One Piece's 3DS debut in One Piece: Romance Dawn sets sail but is quickly sunk under monotonous fights, endless corridor roaming that would put Final Fantasy XIII to shame, and a recurring reminder that it is merely a slapdash port adapted to none of the 3DS' strengths.
NBA Playgrounds plays well to the strengths of the Nintendo Switch, providing a fun multiplayer basketball game, with authentic players and commentary. Difficulty spikes in solo play are too steep to ignore, though, and the current absence of online play greatly diminishes long-term viability. A great game is here, but not yet at the surface.
Fans of CiNG's previous works - such as the Another Code games and the duo of Hotel Dusk / Last Window - will be impressed by the tale told, as well as the audio and visuals found in Chase: Cold Case Investigations, even if only for the short time it lasts. The low price barrier for this Nintendo 3DS eShop release is high incentive for impulse purchasing, though, yet few outside of text adventure enthusiasts will find true value for money in this one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An iffy camera system and questionable design decisions only slightly mar what is otherwise an enjoyable battle system and notably engaging narrative in Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon for Nintendo Switch. Veterans of the first game will find a snug fit, with new players quickly welcomed in.
A number of issues with Blue Reflection quickly present themselves, such as some screen-tearing witnessed in the visual stakes and a questionable focus on the level of fan service wedged into the adventure, yet underneath these opinion-splitting matters there is an extremely enjoyable, memorable, and rather uncommon Japanese RPG adventure that will certainly leave an impression for the duration of the journey, as well as for a while after playing it.
Ultra Hyperball represents the variety of the eShop that Switch is quickly gaining: short, but highly playable and unique experiences that cost a fraction of the bigger games. Depth isn't the aim of the concept here; rather a highly accessible, if overly simplistic, game that truly shines in a group gathering.
Embodying a modern take on the shoot 'em-up formula, Sine Mora EX sits comfortably alongside the retro offerings of the genre already on Nintendo Switch, and blazes its own path forward with impressive visuals and strong world building lore. Said lore is a little convoluted at times, and the game can be too difficult for its own good, but those seeking a strong challenge will find plenty to enjoy.
Teased as a prime title for the demographic aimed at in the Nintendo Switch reveal trailer, NBA 2K18 achieves that goal of serviceable console play in the portable space, but with notable compromises. Questionable micro-transaction placement and downloadable requirements aside, NBA 2K18 is the truly authentic basketball experience, and a strong sign of things to come.
Mighty Gunvolt Burst combines the better aspects of Beck's disastrous first outing and wraps them up in a compact retro-styled package, with a Gunvolt ribbon tied around for good measure. A solid run-and-gun 2D platformer that adds flair and function to the wheel rather than reinventing it completely, but often hits the road bumps named accessibility and hardware adaptiveness.
A worthy debut for not only the series but also the genre on Nintendo Switch, Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star combines a solid foundation of enemy wave eliminations and territory domination with a surprisingly developed and engaging narrative, despite the various camera issues and regular jargon blockage. It is definitely a slow burner that fits well into a mindless brawler or an intriguing fable on demand.
As bizarre as the idea of Grim Reapers, turn-based battles and Scrabble-like wordplay all together sounds, Letter Quest Remastered really makes it work, and enjoyably so.
The Escapists fills a niche that few developers dare to tread: a strategy title that demands planning and focus, leaving no room for failure and very limited handholding. Such restrictions limit the overall appeal, but those brave enough to venture into Mouldy Toof Studios' and Team17's latest release on PlayStation 4 will find buckets of charm and invention to reward their patience, as well as plenty of value for money.