The core mechanics of the original are still very present, even amongst a more action-focused playstyle. If anything, this has widened the audience reach to those who've never played the original and want to enjoy a hearty helping of panic and inventory stress.
Battle Princess Madelyn is both impressive in both visuals and audio. For better, and sometimes worse, the game has modeled itself after difficult games like Ghosts'n Goblins. Metroidvania fans will enjoy the expansive levels, however, satisfaction from level completion and boss fights are less thrilling provided the immediate backtracking you'll perform back through harms way throughout most of the game.
It’s a shame that there isn’t an online community for matches as this would have carried the experience that much farther. But as it stands, there’s enough here to warrant a purchase if you’re looking for an ass-kicking good time on the couch.
Overkill's The Walking Dead is an ambitious online multiplayer experience. It nails the aesthetic of The Walking Dead universe. However, it struggles in almost every other department. Bugs and game-halting instances have been very apparent in the near 20 hours spent with it.
Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 is a worthwhile experience. It's the perfect game to plop down on the couch and run through in a weekend. Heck, you could probably even do it in a single sitting. There are plenty of weapons and enemy variety. But, be warned, the button layout isn't that inviting–and not remappable, either. Still, the game hits right in that sweet spot that an action platformer should hit. There's enough action to carry you through the game, with challenges and light exploration. It's a fun platformer with moments of ultraviolence and comedy. Sometimes the jokes miss their mark, but for the most part, it's the perfect helping of delicious goodness.
Rise and Shine is undoubtedly one of the best-looking games on the Switch.
Don't expect a deep experience here, folks. What you will find is a rather expansive list of artists and songs paying homage to one of the best eras in gaming. I just could have used a little more refinement in its mechanics and the mixture of the additional levels outside the story to do something a little more spectacular during my main playthrough.
There is a noticeable emphasis on the narrative. Although Shadow of the Tomb Raider modifies what we've grown accustomed to within the franchise, the change of pace is welcomed. You'll find pockets of open-world to explore, with tons of side-quests and interactions with NPCs. Don't expect guns-a-blazin', but do expect getting more than you bargained for from this Tomb Raider experience.
My first dive into the game left a really sour taste in my mouth. There was a broken AI system that simply did not allow me to get gold in any of the races in order to unlock the rest of the characters. Most of them are generic in design, minus a few interesting ones with special attacks.
Barbearian is a hack'n'slash with a lot of character. While the visual style didn't really resonate with me, it's easy to look past that while you're neck deep in enemies and bouncing along to the amazing soundtrack the game has to offer.
When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, Slam Land is a local-only party game with a genuinely likable art style and a great concept. The audio is bouncy, fun, and accompanies the game's overall feel. Other than that, it really doesn't have much else going for it.
Chasm is a retro-infused, Metroidvania style roguelike. Although it brings back many nostalgic feelings with its art style, there is much more to be desired and no real sense of accomplishment once you've completed the game.
If you decide to pick up 20XX—you're going to have a bad time. You're going to die, you're going to be frustrated, maybe even throw your controller in a fit of rage. If you're anything like me, you will find small instances of inspiration and confidence to pick up your pad once again and jump back into the fray. And, I couldn't recommend it more for that.
Raging Justice is the perfect game to run through in a single sitting or try to complete the list of challenges for each level. Fans of the genre will find many resemblances to games like Final Fight and Streets of Rage. There's enough replay value to invite you in—just don't let the difficulty scare you away.
I was expecting a little more from Forgotton Anne, particularly after how the trailer portrayed the game. Even with that, there's a sense of beauty in it all. The puzzles, characters, and design will still manage to stir emotion in Anne's experience despite the visible blemishes throughout your journey.
The fighting genre has games and franchises for practically anyone’s tastes. But, the DC Universe has finally found its stride, creating one of my favorite experience out of the three games thus far.
The Nintendo Switch version of Rocket League is a worthy port. It is welcomed, fun, and brings Switch owner's into the light. Now excuse me while I recline and match wits in my Paladin.
Death Squared is a nice surprise to the puzzle genre, delivering comic relief at all the right moments. It really does teach you to laugh at yourself, while not taking itself as a video game too seriously. Some great things come in small packages, and this one's got nuts…and bolts. And lasers. And explosions.
Vanquish barely squeaks by as a game you can shut your brain off and enjoy the action. I do hope that if a sequel does rear its head, PlatinumGames of 2017 will create something more memorable than the PlatinumGames of 2010 did with Vanquish.
There are still plenty of challenges and content to be found in the ‘3DS version of the game. The uniqueness and musical charm are present, just not in a way that complements the console version of Yoshi’s Woolly World.