Vooks' Scores

  • Games
For 780 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 49% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 45% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.1 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 Pokemon Moon
Lowest review score: 20 PixARK
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 38 out of 780
787 game reviews
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sam and Max Save the World closes out this absurd year in a scarily appropriate way. It’s writing remains as whip-smart and irreverent as it always was, as do the bulk of its politics and tone. Skunkape Games has drawn on its personal legacy with the game to lovingly remaster its presentation and provided a Switch port that feels snappy and clean as well as stylish.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a game for people who grew up watching the series every morning on Cheez TV. If you know nothing about the series, it's still a decent starting point, but it leans heavily on nostalgia to make its story work. It's one of the best action-RPG games on the console right now, and doesn't suffer all that much from the Switch's mobile hardware. On the go or at home on the couch, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is the best way to relive the Dragon Ball series to date.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SnowRunner will appeal to fans of truck simulators and running cargo. It is a series that has found a niche as an all-terrain simulator and serves it well. Hauling cargo through the snow-covered wilderness requires patience and will cause frustration, but it's all part of the experience and makes a successful run all the sweeter. Unfortunately, some issues are keeping it from being great. Still, SnowRunner is a solid experience on the Switch, especially when the last year has kept many of us from being outside, tearing up the landscape in massive vehicles.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Mario Kart Live is as fun as any other Mario Kart game, while you'll have to spend the time and creative energy to lay down your course you'll soon forget about it and just start playing Mario Kart. The difference is there's a little RC Mario or Luigi roaming around the floor bringing the game to life even for those not playing it. Mario Kart Live is a super polished experience, and possibly the first time I've ever enjoyed anything AR. Instead of just having AR for AR sake, it's taken something already fun and merged it with real life.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What I most loved about Sparklite was how friendly it feels. While that’s partly due to the lighthearted adventure atmosphere, I think it’s the straightforwardness of the mechanics that really grab me. You’re not asked to navigate any complex systems or optimise your reaction times, you’re just getting in there and having some fun, without having to feel patronised or like things have been dumbed down. There’s definitely room in roguelikes for some chilled out fun, and while Sparklite isn’t perfect, that’s exactly what I had.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario Tennis Aces has brought Mario sports titles back up to where they belong. The single player isn't the second coming of the RPG modes from the Game Boy titles like we had hoped but that's not the full story here. Aces has a complex and fun Tennis system with mechanics more like a fighting game than a sport one. There's tons of content here and more than enough to keep you going for months. Smashing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you love Lego games or have younger people around that do, then this game is one of the more fun ones in a while. The overall Lego formula stays the same, for better or worse. But if you’re a DC fan they’ve once again gone all out on their characters, references and voice actors. Lego DC Villains brings together some of the well-known characters and the lesser-known, and chucks them into a decent story to make for a fun time.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Don’t let the bright design fool you, Bomber Crew is a full-on challenge, with minutiae galore, from the types of guns and engines you equip to the very gloves and boots that your crew wear (gotta have thermal protection for high altitude bombing). If you enjoy this genre of inevitable-failure games, then, by all means, strap in but I found the whole thing incredibly stressful, fiddly and just not much fun.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you love animals and especially cats then I recommend Cattails. If you enjoy games like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley but want a more relaxed pace then you should also get Cattails. It’s not going to be for everyone, but this is one endearing and adorable game about being a Cat making a life for itself in the great outdoors.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Yooka-Laylee has a ton of heart put into it. The team at Playtonic know how to make 90’s platformers and they’ve done it here. The problem is that not everything in those games was great then and they’re not great now. The game’s world is filled with a wonderful and funny cast, it’s just spread a bit thin in huge but empty worlds. The nostalgic soundtrack luckily fills those vast spaces. Yooka-Laylee is a terrific throwback to an era long dead. Let’s just have more of the good parts and keep the bad parts in the past.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Expect nothing inventive or complex with its puzzle design, but if the idea of a cute family in a uniquely gross and dark world sounds appealing you might just enjoy your time with this brief little adventure.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For all the frustrating moments, there is still an alright stealth game underneath. if you found sneaking around in the Metal Gear Solid games enjoyable there is some fun to be had here. Serial Cleaner has style and it helps carry the first half of the game, but the only real reason to keep playing after this is to unlock the bonus contracts at the end.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Punch Patrol is a simple game. Its visuals are simple, its gameplay is simple, its music is interesting but largely unassuming. But despite its simplicity, it manages to be something a little bit magical. Sure it's quite challenging, and sure it may kick your butt more than a few times — but it's a game where everything just feels right. It might not be for you, and it might not even be for me, but it'll always be fun as heck.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Islanders: Console Edition is not a game for those seeking an epic story, intense action, or even a puzzle game where a high score is all that matters. No, what it does is offer a nice and simple game, where if you only have a few minutes to play, or an hour, you can just enjoy the game for what it is. While the controls are not the most user friendly at times, they don’t stop you from enjoying the experience in the moment and given that there is no punishment for failing, there really isn’t any reason not to give it a go.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of my favourite things worth mentioning about this game is the soundtrack. It’s entirely piano pieces, with varying tempos for various situations, like exploring the overworld, or fighting in a battle. If you have Spotify, the soundtrack is on there, I highly recommend giving it a listen!
