There’s a growing sense that it’s difficult to keep devising novel games that work in this format. The Jackbox Party Pack 10 takes some safe retreads through familiar territory with fun, if somewhat uninspired entries like Tee K.O. 2 and Time Jinx. But in an attempt to provide something fresh, games like Hypnotorious and Fixy Text wind up being a bit of a mess. There’s still fun to be had with a group of friends, but this is a mixed bag of an entry in a series that’s looking increasingly in need of a shot in the arm.

Graphite Lab have crafted something really special on the foundation of a classic. A tight puzzle-platformer with an unique and expertly executed premise, qomp2 is a stroke of genius 50 years in the making.

On paper, it might not look like there's a lot to this game, but with the addition of two new worlds, time attack, co-op play and the ability to scale the difficulty should you get stuck - there's plenty on offer for everyone. Now, a new generation can experience Mario vs. Donkey Kong.

Aspyr has done an excellent job bringing Tomb Raider I-III up to modern standards without breaking what made these games unique and challenging at the time. That said, even with the modern controls and updated graphics, these are still tough and unforgiving games that won't suit everyone—an excellent relic of the past uncovered in the best way possible.

It's great that all of the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear Solid games can be repurchased, all in the same place. The Switch is a perfectly fine play to play them, but you'll be playing Sons of Liberty and Snake Eater at 30FPS, unlike the original releases and on the other consoles. The world of Metal Gear Solid isn't for everyone, with a lot of highfalutin prose to get through, but you can now at least give it a go and see if it hooks you in.

Hitman: Blood Money - Reprisal is exactly what I was hoping for. A classic stealth game that still holds up. Easy to pick-up and easier to replay. It's a stable experience and even brings something new to the table, but isn't in your face with it. But additions, tweaks and whatnot aside, it's just bloody great to have Hitman: Blood Money on the Switch.

If you have fond memories of Another Code, there is definitely value in re-experiencing the original and its sequel. Unfortunately, it feels like a missed opportunity to have made this classic, lesser-known series shine.

It's got some neat ideas, a cute art style, a decent sense of humour and some fun songs. But ultimately, I don't think they stuck the landing. If you want a unique rhythm game to play with some friends or you wanna play jam out with Konami bangers, look out for a sale, but otherwise, I'd probably give this one a miss.

Ubisoft has struggled with what to do with the Prince of Persia series; the Lost Crown is the revival the series needs. If you're a fan of the previous games or the Metroidvania genre, you should get The Lost Crown. Or even if you miss Rayman Origins/Legends, get this game! It is nice to see the series back, and I hope it's not the last we see of it.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a brilliantly niche title. Apart from Jet Set Radio 20 years ago, it seems no one has attempted to capture this kinda 90s/2000s skater-graffiti counter-culture in a video game since. And I'm glad that Team Reptile did, because Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is just what I was hoping for! Fully sick!

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 - Turbocharged, like its predecessor is an enjoyable arcade-style racer. Developer Milestone continues to show they get how to incorporate Hot Wheels in new ways. If you spent a lot of time with the original Unleashed, then it hits hard to find the game takes some steps back, but if you want some new environments and tracks, then it might not matter.

Sonic Superstars isn’t a bad Sonic game; it captures what the fondly remembered games got right in several ways. On the other hand, it seems to have forgotten some of the other things classic Sonic did better. Between the level design and the boss battles, Sonic feels robbed of speed and is weighed down by some genuinely frustrating battles.

Backpack Hero is an excellent roguelike. With its unique inventory mechanics, cute cast of characters and seemingly endless gameplay possibilities, this is one game you oughta stuff into your backpack!

The Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection, much like Jurassic Park itself, is bringing history into the modern age. Not all of these games are outright relics; the Game Boy versions may benefit from being smaller games. While in Jurassic Park, it meant accidentally unleashing killer Dinosaurs, in the case of this collection, it is unleashing some frustrating retro games onto an unsuspecting public.

Bluey The Videogame is an excellent adaptation of the TV show, but I wish there were more episodes in it - it can be breezed through in a couple of hours, at least by an adult. While it lasts, it's another fun Bluey adventure that kids will come back to, and parents can still enjoy with them. Just wish there was more of it.

Super Mario RPG is a delightfully faithful remake — for better and for worse. It’s almost exactly the game it was 25 years ago, with some key improvements, adjustments, and feature additions to make it much more enjoyable for modern audiences. It’s not without its many frustrations – most of which stem from its SNES predecessor – but there’s no denying that what’s here is a wonderful experience from start to finish.

