While I'm ultimately coming away from World to the West more disappointed than I expected, I admire the expanse and ambition. It's a gorgeous game with some delightful, puzzling moments. This is still a cool game, just one with some flaws that hold it back from being exemplary.
While the short length is somewhat disappointing, Gorogoa is still a breathtaking experience. The gorgeous art and engaging puzzles fuse together for something otherworldly. I don't know if I'll revisit Gorogoa, except to maybe show friends, but the focused, impressive design will stick with me for a long time.
It's unfortunately bogged down by a dearth of single-player material and ultimately, this game is doomed by the fact that it stakes so much in online play that doesn't run well. If the online was workable, Brawlout would be much better. As it stands, it's not, and this is a highly flawed experience.
No deep experience hides in Mom Hid My Game, but it's an absolutely joyous romp. This is absurdist video game comedy and that's awesome and unique.
It distills the fun of stealth into an accessible analog stick or touch screen-controlled experience. The main drawback is that it leans too heavily on repeating similar experiences. As long as you can focus more on the critical path, it's still a worthy game, but the charm and ingenuity start to fade when you see the same environment and setup for the nth time.
Pinball FX3 is an incredible platform for pinball tables, and while a lot of the focus is still on high score chasing, the variety of modes and options makes this deeper than the typical pinball game. The future of this game will depend on how much Zen Studios supports it with new tables, but with 30 out there to start (with one free forever and two free for the first week), the diversity is there on day one. If the craft of each table matches the presentation in the platform, this should be a regular staple of any pinball-enjoying Switch owner.
Seeing your mild-mannered business associate argue with aliens is very funny, until it starts getting old. When that happens, the smile-worthy sheen of the blending of shoot-'em-up and clicker starts to fade, revealing that Vostok Inc. doesn't really do either that well. Charm can only go so far, and unfortunately, the charm here doesn't hide the repetitive, stale gameplay.
Outside of some convoluted details and a somewhat shorter length, this is a very rad rhythm game that stands out amongst others because of its gorgeous artwork and inventive take on breakdancing gameplay.
Nine Parchments has its problems, but for the most part, it is still an entertaining dungeon crawler.
Battle Chef Brigade is an absolute feast of a game on Switch, with a highly polished story and a brilliant fusion of match-three and action. It might be coming out in a busy time of year, but this is a game not to be missed.
This is a game that is aware of its goofy setup and relishes in a sea of cat puns and insanity. It's not a terribly long game - I rolled credits within a few hours - but it's a fun romp with a straightforward and entertaining action RPG style. Cat Quest is a game that likely won't stick with me for too long, but it was a pleasant time basking in cat gags and beating up on foes with swords and magic.
Even with all those issues, Rime is enjoyable, but the Switch version makes it a lesser overall experience. I can't speak to specifics, but if the framerate and graphics are better elsewhere, seek those versions out in lieu of this release. The allure of portability doesn't make Rime a better game, especially with the compromised graphics.
On its own, Spellspire is an enjoyable word RPG, somewhat in the same vein as a Puzzle Quest. The replayable nature makes it a nice game to have on hand as a complement to the Switch's other games. It's a focused and fun twist on a known formula, well worth checking out if you need a break from Mario.
If you're looking for a light co-op game on Switch, Moon Hunters is fantastic, and the simple combat and short length are more of a boon than a hindrance. But if you want something deeper and long-lasting, this falls short of that, especially as a single-player-only affair. Still, weaving your own legends makes for a good time, even if it's short-lived.
Even in the face of it's most frustrating elements, The Mummy Demastered isn't a bad game. It's just disappointing, more reminiscent of WayForward's okay past licensed work than any of their more transcendent Shantae games.
I truthfully didn't expect The Flame in The Flood to make the impression on me that it did. It's easily the best survival game I've ever played, all the way from its satisfying gameplay to its masterful audio design. In the veritable long river of eShop games on Switch right now, this is one worth making sure you've got enough food and water to last a couple weeks.
Each game in Jackbox Party Pack 4 is a winner - something I've never said about a Jackbox pack before. These games don't have convoluted rules and are super easy to jump right into, with each one being a great time even if you're flailing and not scoring any of the requisite points required to win. The variety also makes it versatile for different groups, and if you're searching for a solid party game on Switch, this might just be the one to break out during the holidays.
The straightforward design might not be for everyone, as no great challenge is nestled in Yono's escapades. This is an easier game that's perfect for those who want to sink into a contemplative cartoon world or maybe kick back and play an easy-to-comprehend game with their kid.
Regardless of small blemishes, Axiom Verge is one of the best Metroid-esque games I've played outside of Samus' orbit. It's the rare game that seems to understand exactly what made that series so spectacular, using that understanding to craft original power-ups and concepts that make this more than just a hollow Metroid rip-off.
It's a marvelous shooter that brings forth the best elements of cooperative play, as the action gets frantic, the difficulty ramps up, and even failure can result in a hell of a good time. If you have a few people to play with, Lovers is a fine addition to your Switch library, but even if you're all alone, you can pair up with a good computer-controlled puppy dog or cat and still have yourself a good time. This is an adorable, charming adventure - one that lovers of fine co-op game shouldn't miss.