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Australia still doesn’t have Hotline Miami on the Switch, Bloodroots helps to fill that fast-paced violent wound. When you work out how to chain your attacks around the many arenas it feels great, although it can be too unforgiving. Bloodroots revels in ‘everything is your weapon’ slapstick, managing to keep it interesting across the three acts. Paper Cult has delivered a stylish bloody revenge tale that will grab your attention and stab you with it.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite some hefty potential, Shovel Knight: Showdown doesn’t quite make it. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, and there’s some great ideas, but anyone who hasn’t played a Shovel Knight game is going to find themselves quickly alienated in a party situation. So, if you and your friends are up to date with your royally appointed warriors, you… probably already own this game, since it’s free with Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. If you’re not, consider yourself warned, although to be honest this is good enough to likely still have some fun. Shame there’s no online, though.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    I wish I could be a bigger fan of No More Heroes 3. There's a lot to like about it, from its enjoyable combat to its solid character design, and even the story setup is absolutely fascinating. Unfortunately for every given thing I liked, there was just as much that I disliked, and its visual fidelity holds it back for far too much of its runtime. If you’re like me, jumping into the third game in a series you’ve never touched before, there’s probably more than enough to turn you away. However, mega-fans of the series will likely find a lot to love.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pocket Rumble is a fun fighting game that has easy to learn controls, but can be hard to master for someone not familiar with fighting games. The visuals are top notch with a fun roster and as a whole, feels like it's straight from a retro console, yet made for current gen.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Doraemon: Story of Seasons is a pleasant, relaxing little game. It’s got some flaws that stop it from reaching the state of farming zen it comes so close to, but with piles of charm and some cute storytelling, it’s easy to lose hours upon hours to this lovely slice of rural life.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Aladdin and The Lion King are amongst my favourite movies ever, like most kids who grew up in the 90s I’m sure. One thing I never did though was play through any of the games on this collection before, at least not for more than a handful of minutes. I’m not sure if that helps me here or not, but despite this being a great and well put together collection, there’s just not a lot here if you have no nostalgia for the games.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pato Box is definitely a game worth checking out. If not because Nintendo haven’t provided the world with a new Punch-Out!! game in nine years, then definitely because it’s a weirdly beautiful game starring a boxer with a duck head, who has been wronged by a large corporation and seeks revenge against a bevy of interesting and unique characters.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Aegis Defenders has a lot going for it. If you’re looking for a platformer that has heaps of old-school elements to it, that feel is captured well here. GUTS has managed to combine two different styles of gameplay well to make a fun game, helped along by interesting characters you’ll get to know along the way. Whether you play this in single player or with a friend there’s plenty to enjoy. Aegis Defenders is worth checking out.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tricky Towers is a refreshingly modern multiplayer variation to the globally-known puzzler Tetris. Although it may not keep the party going all night due to its light content offering, Tricky Towers’ block-stacking action provides great local multiplayer moments – especially when the whole room reacts raucously to someone’s last-second tower collapse.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Narita Boy is a lovingly crafted action-adventure game that should appease anyone who’s into 2D pixel graphics. The game offers a relatively short but extremely memorable experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Portal Knights on Nintendo Switch is a great little game — it offers a lot more to the experience than Minecraft does, but does not throw you in the deep end like Dragon Quest Builders does, which is coming to Switch in 2018 as well. Players will likely find more appeal when they play with friends, because on your own, the adventure does not seem so grand. That said, given the number of options that you can employ to customise your experience to your choosing, there is plenty to keep solo adventurers coming back.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Darksiders Genesis has its flaws for sure. It is still a lot of fun to play and it remains a solid entry in the Darksiders series. I would only recommend playing it in TV mode. With that being said, it might be hard to recommend the Switch version itself if other versions of the game are available, as I suspect the higher resolution may make certain objects easier to spot within the game. If you are a fan of Darksiders though, I can’t recommend this enough. There is a lot here that adds to the overall backstory of the Four Horsemen and the Charred Council.