Golf With your Friends is a solid example of the phrase "It Does Exactly What It Says On The Tin." Focusing less on flashy visuals, and instead nailing a simple recreation of mini-golf, backed by accessible controls, and plenty of level and mode variety, results in a top gaming option for groups of Switch players.
Highly addictive and packed with personality, Cannon Brawl targets a specific niche being a merger of real-time strategy, funds balancing, and Tower Defence, and will undoubtedly be worth the investment not only for fans of those genres, but newcomers to it as well.
Super Dodgeball Beats stands tall among the sheer glutton of Switch eShop games available, as a singular experience unlike any other; a fun, sports-themed, rhythm title backed by a virtuous narrative, and plenty of unlockables. A lack of online support and leaderboards will likely call time on this match before long, however.
The SEGA Ages line of classics expands its puzzler repertoire with another top tier title, and one that is well worth considering over its Switch Online SNES Counterpart. Lively and full of charm, despite being restrained to Japanese character dialogue, the Ages extra features both expected and new make this the defining version of Puyo Puyo 2.
Though both One and Three of the trilogy have been widely available for a considerable time, Columns II is likely the most unique of the trio, and now upon a western release offers not only the original in all its splendour but a fun puzzler sequel to its own merit. Enjoyable for curious puzzler newcomers and genre veterans alike, even if a little simplistic for the latter crowd.
With a new platform host comes a Wonderful One renaissance, and a second chance to experience one of the most unique action games of the generation. The improvements found in this remaster are minimal, and previous visibility concerns are all the more prevalent due to Switch's portable functionality, but those willing to work through said issues, will discover an incredibly enjoyable, and endearing experience.
Taking a PC Classic and reintroducing it for a new audience with a fresh lick of paint, Edna & Harvey: The Breakout takes the basic concept of escaping an asylum and runs with it, offering vast amounts of interaction, backed with great writing and voice-acting. The Switch's Touchscreen feels unusually neglected here, and logical issues relative to the genre are sadly present later in the game, but aside from that, this is one liberation that is worth carrying out.
Despite entering a crowded genre on the Nintendo Switch, Touhou Spell Bubble stands out above most for a brilliant audio collection, and unique addictive take on the classic Puzzle Bobble system. A lack of online support, bar the downloadable song packs, is a shame, but for local one-on-one, and an enjoyable solo endeavour, this nails that essential feel of "easy to learn, hard to master."
With developer Gust's unexpended expansion to their most favoured sub-series, comes what can be considered the best in the Atelier set to date. Casting away previous conventions to introduce new, more enriching characters, and world-building structures, Atelier Lulua's challenge spikes and lack of English dub does little to take the shine off the gem beneath.
The original Puyo Puyo Arcade release arrive intact with plenty of Ages feature boosts, and plays as solidly now as it ever has, with online play, save states, and worldwide leaderboards aplenty. The base Head to Head mode remains as addictive as ever, but lacks compelling content outside of that structure, and those looking for more feature-rich Puyo Puyo goodness may wish to consider other entries in the series on the eShop.
With a new handheld format comes a new Yu-Gi-Oh! title, and while Link Evolution offers a compelling and modernised take on the Card Game for both fans and novices alike, with almost infinite play styles and strategy possibilities, it retains the stale interface and storytelling of its original form.
Swords, Sorcery, and Whimsy unite, in this fun feudal take on the Tower Defence Genre. Solid mechanics backed by exceptional use of the hardware's unique properties, and extensive content for the solo player as well as the many, make CastleStorm a worthy acquisition to adorn any Switch home screen.
One game by itself would be a fun developmental RPG, but with all three bring an ongoing storyline overall, and a foundational focus for each that mitigates the lack of such for the other two. Though the series has yet to push the boundaries of its host hardware, the Atelier Arland Trilogy does accomplish two goals: to set up for the fourth game releasing soon, and to provide unique and fun gameplay with immense value for investment hours.
Finally bolting from the Sony Stables, the epic adventure of Cloud and company has lost little of its lustre over the years, retaining the complex narrative elements and magic customisation features that give modern games a run for their money. The sound bug issues are unfortunate, and inexcusable given the age of this version of the game, but what is retained remains as great in 2019 as it was upon release.
Meshing together the repeat play appeal of the Roguelike game category with a fun light-hearted take on airborne dogfight warfare, Rogue Aces is a joy to play and comes packed with a great deal of content. Newcomers to the genre will find some turbulence in adapting, and the multiplayer potential of the game's setup both online and off isn't realised at all. But for pure arcade fighter jet action on Switch, few games are more enjoyable.
More a refinement of the formula than a fresh take, Art of Balance graces a new platform and offers the same addictive puzzle action it always has. The host hardware greatly benefits both the quickplay nature of the game and its multiplayer features, making for a solid choice to new fans of the genre.
A promising closer to the Syberia trilogy of games, Syberia 3 meets hardship in the way of spotty performance in both visual and sound design. Kate Walker's latest adventure is coercive to devotees of the series, but difficult to recommend over the numerous top quality eShop games in the same genre.
An odd combination of automatons and a reflexive sport turns out to make for a pretty fun and addictive experience, overall. Disco Dodgeball Remix on Nintendo Switch doesn't quite have the player count necessary for a truly chaotic time online, but more than makes up for it with competent AI foes, a boundless list of modes and parameters to choose from, and sufficient offline options to enjoy.
The beauty of the world depicted within Candle: The Power of the Flame is immediately apparent, as it comes alive through striking design, superb musical direction, and memorable characters. Numerous design issues soon become apparent, yet regardless of this, dedicated fans of the adventure genre would be wise to give this one a look, albeit a cursory one as it requires patience and persistence.
What begins as an arduous system to control, in time becomes a pleasure upon first race win, and the hidden depth of VSR: Void Space Racing's frictionless competitive courses is fully revealed. Offering a unique take on the racing genre as a whole, the biggest stumbling block, aside from the steep learning curve, is how little of the game there actually is, track and vehicle-wise, even with the low price-tag in mind.