Overall, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a wonderful selection of remakes of some hugely important games. Although the games to vary in quality - mainly due to their age and how much games developed over the course of their release - there's something magical about going back to even the earliest Final Fantasy game. And with Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, it's possibly the easiest way to do so.
So far, it's looking good with FIFA 23.
Ultimately, eFootball 2022 is a disaster at launch. It's a buggy, unenjoyable mess with limited gameplay options that strip back the core strengths of the PES series, and the fact that it was released in this state at all is shocking. Konami may bring in fixes as it implements further free-to-play updates, but even then, the question over eFootball 2022's worth will still need to be repeatedly asked.
Renzo Racer leaves a lot to be desired, with a multitude of issues covering everything from physics glitches through to the core racing gameplay.
The Quiet Man cannot translate its ambition into a cohesive and fulfilling experience, finding trouble both from a gameplay and thematic perspective.
Marred by awkward camera controls and sluggish gameplay, Yasai Ninja's content doesn't deliver on the zany premise of a feudal Japan inhabited by ninja vegetables.
Horror-themed FPS Chasing Dead suffers from a lack of all-round polish, resulting in sluggish and sometimes confusing gameplay and awkward graphical issues.
With boring gameplay and twitchy controls, an impressive art style and much-publicized controversy cannot hide the tedious shooter underneath 'Hatred's veneer.
Overall, EA Sports FC 24 on Switch still feels behind the game on other platforms. For players who have another platform available, the Switch version is definitely to be avoided, but for those who specifically want to play this soccer sim on the go, it's still likely the best option available right now. As such, it might be just escaping relegation in comparison to its predecessors, but EA Sports still owes more to Switch players than what this delivers.
As such Zorro The Chronicles doesn't quite hit the mark. It's a game made for children, which is why having a more simplistic edge may be useful, but the overall level of quality is perhaps not there. Although it gets the tone right, and things like its environmental takedowns are bound to cause a laugh for fans of the show, the overall game isn't quite as enjoyable as it could be.
As such it is hard to recommend The Waylanders in its current form. Although it is charming and enthusiastic, its slapdash quality seriously hampers the overall quality of the experience. A middling narrative and minor bugs are easy to overlook if the overall game is enjoyable - which The Waylanders is - but potentially game-breaking issues will erode any good will the title may have gained.
Drug Dealer Simulator sticks too close to its core gameplay loop, resulting in an experience that doesn't live up to its controversial premise.
Elo Hell tries to bring pro gaming to life as a comedic sitcom, but struggles to find a place with its gameplay or with its down-to-earth writing.
The Lost Legends of Redwall: The Scout gives the Brian Jacques fantasy series a sincere video game adaptation, but technical issues hold it back.
SkyKeepers has some snippets of fun gameplay, and a couple neat ideas, but the overall package offers up more frustration than fun alongside a general lack of polish.
Overall, the quality of Death Noodle Delivery is a bit inconsistent. Its use of Paperboy as a fun game structure to then have those more introspective moments is a good idea and executed fairly well. However, some clumsiness with themes and plot, as well as some awkward gameplay choices, mean it never quite achieves the potential that it has.
Outcast - A New Beginning unfortunately lacks many aspects needed to revitalize this cult classic for the modern day. With an archaic gameplay loop and middling action, it’s not quite the follow-up to a revolutionary experience that fans may way. Although some may enjoy a return to Adelpha, and there’s quality to be found in exploration, this is an open world game that fails to hit the mark.
Iron's Hot is something of a mixed bag. There's a lot of charm and a lot of promise, but a lack of variety and some unfortunate bugs and sloppy design hold it back from being a must-play. Those who enjoy a cozy game or are after a light-hearted fantasy will still likely enjoy it, but that recommendation does come with some footnotes.
As such, Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires does feel like a step towards righting the problems with the original game. It still suffers from the structural issues that held back Dynasty Warriors 9, and fans of more straightforward musou titles have a wealth of other games on offer such as Samurai Warriors 5, but those who prefer the tactical edge of Empires will at least find some enjoyment here.
As such Rustler is not quite the retro callback to early sandbox games that players may have hoped for. It's an enjoyable fun diversion for a little sharp burst of low brow humor, but in the long term it's unlikely to keep players engaged. Combined with a wide variety of technical issues, Rustler feels like something of a missed opportunity.