If you want a little more time with Joker and the crew, then Tactica should be a welcome addition to your games collection.

There is new content here, and the UI has been updated, but I'm still unsure why this Deluxe version of the game exists. If you have the non-Deluxe version of the game, you're not missing anything. The developers had five years to make the game run better, or at least passable. You're better off playing this on anything other than the Switch; at least it would work despite its shortcomings.

My Time at Sandrock is good fun. If you enjoyed My Time at Portia or similar games, then you’re very likely going to enjoy this one too — if you can look past the performance issues. Though its console release is a little behind the PC version, and there are some problems to smooth out, I still recommend it for fans of the genre. I really enjoyed the challenges of being a builder in a little town full of interesting characters, mishaps, sandstorms and mysteries.

WarioWare: Move It! brings another cavalcade of outlandish ideas to the table in a collection of mostly enjoyable microgames. The variety of poses and actions, the insanity of the visuals, the many ways to play, and the classic WarioWare charm make for another solid entry in the series. Some occasionally unresponsive motion controls and unclear directives, as well as the tedious Form Stone introductions, do bring some frustrations to the package, but there’s something about the ludicrousness of doing things like lassoing a wild animal while standing like a fashion model that just brings a smile to your face.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder will surprise you at every turn and is one of the best 2D Mario games alongside Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros. 3. It's the visual refresh, the exciting new ideas and the polish we've needed for a while. If only there were an adjective to describe it in one word.

Samba de Amigo: Party Central is a decent party game for people who are up for getting their arms moving and shaking to the beat. The different modes offer something for solo and more players. However, it's a shame the Apple Arcade game is the only version that saw a story mode. Samba de Amigo is a fun series. I hope Sega doesn't keep us waiting so long for more to keep the party going.

Company of Heroes is another one of those Switch ports you probably didn't expect, nobody asked for, but in the end, you're happy it's here. We've got this real-time masterpiece on the Switch. It won't be for everyone, and learning the controls can take a bit, but it looks great and is still fun to play, even without a keyboard and mouse.

Detective Pikachu Returns is a lovely, charming sequel to the 3DS game, unfortunately let down by inexplicable graphical shortcomings. Where the first game was one of the best-looking games on its platform, Returns ends up looking rushed and unfinished for a significant amount of the game’s 15-hour runtime. If you can overlook a total lack of lighting, the core game in Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming experience that gives the best sense of how Pokémon exist alongside humans in Pokémon’s history. It’s not difficult or challenging, but it is fun, and sometimes that’s close enough.

It feels like Konami don’t know what to do with Bomberman anymore. At its core, it is still a super fun multiplayer title, and with online, you can enjoy it without needing seven other friends huddled around the TV. But that’s nothing new; Bomberman has been online for years, and Super Bomberman R 2 has wrapped it up with more “stuff” to justify it no longer being a free-to-play title. Battle 64 is a lot of fun, but new modes like Castle didn’t do it for me. The story is cute, but I want something else from Bomberman. If you love Bomberman, you’ll have a blast (sorry), but it might be too much for everyone else.

Fae Farm breaks the mould by introducing a variety of elements that work in the context of a farming RPG, while at the same time introduces many fantasy elements that just make this different enough to stand out from the crowd. There are some technical hiccups that can be ironed out in future patches, but even if you’re sick of farming on your Switch, I do recommend checking this one out.

If you love musicals, you’ll still absolutely adore what has been created here, and I’ll certainly be going back for at least one more playthrough to pursue some different paths. But from the premise, I wanted to absolutely adore this game, and in the end, I just really liked it.

Moving Out 2 is a great sequel that nails what the original did well and expands on the concept with fresh ideas. When all the best bits of it coalesce it’s a frantically fun multiplayer experience. Sadly, occasional frustrations rear their head just frequently enough to tarnish the package just a little. Much in the way that the real-life process of moving house can be extremely rewarding in the end, you might have to deal with some aspects being a bit of a chore along the way.

It is great to see Red Dead Redemption back and available on more platforms, most importantly the Switch. Whether on TV or handheld, the game runs well and still looks good. It's a shame you can't jump into an online free-roam with friends, but the main game and its expansion will keep you busy for many hours. As I said at the beginning, Red Dead fans should buy this game and have a Red Dead Revisit. I also think newcomers will find plenty to enjoy, even if to play one of the best open-world games of the 2010s.

