Brian Shea
The compelling formula of simultaneously building your collections of monsters and gym badges has proven timeless, but the new additions and enhancements show Pokémon isn't done evolving
Despite strong competitive and cooperative multiplayer action, the PvE elements fall short of those marquee modes. The progression leads to more frustration than satisfaction
Creative environmental puzzles and unique boss battles make this a rewarding experience from start to finish
The Impossible Lair may receive top billing, but the entire journey leading to that titular final challenge is rewarding
The team-based mechanics help Team Sonic Racing stand out from other kart racers, but Mario Kart is in no danger of losing pole position in the genre
Climbing and destroying a massive robot is exciting, but the basic gameplay falters too often for a game that requires such precision
Despite a slow difficulty ramp, Yoshi's Crafted World is a delightful adventure thanks to fun-to-find collectibles, colorful levels, and creative boss battles
This platformer was fun on Wii U, and the Deluxe version gives the game a well-earned extra life on Switch
A fun stroll down memory lane for hardcore fans, and a strong entry point to the series for newcomers
The boards are underwhelming and some of the modes suffer from repetition, but the selection of minigames is among the best in the series
The Messenger is a terrific throwback to action platformers like Ninja Gaiden with welcome twists. While a mid-game identity crisis detracts from the experience, it's still an adventure worth taking
We Happy Few delivers an intoxicating experience, rife with dark mysteries to unravel and exciting missions to complete, but some annoying mechanics and scarce resources keep it from reaching greatness
Fans of Splatoon's single-player content should look no further than the exceptional Octo Expansion
By adding a second Yarny, Unravel Two ups the fun and adds much-needed variety to the experience
With passive gameplay and constant random elements, Pokémon Quest is entirely forgettable
The Swords of Ditto's repetitive nature grinds after a few playthroughs, but it's a journey worth taking at least a few times
Super Daryl Deluxe is a fun, humorous ride that goes all-in on its strange vision. Unfortunately, nondescript quests, unclear objectives, and uneven balance prevent it from becoming anything more
With an exceptional career mode and improved gameplay on top of its predecessor's already-strong offerings, UFC 3 is the best MMA game ever released
Whether you're scouring the overworld for secrets or delving into the dungeons, Blossom Tales is a delightful take on a beloved genre
Simplistic controls and formulaic song layouts lead to repetitive gameplay, but Floor Kids still delivers unique fun in the rhythm/music space