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is one of the best games I’ve ever played. It’s got an incredible story, stunning presentation, and plenty of bone-chilling moments that will stay with me for as long as I live. It’s the first step on a fresh new path for Famicom Detective Club, and hopefully the first of many for the newly revived series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hotshot Racing is a window back into the 1990s, not only in looks but how it plays with some old some fashioned rubber banding. The look and gameplay might not be for everyone, but it's authentic and it's a tonne of fun. I just wish there was more of it. You don't need to be an arcade fan of old to enjoy this, but you'll enjoy it even more if you are.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall Immortal Redneck is fun to play. It’s not punishingly hard and the game is enjoyable enough to keep you going with the upgrade loop as you grow more powerful to get more gold…so you can grow more powerful. It’s nice to get a change from the top-down roguelikes and be able to jump around and not worry that one wrong move will stop you dead. If you’re looking for a good challenge and enjoy a good first-person shooter then you should give Immortal Redneck a look.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Sanctuary is a clever entry in the Monster Catcher genre, it naturally combines a deep battle system with Metroidvania elements with the lore of the game to create quite a special 2D pixel art indie title.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I hope that this remake/revamp is the precursor to a new follow-up sequel being announced. There is still a place for the Famicom Detective Club. The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind look and sound great thanks to the remake, but unfortunately, the game portion is an unintuitive, obtuse slogfest. Both games work well as murder mysteries; the story and characters are a highlight. Players who want to play the games as close to the originals as possible will get a kick out of this piece of Nintendo history, while it might frustrate everyone else. Regardless, it is nice to see Nintendo give a classic game such a lavish update.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shadow Bug all combines for an accomplished package that feels right at home on the Switch, as the short levels are perfect for sneaking in a quick gaming session. It’s a sensory delight, and the unique movement system results in a fresh take on a familiar genre. Shadow Bug is well worth a look.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered remains a thrilling arcade racer even a decade on from its debut. The minute to minute excitement of playing cat and mouse with cops and racers is still an entertaining concept, and Criterion is the master of this type of white-knuckle racing. It is admittedly relatively basic as far as remasters are concerned, and there’s not that much here for those who have seen it all before, but those who have yet to drive these streets are in for a good time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for more of the Mana series with better combat and extra story beyond the original, then Trials of Mana is definitely for you (if you didn’t already get it day one!). For everyone else, this is a neat remake and is the best the series has looked and sounded and is fun to play.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Bridge is a solid puzzle game that encourages you to look at the world from a new perspective. Though the game was easily completed in a couple of sittings, the difficulty increase and length felt right. A sequel would be welcome.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    NBA 2K18 is a great basketball game trapped inside a hulking behemoth of aggressive microtransactions which threaten to derail the sporting spectacle. Call it Stockholm Syndrome, but the basketball is good enough to consider overlooking these serious flaws.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While it has shallow gameplay systems and minimal story, Yonder is a pleasant place to unwind and pass the time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Above all else, Clustertruck is simply a fun game to play. Producing many laugh-out-loud moments thanks to its goofy concept, and plenty of satisfying, fast-paced platforming, Clustertruck is a trucking good time despite a couple moments of frustration.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For me, it was definitely less enjoyable than regular Picross and its charm, polish and relaxing atmosphere. Having this many new puzzles is great though, and it’s not as if the actual concept has changed much. If you’re an Overlord fan, you’ll want to be a Picross fan too, as there doesn’t seem to be anything to experience here that’s not already a part of the show, but you’ll be rewarded with some fun themed puzzles. I don’t think I can speak too badly of anything here but if you’re new to both sides of the crossover, go play a different Picross - you’ll find a more pleasant experience there. If a more involved story mode was included, I could easily recommend this to everyone. Sadly, today it’s not the case.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you really really loved the original, or feel you missed out on a bit of history not playing it at the time, then this game will have something for you. Ultimately this version of Luigi’s Mansion would be better off being left in the time capsule it was pulled out of.