Lego 2K Drive is fine for a semi-open-world racing game. It's a game with a fair few faults, so it all really comes down to how much you want a racer like this on your Switch. The other version will look and run better, but if you want a Lego-themed racer on the Switch, this will do.

Disney Illusion Island is a delightful adventure that had me grinning from start to finish. It’s a colourful romp brimming with personality and charm that will warm the heart of anyone who had even somewhat of an affinity for the House of Mouse as a child. With fun platforming, gorgeous animation and a fantastic soundtrack, it is easy to recommend at its budget price despite its relatively brief length.

It feels like Pikmin 4 revitalises the Pikmin series. Bringing Oatchi along for this new adventure improves navigating the oversized world and its many dangers. Nintendo has managed to make the series more approachable than ever whilst not holding back on swiftly wiping out your entire party if you get caught up in a surprise attack. Not only is there plenty to do, but it's all enjoyable enough you want to 100% every area. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a fair wait until the next Pikmin game, but it'll be hard to top Pikmin 4.

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code doesn’t shy away from being deeply strange. It’s a delightful mystery game in the vein of Ace Attorney with every dial turned up to 11. Its art direction, music, world design, and gameplay are all solid, even if there’s far too much of everything, and despite some suspect writing with certain characters, it’s hard to look at it too harshly. My only wish is that, if there’s to be a sequel someday, somebody brings in an editor and trims down some of the fat.

The Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection was an interesting title to review. As a newcomer to the series, it was a daunting series to get into without having played this style of dungeon crawler in over a decade. The benefits of including easier modes for people who just want to explore what the dungeons have on offer should not be discounted, but with a notebook, some grid paper, plenty of patience, and a willingness to experiment and try different strategies in battle makes for a compelling trilogy. However, if you do not the patient type of player, or if excessive exploration and dungeon crawling for minimal plot do not sound all that appealing, it may not be the title for you.

Tears of the Kingdom is Nintendo's most grandiose game ever. It's now the best Zelda game ever crafted, and again one of the best games of all time. The two titles will go down in history as one of the best back-to-back releases in any media of all time.

Shadows Over Loathing is brilliant. The adventure RPG stuff works well, the comedy is right up my alley and there's so much to see and do. I honestly kept thinking it was so good that it had have a short runtime but nope, the chapters just keep rolling in. Ocean City is the place to be!

Despite it being all these years later, Advance Wars fills the same spot in my life as it did when I was a kid. A game I can play on and off whenever I have a chance - the reasons for it have just changed with a small child now. With a refreshed looked and sound and just a sprinkling of quality-of-life updates on top of two amazing games, Advance Wars: Re-Boot Camp continues the trend of remade games from Nintendo's past that are solid but just need that little freshen-up for the modern player. Re-Boot Camp is suited for newcomers to the series and veterans alike. Come join the Advance Wars fan club; there are dozens of us.

Metroid Prime Remastered gives a classic game a new lease on life whilst simultaneously building anticipation for the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4. For now, we all need to keep our fingers crossed that Nintendo is giving Prime 2 and 3, and more GameCube games, this level of remaster treatment. If you've only gotten into Metroid in more recent years or played Prime back in the day, this game is worth checking out.

Dredge is a dark, engaging Switch experience that, unlike some of the three-eyed creatures you may pull up from the depths, feels perfectly sized. It balances serenity with risk, exploration with accumulation. A dreadfully good experience that cements Black Salt Games as a developer to watch in future.

Since they fell out of vogue, I'm always excited to see a new 3D-platformer, no matter the shape or form. Clive 'N' Wrench isn't my favourite of the genre, far from it. But props to Dinosaur Bytes Studio for throwing their hat in the ring. I'm keen to see what they get up to in hopefully less than ten years.

Bayonetta Origins initially feels like a twisted fairytale (faerie tale?) from Cerezas childhood. By the end, it also feels like a companion piece to Bayonetta 3. Origins changes up the familiar Bayonetta hack-and-slash with an action adventure in a similar vein to the Legend of Zelda series whilst still keeping the spirit of its predecessors. While I have my issues with the game, Cereza and Cheshire’s adventure is endearing and it is fun to see how they grow closer in a world where Witches don’t make friends with Demons.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is great! If you like the sponge-meister and pals there's no way you won't have fun with this gut-busting romp. Old-heads and sponge-newbies alike - get shaking.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a wonderful Kirby game that will feel both fresh and familiar to veterans and newcomers alike. While it isn’t particularly well-suited to multiplayer gameplay, everything else is as polished as can be, and the new epilogue is some of the most refreshing Kirby gameplay in years.

