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As far as 2D horror platformers go, Unlife is about as indie as they can get. Grammar errors, UI issues, and awkward controls abound, but they somehow add to the B movie charm if you're in the right mood. It's not a game I'd recommend to most, but to those to whom I would recommend it, I'd do so with gusto.
Splatoon 3's Side Order DLC puts players into a rogue-like single-player campaign as Agent 8, tasked with rescuing Marina and her friends from the mysterious Deca Tower. Each run through the tower offers a new set of challenges and opportunities to customize abilities and weapons, leading to multiple playthroughs and strategic planning. While some levels may prove more challenging, especially with unfamiliar weapons, Side Order offers a refreshing departure from multiplayer chaos with its replay value and different gameplay options.
Cat and the Ghostly Road is a point-and-click adventure game that involves solving puzzles, exploring new dimensions, and helping out creatures and spirits, all to save your master. The puzzles are challenging enough to keep you from getting bored, but there's also no real sense of danger in the game, which keeps it relaxing and fun.
When a game's basic movement mechanics become a source of frustration and annoyance, it usually just isn't worth the hassle. Even if you are used to digital gymnastics and you really like a retro looking 2D platformer, Cybertrash STATYX is an option you can take or leave.
Astro Duel 2 is a neat combination of two popular genres. The simple setup is fun, despite my initial issues with the controls. It could benefit from a little more variety and some kind of story mode to tie it all together, but it's an enjoyable fun time regardless.
Loretta is an intriguing, often chilling adventure game throwback to cinema noir and pulp fiction. Complex characters and even more complex plot layers stack for an experience that's meant to be enjoyed multiple times. Its themes are not for the faint of heart, but we could say the same about life in general, can't we?
A weird, beautifully rendered combination of Limbo and Super Mario Brothers, Saviorless is an interesting take on an action-platformer.
Freedom Planet 2 is an enjoyable, creative, and pretty release overall. With a bit more polish and fleshing out in the writing, I feel it could be a truly amazing game. But as is, it's definitely more expanded than the more simplistic first title.
Pepper Grinder is a platformer that wears its inspiration on its sleeve, with collectibles, checkpoints, and more in tow. It adds a unique spin to the formula with the addition of a drill mechanic, creating a fun-yet-tough experience that's satisfying to conquer. It's not a super-long game, but the challenge will keep you busy for some time regardless.
Princess Peach: Showtime! is a welcome return to the spotlight for our favorite princess. It oozes charm, with loads of variety, providing plenty to do across multiple transformations, levels, and modes. It’s not super difficult, but it’s so entertaining that I don’t care. There are also multiple challenges and collectibles to keep players coming back for more.
Developer Fallen Squirrel worked with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to create The Vale: Shadow of the Crown for blind gamers, but it should appeal to anyone who enjoys a good action adventure. What it lacks in visuals it makes up for with its unique use of familiar RPG elements and its stunning audio presentation. The Vale's somewhat repetitive gameplay doesn't outlast its welcome.
Unicorn Overlord is one of the best tactical strategy RPGs to have been released for the Nintendo Switch. Maybe one of the best games, period. No matter which series first made you a fan of the genre, Unicorn Overlord will help you discover that thrill all over again.
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore parodies a pair of uncanonical Zelda games while ensuring its experience is more than a one-note joke. The realization of these efforts makes for a good game, but one whose appeal may be limited. Still, the attention to detail here demands respect. How about following up on this release by mocking CD-i's top-down take, Zelda's Adventure, next?
It's simple; if you're a Picross fan, you'll enjoy this game. If you're a Story of Seasons fan and you like Picross, you'll really enjoy this game. With over 300+ puzzles, Piczle Cross: Story of Seasons is a great addition to the growing library of Picross games on the Nintendo Switch. It's highly recommended if you enjoy puzzle games, or pixel art.
UDO: Unidentified Drilling Object manages to have some success despite itself. While its numerous little issues accumulate into some unpolished real annoyances, it has that "one more time" element down, even with repetitiveness. I'm convinced there's enough good here that a sequel should jettison the roguelike confines. Udo deserves to be a proper platforming adventure where it can drill a more unique identity.
"Ultimate" in terms of content and options but not in enjoyment, Ultimate Racing 2D 2 makes a poor first impression and fails to recover. If it looks interesting to you, I'd suggest its predecessor for half the price. This game has more to it, but it's a case where less would've been more. I hope the devs take a prolonged pitstop before the third entry.
The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered for Switch does a decent job of modernizing the visuals of the 2015 3DS game, but the important issues from the original still remain. Its lack of story and the difficulty spikes with its unique combat system make it hard to recommend to anyone other than the most fervent of JRPG fans.
Rough Justice '84 has a great concept and '80s setting. Unfortunately, it's executed poorly on the Switch. Despite the cool soundtrack, there are other audio issues. The idea of solving cases might be a fun concept, but this is hard to recommend. The poor controls and user interface make this one to avoid.
If you can get by the minor annoyances and want to hop on a game for a quick session before doing something like mowing your real lawn, Lawn Mowing Simulator is perfect for you. Its wide variety of implements, contracts, landscapes, and gameplay modes will keep business sim fans engaged well past the mowing season.
A very worthy addition to the Demagog repertoire, Highwater builds on the gorgeous and provocative world of the studio's other games with a story-driven escape from a flooded planet. It is a sharp critique of late stage capitalism, but it populates the devastated world with a touching story, wholesome characters, and surprisingly engaging combat.