on things very well. Characters are paper-thin, the combat system quickly stagnates, and it all starts to feel like you’re just going through the motions. There’s enough gas in the tank here for me to recommend it to fans of the genre, though.

A competent continuation of the franchise featuring solid wit, devilish puzzles, and one of the most inventive adventure game characters: Scoggins. If you're a fan of Puzzle Agent, there's no need to skip this.

Muertitos offers an interesting gameplay spin on a very well-worn sub-genre, and when combined with its unique and well-realized theme, it does distinguish the game from the pack a bit.

The core gameplay is enjoyable and there's a lot of room for strategy while still leaving some of the outcome up to chance. However, it's obvious that Fluxx was meant to be played in-person, and a lot of the fun gets lost in the asynchronous multiplayer.

Its slow, turn-based gameplay is a much different take than most tank games I've played on iOS, and it's bound to turn some heads, but only for pretty hardcore puzzle or strategy fans.