Rooftop Renegade is a wild ride for speed runners and fast-paced platformer fans. The fastest times and higher rankings are hard won and feel rewarding when you beat the CPU hellbent on slowing you down. It might look even better on other platforms, but it runs pretty smoothly on the Switch, and the futuristic backdrops look good without distracting from all the action. It may not be for everyone. If you aren't into getting the best time or speed running in general, your mileage here is limited. But there is plenty to enjoy, and the unpredictable challenge is worth checking out.

Onion Assault is short but sweet, with a couple of onion-induced tears. All in all, it's a decently solid platformer that attempts to recreate an often overlooked part of the moustachioed man's history and for that you have to give it props!

Persona 4 Golden has always been one of the most solid games in the Persona series, and the Switch port is no exception. It’s a lovely story bolstered by a fantastic combat system, and it’s worth playing for newcomers and veterans alike.

Persona 3 Portable is probably the best game in the Persona series, even if it feels a little dated at times. A fantastic story told with restraint and great care, tackling some heavy themes and doing an incredible job. It’s compromised, sure, but it’s wonderful nonetheless.

Fire Emblem Engage is an adventure I wanted to keep going, with characters you want to get to know even while the land is becoming mired in war. It feels like a celebration of the series’ past combined with a whole new story. I recommend Fire Emblem to fans and anyone who likes a good strategy RPG.

There’s enough here for me to offer a cautious recommendation for those willing to forgive its flaws, perhaps with the caveat that it may be worth waiting for one more patch to iron out the last of the kinks.

Pac-Man Museum + has plenty for Pac-fans wanting a more varied collection of the pellet-munching mascot. It's not unexpected that Ms Pac-Man is omitted. It's a shame that the Championship Edition is included without the DX upgrade. The majority of the games in the museum are enjoyable enough to return to.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is a dark and depressing game. I don't know if I found it particularly distressing because Abe's childlike deamanour and big, sad, wet eyes, or his boatload of hardships, or because I killed too many Mudokons. Or maybe it's just 'cos it bummed me out as a kid. All I know is that despite everything I kept playing and it was still a heck of a lot of fun and that's a sign of a good game in my book.

There’s no doubt that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the best in the series. The open world is fantastic, the story is incredible, and the game looks amazing, even if the performance is very rocky. There are problems, and quality of life issues, but for every negative there’s a dozen more positives that blew me away every step of the way. It will be divisive, but for me, it’s almost everything I want from a Pokémon game.

There’s no doubt that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the best in the series. The open world is fantastic, the story is incredible, and the game looks amazing, even if the performance is very rocky. There are problems, and quality of life issues, but for every negative there’s a dozen more positives that blew me away every step of the way. It will be divisive, but for me, it’s almost everything I want from a Pokémon game.

A tactics behemoth, only those with spreadsheet minds will emerge victorious. Tactics Ogre: Reborn shows that a good old game can be edited and added to with grace and remain impressive in its field.

Sonic Frontiers is such a difficult game to judge, and that challenge is only compounded when you add in the limitations of the Switch hardware. It’s a game that does so many things right and is an exciting new direction for the blue blur, but I’ve never had so many dramatic swings of my enjoyment of a game throughout its playtime. There are some ecstatic highs to be had throughout the game, but frequent minor niggles and the occasional idea that doesn’t land hold it back from greatness. Combine that with the serious drawbacks of the weaker Switch hardware which undeniably hamper the experience and you have a game that, whilst having a ton of fun to offer, will require you to overlook a heap of mitigating quibbles to get there.

Minor quibbles aside, you’ll have a great time with Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival if you’re a fan of music games and have a penchant for percussion or rhythm in general. With a vast and exotic music library and multiple ways to play, it’s easy to get swept up with the beat. Playing with a drum controller elevates the experience to another level if you can swing it, but there’s still plenty to be enjoyed here without it.

Bayonetta 3 brings plenty of the series charm and excitement back after all these years. It meanders a little more than the previous game but still keeps the pace with the wild bombastic (and silly) sequences to keep you on your toes. It may have been a long time between games, but there's enough to keep fans busy for some time.