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Princess Peach: Showtime! is an enjoyable little game that doesn’t push the boundaries but does most things quite well. It’s more like a Kirby game than a Mario game, for better and for worse, and while it has its sore points, there’s a heck of a lot of enjoyment to be had if you lean into it and take it for what it is.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you've never played Turok: Dinosaur Hunter before and wondered what all the fuss is about then this is one of the best ways to enjoy it. The gyroscope controls make the frustrating parts of the games almost go away and you're left with an unapologetically 90s first-person shooter that's still a lot of fun, despite still being very awkward. Not just one for fans of the era.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    2064: Read Only Memories Integral holds strong thanks to its diverse crew of interesting characters and socially relevant story, despite sometimes telling more than it shows.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hyrule Warriors may be one of my favourite games on the Wii U, and while I wasn’t as engaged in the characters and world of Fire Emblem Warriors, I loved every minute of the game both on N3DS and Switch. While the game is still fresh and will have several DLC and updates in the months to come, if you have any interest in a musou game, this is easily the best and smoothest on the Switch so far.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While it sounds like I’m just tearing this game apart, it’s not out of spite, and nor do I think Paladins is a bad game. There’s some very solid mechanics and gameplay in here, it’s just wrapped in a lot of tedium and waiting that it makes it hard to justify opening for a few games. When it goes free to play, I’d definitely recommend checking it out, but I wouldn’t go buying the Founders Pack to play early just yet.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Stick it to the Man is an incredibly unique experience, that definitely fits a particular mood and desire out of gaming. The game part is sort of shallow, but the personality and world are worth experiencing. A good in-between giant games palate cleanser!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity is a fun game to play. The fast maneuvering as you narrowly avoid before crashing into a rock so hard your skeleton leaves your body, only to forever hurtle through space. Backed up with some great music, it feels like you’re on a great space journey. Minor issues aside, if you have a few hours to kill and a few bucks to spend Lost Orbit is a decent way to spend both.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I hope that this remake/revamp is the precursor to a new follow-up sequel being announced. There is still a place for the Famicom Detective Club. The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind look and sound great thanks to the remake, but unfortunately, the game portion is an unintuitive, obtuse slogfest. Both games work well as murder mysteries; the story and characters are a highlight. Players who want to play the games as close to the originals as possible will get a kick out of this piece of Nintendo history, while it might frustrate everyone else. Regardless, it is nice to see Nintendo give a classic game such a lavish update.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overwhelm, to me, is one of those small, must-play games that does so much with very little. I’m surprised by how much I genuinely enjoyed the game, and hope more people will give themselves the opportunity to play it. The game isn’t long - with unlimited lives and ammo switched on, it can be beat in under an hour - but replayability with default settings and new game+ will keep hardcore players busy. Overwhelm is one of those small, hidden gems that I’m really hoping won’t be so hidden after all.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The lacking online player base is a shame because there’s an enjoyable experience to be had here. It nails the easy to pick up, hard to master element that defines all great arcade games. The overall package can feel somewhat barebones but if you’ve got the joy-cons to go around this is a great game to introduce to your next game night.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The addition of the tutorials to the maker modes, the addition of the Super Mario Challenge and retention of the all great single player content and the ability to still download courses means this game is less Super Mario Maker and more Super Mario Fan Edition. It's hard to recommend this one, especially when the Wii U version is far superior and feels more alive, the Super Mario Challenge is interesting but it still feels incomplete.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's a lot of fun to be had in this port of Tomb Raider, although not for poor Lara who gets smashed around quite a bit. The story, while a bit silly at times, is good enough to hold your attention for its length. The Switch 2 can definitely do more than this, and we’re left with a game that runs great but could look better. At a higher price they wouldn’t get away with it, but for the asking price, it’s not too bad.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Younger players will get the most out of what Chicken Wiggle offers; a cute, colourful and vibrant platformer to run amok in, with the added bonus of being able to create their own levels. Had the game been brave enough to innovate beyond well-known staples of the genre, it may well have been great for adults too.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I had a blast with AngerForce: Reloaded… until I realised that to finish the game I’ll need to spend a lot of my time grind missions over and over to get anywhere. I felt like 5-20 minute play sessions at a time were enough to rack up points, buy a power-up or two and then tap out for a while. Which is perfect for playing on the go - provided you can make the most of that vertical perspective.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall I loved Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian. As a first time player I was so impressed and enjoyed my time with Risa, Slade, and all the friends they made along the way. Whether you enjoy combat, crafting, exploration or story-focused games, Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian has something for you. You’ll be intrigued by the mystery of the town's destruction and all those who come together to save it, repair it, or destroy it, while an incredible soundtrack and beautiful visuals help immerse you in the rich world The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian has to offer.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Even though there is a lot to do in the game, much of it is going back and forth, backtracking which, once again is another thing that got on my nerves. The gameplay is also quite repetitive and for the most part on the easier side. Just as I started to enjoy and appreciate the game for what it was, it was nearing the end. Because of its downfalls, I can’t see myself wanting to play this game more than once, but for those who are fans and want to experience everything within the world of Yo-kai Watch, there might just be enough extra content in here to warrant you playing through again? Yes, that is a question and not a statement. What kept me going, however, was how nice the game looks. The story is also surprisingly captivating and legitimately interesting and the humour, while at times a little juvenile and crude and did make me laugh out loud. The gameplay though just isn’t up to scratch.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sniper Elite III Ultimate Edition is a satisfying stealth sandbox but only if you engage with it on its terms. This means being patient, learning to sit still among the trappings of war and only take your shot when you’re absolutely ready. That patience is rewarded at every turn with a meaty campaign, gutturally enjoyable carnage and the quiet satisfaction of a job well done. It’s not for everyone but for those looking for a unique shooter experience, Sniper Elite III Ultimate Edition on Switch is a damn good deal.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Descenders is a top tier extreme sports game, translating the feeling of riding a bike down a hill with incredible precision. So many small design details pull the package together to provide a wonderfully kinetic experience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The ability to play perfect emulations of the classics on the go, with the addition of genuinely good 3D effects should be more than enough reason for Sega fans to pick this one up.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Although Disney Magical World 2 does not quite achieve the same level of depth and sheer unadulterated fun that the Animal Crossing series does, it is definitely a worthy placeholder while we wait for what is hopefully a worthwhile Animal Crossing mobile game.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Resident Evil Revelations 2 borrows sparingly from its contemporaries, it is better than it's budget would have you believe it to be. The story is just the right amount of schlock with a smaller yet more focused cast. The tension is actually present in a moody well realised setting. The overall game feel lends itself to a much more enjoyable experience when compared to its predecessor too. Add in a comprehensive (yet slightly grindy) Raid Mode and you've got yourself a winner.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately the premise of ghost hunting using your camera to defeat them is much better than the execution in Maiden of Black Water. At first, it's easy to get caught up in the dark dread-filled environments, keeping the spirits at bay with your Camera Obscura. Then you're returning to the same places, with long drawn-out moments broken up by ghost fights that go on too long when they get stuck in a wall. If you're not already a Project Zero/Fatal Frame fan, this game might not be the one to get you into the series.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When each Kirby game is so different, it’s hard to call any of them “the best Kirby game ever” by any objective measure. But Kirby Star Allies is a celebration of everything Kirby, delivering a solid and dynamic platforming homage to one of Nintendo’s star characters. Better yet, experiencing it with one or more friends is a special experience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The idea that stuck with me while playing, is that The Escapists 2 is a puzzle game, where there’s no real right or wrong answer. You’re practically thrown in the deep end, into a jigsaw puzzle with very few edge pieces to work backwards from, but plenty of pieces from the middle. How you put them together and come up with the solution is up to you.