No Man’s Sky Switch may stumble occasionally, and the price point carries a sting, but portable feels like the perfect fit for this procedural universe of wonder.

RAILGRADE is a wonderful mix of railway management and puzzle-solving, with genuinely satisfying railway gameplay, mind-scratching puzzles to solve, and a bangin’ soundtrack. It does get frustrating at times, and it’s near-unplayable on the Switch Lite, but there's still absolutely plenty to like.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is Kingdom Battle but all grown up. The battle system has evolved to something more dynamic, and the game's overworld, characters, and presentation have been taken to the next level. You don't have to be a big strategy nerd to enjoy Sparks of Hope, as there are difficulty and accessibility options to let you enjoy just the funny story. Sparks of Hope has a lot of heart, is funny and fun to play, but that shouldn't be a surprise anymore.

Persona 5 Royal is, as Persona 5 always has been, an incredibly solid experience on Switch. Royal is the very best version of the game, with tweaks and additions that make it a big step up from the original. It’s still far too long, and the added content certainly doesn’t ease that pain, but if you can push through it, you’ll find a game that stands at the top of its genre.

Overall Let’s Build a Zoo is a great refresh of the park building genre. It allows you the freedom to make whatever type of zoo you want, in a way that feels fun yet not overwhelming. The designs are adorable, the music is catchy and sweet, the gameplay is beautifully smooth, and it’s challenging enough — but still relaxing and highly addictive.

Penko Park is short but sweet. While it's not a long game - beatable in about three hours, double that for 100% completion - it's a game brimming with character and atmosphere. If you want to check out a cute, indie take on the Pokémon Snap formula you can not go wrong with a visit to Penko Park!

As Beacon Pines releases, it is amongst other adventure games Wayward Strand and Return to Monkey Island. Adventure game fans have been spoiled for games, and with Beacon Pines, we have another enjoyable story to play through. As every story branch unlocked, I looked forward to where it led next. If you want a narrative adventure game with an exciting mechanic, then you should make the trip to Beacon Pines.

Wayward Strand is a special game, made with love, respect, care and empathy, and it shows throughout the game. It's easy to get caught up in this version of 1978; the time of the airship hospital and those few days getting to know the people who live there. As I write this review, all I can think about are the different moments I just happened to chance upon as the day unfolded and what more there is to learn next time.

Little Orpheus is a neat, little game with a fun story, quirky characters and a whole lot of atmosphere. A handful of patchable offences aside, if you're keen to find out what ever happened to Ivan and Little Orpeheus on a Soviet subterranean mission gone wrong, then def jump in!

Splatoon 3, while more of an evolution than a revolution, is the best the series has ever been. Between an utterly fantastic story mode, some great new weapon additions, and tweaks to the tried and trusted formula you've come to know and love, Splatoon 3 is everything you'd hope it would be and more. Some will say that it's "just more Splatoon", and that's true, but that's far from a bad thing in a series that has been, and continues to be, so consistently strong.

Kirby’s Dream Buffet has a smorgasbord of things to unlock that long-time Kirby fans will appreciate. However the gameplay is fairly shallow, and it won’t take long for you to feel like you’re enjoying thing over and over again. The omission of a four player offering for local multiplayer on one system stops it from becoming a true party staple. The core game here is super fun, but just a few ingredients missing that stop it from becoming a true five star dish.

Cult of the Lamb works because it weaves two halves into a complimentary collection. This creates a comforting and meaningful flow between all-out action and cerebral stock management.

We Are OFK is a wonderfully queer and wonderfully representative experience, even if it’s not exactly what most people would consider “a game”. Like anything of this nature, so much of what you get out of it comes from what you put into it. It’s an experience shaped by who you are, and the life you’ve lived. It won’t be for everybody, but it certainly was for me. There’s a lot of things that could be changed or improved, but even if I had the chance to do so, I don’t think I’d change a single thing about it.

Altogether, Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is an awesome little package. Monkey Craft were expertly able to resurrect Klonoa after an extended hiatus with flying colours - a lot of colours in fact. This game is sure to be a hit with long-time fans of the series and young kiddies looking for a bright platformer full of charm. Go Klonoa!