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are bordering on a masterclass of how to do faithful remakes of a classic and beloved series. They're nostalgic, charming, lovely experiences that perfectly mix the old with the new to present a journey that will appeal to fans of the originals while still keeping things fresh and up-to-date. As one half of a pair of Sinnoh games, they deliver on their half in spades, and show that The Pokémon Company is ready, willing, and able to mess with the formula for the sake of the series. I have my complaints here and there, too, but overall, these are the Diamond and Pearl remakes that I didn't know I wanted until I fell in love with them.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you want something short with a little kick of humour, then Cinders is probably right up your alley. It’s nice, but not much more than that.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While it’s impossible to separate NBA 2K20 from its questionable monetisation techniques, there’s no disputing that it’s a fantastic basketball game. Best of all, there are next to no concessions made for the Nintendo Switch version - it feels great to play and runs excellently.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is still an oddity. The number of challenges tucked away within falls short of what would be expected from a collection like this, while also doing very little to honor its namesake. What is there is a fun little collection of retro classics reduced down to minigame-sized chunks. How much you enjoy it will really come down to your fondness for NES games. This game is very much for speedrunners or people who are up for a time-based challenge.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S does add to the original PPT2 in a few small ways to squeeze out a little extra life out of this five-year-old game. However, it’s not enough to justify forcing fans to fork out again, not when you can just purchase the original Switch version. Not offering an upgrade path to the Switch 2 version feels like a needless shakedown of Puyo Puyo fans, especially when there’s no real benefit to online players. If you don’t own this game already, then I would still recommend Puyo Puyo Tetris 2’s Switch 1 version. It is a real shame that Sega has made a great game hard to recommend.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s not an original concept, but taking the Pictionary idea and bringing it to a touch screen enabled, internet connected video game console genuinely adds a lot to the experience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Putty Pals takes full advantage of the Switch's concept and runs with it, plus it's always great to see more co-operative games. You'll really need to have someone to play it with, luckily for Putty Pals its pretty accessible and anyone should be able to pick up and enjoy it. Putty Pals is good old-fashioned fun.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It all makes for a packed and enjoyable experience with plenty to offer for fans for Marvel and classic beat-em-ups. The roster of characters is vast and excellently portrayed, the story is fun and the moment to moment combat remains enjoyable throughout. Some uninspired level design, camera quirks and unfortunate design choices around character levelling keeps it from the upper echelons of the Switch library but grab a couple of friends and it’s hard not to have a seriously good time with this one regardless of your level of affinity for the world of Marvel.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires Conspiracy Deluxe Edition is as complete as this game will get, with the added benefit of being on a current console. The spirit of the Layton series continues on, but the story doesn’t live up to its predecessors. If you’re here for the puzzles there is more than ever, there are even extra daily puzzles. Just be prepared for a few too many ‘trick’ puzzles or unclear instructions that can have you second-guessing often. At the end of the day, Layton’s Mystery Journey is a decent game that will hopefully lead into a grander adventure with Katrielle at the helm.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you already own Overwatch on another platform, I would recommend sticking with it. If you only have a Nintendo Switch or a PC that isn’t great for gaming and you want to try Overwatch out, the Switch version is perfectly serviceable. It hasn’t got all the bells and whistles in graphical appearance or performance, but it works. For me, the gyro controls weren’t large enough drawcards for me to feel that the Switch version is different enough to be a “must play” for existing fans playing on other platforms. It’s Overwatch. Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes there’s toxicity, but as a game, it works. Good enough.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every BUDDY! Is a bit of an interesting spectacle. It’s a remaster that nobody asked for, in a series that’s largely been forgotten, in a genre that doesn’t really get much attention. In a way, it’s almost worth playing for that spectacle alone. But spectacle aside, there’s a lot to love, and the game is filled with charm and adorable, fictional bird moments. Sure, it gets a little repetitive, and the difficulty curve is steep, but it’s got a solid foundation, and if you can push through the grindier elements, there’s a lot of fun to be had.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its flaws in some aspects, Lienzo's passion shines through in every aspect of Mulaka. It's far from perfect, and not everybody will be able to look past those flaws, but those who can will find a diamond in the rough.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are bordering on a masterclass of how to do faithful remakes of a classic and beloved series. They're nostalgic, charming, lovely experiences that perfectly mix the old with the new to present a journey that will appeal to fans of the originals while still keeping things fresh and up-to-date. As one half of a pair of Sinnoh games, they deliver on their half in spades, and show that The Pokémon Company is ready, willing, and able to mess with the formula for the sake of the series. I have my complaints here and there, too, but overall, these are the Diamond and Pearl remakes that I didn't know I wanted until I fell in love with them.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I wanted to like Yono so much. But despite its adorable visuals, superb soundtrack and well-executed puzzles, Yono and the Celestial Elephants suffers from a lack of polish throughout. It's an enjoyable enough experience, but it's disappointing to see a concept with so much potential fail to deliver. There's fun to be had, but tempering your expectations is a must to get the most out of the experience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Garden Story is a cute little adventure. When you get over the initial hurdle of the first boss, it becomes a more enjoyable time. Saving the world doesn't always have to be super over the top action. Garden Story shows you can do it by helping people and helping to rebuild a community in a more relaxed setting. While there are a few frustrations, if they're ones you can overlook, there is a charming game waiting for you.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As the credits rolled I found myself thinking the game could’ve done with a bit of length. If you charge through it, you could probably finish No Longer Home in less than two hours. And that’s not to say I would prefer some padding but I wanted some more resolution. But perhaps this is just the length and type of story that Humble Grove wanted to tell, and that’s okay. No Longer Home is a great game regardless, and if you’ve been in a similarly uncertain situation to Ao and Bo’s (or Hana and Cel’s) you’ll be sure get some enjoyment here.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a solid collection of brain-teasing minigames that’s enjoyable enough alone but is unlikely to hold your attention for an extended period unless you’ve got some fellow brainiacs to go up against. That competitive drive to improve and beat your friends and family will keep you coming back once the allure of another cute hat wears off. If you’ve got some people to share the experience with, you’ll have a good time with this one.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    While I enjoyed the opening hour or so of Dandara, it soon descended into repetitive, hamstrung gameplay that kept upping the ante before I’d managed to adjust to the original challenge of just moving around and shooting in time. Hardcore gamers might enjoy the challenge, but this reviewer did not.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered might not do anything new for the Switch version, but fortunately there was already a good game there with a story that any Ghostbusters fan should experience at least once. We might not get the 4K, frankly, the visuals wouldn’t look much better for it, but Switch owners get to play it anywhere. So how could it not be the best version to revisit, or to experience for the first time. More than anything, check out this game if you’re having trouble waiting until next year for the reboot and sequel.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s no doubt in my mind that Regalia is a great game. It has everything you could ask for from a strategy RPG and then some. Unfortunately, it has a few technical and design issues that really hold it back from being as good as it could be, but it’s still hard not to recommend it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Red Faction: Guerilla is a curious game to remaster, besides THQ making the most of rereleasing their catalogue. There’s a lot of destructive fun to be had, but it’s often lost amongst boring driving and frustrating combat. If you still have a soft spot for Red Faction then this is very much the same game, warts and all.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Boyfriend Dungeon is not only an enjoyable and inclusive dating sim dungeon crawler, but it’s also a thoughtful game on relationships. I had a nice time getting to know the variety of bladed partners, and I’m sure dating sim fans will enjoy it too. The Dunj delving might lack variety, but getting to know the characters is worth the effort. Whether you’re new to dating sims or a regular romancer, you’ll have a fun time in the dunj with your new fling.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you are looking for a massive, portable RPG adventure, the existence of alternative (and arguably better) experiences in the form of Skyrim, Divinity: Original Sin II and The Witcher 3 mean that unless you are an absolute fantasy fiend you'd likely be better served elsewhere. Of course, if you've already scoured these games to their limits, and are inclined to really push into this genre, then Re-Reckoning, especially at its reasonable RRP, would be worth your investment.

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