Capcom set a high bar with this DLC, not only with a wildly successful game but their promotional game pulled no punches either, but did they Rise to the challenge? Yes, I think they did. Sunbreak is full of quality of life changes, customisation options, updated, variant, and new monsters. Get your friends together because you’re not going to want to be Palamute about this expansion. Even with its issues, overall Sunbreak is a great addition, one that definitely enhances the experience of Rise.

There’s no such thing as a perfect video game, but for me, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 comes as close to perfect as you can get. It’s a thoughtful, charming, sombre experience, punctuated by expertly-crafted moments of joy and wonder that come together to leave a lasting impression that sticks with you long after you put down the controller. I don’t know what the future holds for the Xenoblade series, but I do know that, with Xenoblade Chronicles 3, it’s leaving a wonderful legacy in gaming.

It's great that a wider audience now has the opportunity to play Live A Live, with the added bonus of getting the HD-2D upgrade in the process. Its novel anthology presentation won't be for everyone, thankfully, an added map/radar reduces some old-school frustrations. SquareEnix made the right move breathing new life into Live A Live.

Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles delivers satisfying fights wrapped in a stunning presentation that is sure to delight fans of the series. Whilst the story mode’s connective tissue tying the fights together can be a bit flimsy, it’s a serviceable way of retelling narrative. The arena-style fights will feel very familiar to those experienced in the genre and can be found wanting when it comes to the depth of its mechanics, but anyone with a passing interest in Demon Slayer is going to love every second of this and may even convert a few new fans along the way.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes may just be the best Warriors game to date. It’s an utterly flawless fusion of fast-paced hack-and-slash gameplay with methodical, considered strategising, with a returning cast that is as vibrant as its ever been. With a cast as big as it is, it’s not surprising that a lot of characters come off feeling similar in combat, but that’s easy to look past with how fantastic every other aspect of it is.

Card Shark might not always play a winning hand, but it is an enjoyable game of cards. A story that pulls you in, an art style that is a delight, all the whilst making card games fun. You don’t even have to be into card games to get the most out of it, I’m definitely no wiser about playing poker. Card Shark is worth placing a bet on.

Mario Strikers Battle League Football takes a bit from the first game, a little more from the second and polishes it out into its own fresh thing. We talk about content in games, and on paper, there are fewer characters and stadiums here in Battle League; but there's more to do over a period of time, especially with the Strikers Club which will build communities. Mario Strikers Battle League Football is the best in the series so far.

The satisfaction of clearing a tricky section by finding the solution following the initial feeling of helplessness is an essential part of any puzzle game, and Vesper delivers it in spades, even if there is some frustration along the way. If you're a vast landscape to explore, you won't find it here, but this is a journey through an intriguing and often stunning world that slowly settles into a groove to offer a satisfying puzzle platforming experience. It's not without its flaws, but it does enough right to at least earn a look.

Kao the Kangaroo's first outing in years is fun but not without fault. As nice as it is to see an old platforming IP with a new release on the Switch, the game shouldn't be at the top of your list. But if you're a fan of the genre, take Kao the Kangaroo with a grain of salt, and you may have some fun.

Citizen Sleeper is rich with ideas and atmosphere, and loves to tease you into its world. Don't be put off by the text-heavy gameplay if you enjoy a dystopian sci-fi setting with solid worldbuilding and some tight role-play mechanics.

Dungeons of Dreadrock is a fantastic puzzle game that's unlike anything else I've ever played. It's a truly unique experience, twisting genres and building on its own mechanics to create an experience that is both incredibly satisfying and near-impossible to put down. It's one of the best puzzle games on the Switch, and easily in the top ten on PC and mobile too.

It's a tad dumb but it's old-school dumb fun. Jump in with a friend or three and relive the glory days of zombie shooters in a simpler time when battles weren't 'royale' and zombies were hotter than Jessica Alba.

When the game releases on Friday, you’ll get the patch and be off and whacking balls with your mates online. But some people won’t, whether they can’t get online or can’t afford it, paywall-ing some of the stuff that could elevate this above Wii Sports and bring back that craze for a new generation. Wii Sports was free, Wii Sports Resort wasn’t, but it had a lot more going on than what we’ve played thus far. I hope I can delete most of this review and finish it off strong when the patch releases. [Review in Progress]

Force Unleashed had a lot of love when it was first made. For its time, the game provided a new Star Wars adventure with a fun and novel way to play it. Now more than a decade later, games are made differently, and The Force Unleashed features a lot of gameplay mechanics we don't see anymore. Stiff and repetitive waggle controls are now at least optional, but quick-time events and a wooden presentation make this a great example of what games were a long time ago, in a galaxy not too far away.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the biggest shake-up of the Lego game formula while also cramming nine movies into one game, like stuffing Luke into a Tauntaun. It won't be the way you remember the old levels for long-term fans, but they give you the universe to traverse in between adventures to keep you busy for hours.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the best Kirby game I’ve ever played. It’s probably the best Kirby game you’ve played to date, too. More evolution than revolution, it's nonetheless a big step forwards, not only in its newly added third dimension of gameplay, but also in its quality of life additions, its clever approach to powerups, and its delicious gameplay loop. Sure, there are issues with it, if I sit down and try to think hard, but the moment I get into the game they all fall by the wayside and I’m sucked into a wonderful, incredible, enjoyable experience that’s quite unlike anything else in the series.

Triangle Strategy is an excellent strategy game with a heavy focus on a very good, very malleable story. Characters are well-written and very likeable, the story goes to some absolutely fascinating places, and the game’s strategy combat is best-in-class amongst its peers. Unfortunately, inconsistent visuals and a gameplay/story balance skewed far too heavily on the story side hold it back at times — but looking past that is easy when the rest of it is so good.

Chocobo GP is a playable Kart racer. I wish I could say it was an enjoyable one. The attacks/obstacles are too punishing; there aren't enough tracks that scream to be played over and over, awkward controls and some yet-unpriced IAP and 'Prize Passes'. The Story Mode offers some funny moments with plenty of FF winks and nods in the goofiest ways, but completing it is a frustrating experience. Try out Chocobo GP Lite before putting any cash down on this game.

Overcooked: All You Can Eat is an easy sell to co-op players who revel in chaos. If you’ve already forked out for the two games and their DLC, this is likely salt on the wound. It’s hard to recommend getting this game if you’re going to go it alone. It’s doable, but this is a game that really excels with others to join. It’s been out for a while now, but with the birthday update it’s the icing on the cake.

As the first release by Sbug Games, Webbed is a brilliant romp that’ll make you proud of the Australian video game scene. The sets and characters have a lot of charm and swinging around the bush and launching Buddy the spider feels great. Webbed should definitely be on the radar of Aussies and non-Aussies alike!

Disco Elysium is strange, ground-breaking, and incredibly funny. No combat, not really an RPG, but something boldly new. A cacophony of internal personalities resting on the membrane of consciousness.

If you're waiting for the Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga to finally come out to satisfy your Lego game fix, Lego Marvel Superheroes will help tide you over. It is unfortunate it's taken so long to come out on the Switch. It's one of the more enjoyable Lego games over the last eight years.

I’ve dragged myself through Pokémon games in recent years, but not with this one. Pokémon Arceus Legends is the future of Pokémon games. It’s the game we’ve all been waiting for for years, with a new and fun way to catch Pokemon, a story that adds to and pulls from Pokemon lore and a region you can genuinely get lost in. Pokemon Legend Arceus is Pokémon, evolved.

Like the oxygen line connected to your space explorer, you must remain close to Astroneer to gain anything from it. A directionless experience that rewards investment with growing base complexity, combined with the constant possibility of discovery, makes this a perfect game for the right type of player.

Death's Door tightly packs a challenging action-adventure into some of the more enjoyable ten hours of 2021. It's a game deserving of the hype and spots on game of the year lists. Unfortunately, there aren't any difficulty options to help make the game more accessible. While it is a challenging game, it's a challenge that you feel you can overcome as you unravel what is going on in the department.

Aspire: Ina’s Tale still leaves an outstanding impression. Traversing the big ol’ tower and solving puzzles with Ina was satisfying despite a few tricky hiccups. The brilliant art style is the absolute star of the show, however. Aspire: Ina’s Tale is a game with striking visuals that’ll keep you agasp through its entirety.

On paper, this Trilogy remasters sounds like a done deal. All the points are there to let a new generation of players enjoy these games - warts and all. However, what we really have is an insult to the legacy of these games, to fans of the series and the word Remastered. These ports should be avoided unless you're a diehard fan. Because these games always had a level of jank that you could put up with, and those fun games are still here if you fight through the pain. But for anyone else, trust that GTA 3, Vice City and San Andreas were terrific games and play their legacy in everything else they inspired instead. I don't think there are any amount of patches that can help the Switch version of this Trilogy.