Folks who enjoy AI: The Somnium Files and are waiting for the next Uchikoshi project might like No Sleep for Kaname Date, but it isn’t for anyone else.
Nostalgia for a character like Pac-Man can only do so much, and I fear the uneven nature of Shadow Labyrinth could prove too off-putting for most.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a constant series of pleasant surprises and shows exactly what the Switch 2 can handle.
Patapon 1+2 Replay isn’t the most exciting remaster collection, but it is incredibly enjoyable and accessible to newcomers.
Tamagotchi Plaza isn’t necessarily bad, but I think it is more for kids or someone who really loves Bandai Namco’s virtual pets.
Islanders: New Shores is, in every way, an improvement from the original Islanders game due to new buildings and gameplay elements.
The concept behind Nova Hearts is good and I like some story elements, but I’m not a fan of its romance and hate its combat.
The Red Bell’s Lament is another example of Voltage offering a great otome game that feels different than what we’d expect due to its execution and story.
While Death Stranding 2: On the Beach can feel like a step forward for gameplay, I feel like Kojima Productions took a step back with its narrative and difficulty.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is a fantastic Like a Dragon game, and I feel it is a perfect addition to the Switch 2 launch library.
Raidou Remastered is a way to experience a fun piece of SMT history, and it’s another example of Atlus going above and beyond for a remaster.
Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered is something of a welcome surprise that we likely ended up getting due to Gundam SEED Freedom and the success of other recent games.
Survival Kids feels really generic on the Switch 2, and it features none of the personality of the Lost in Blue series.
I appreciate the gimmick and the talent in Date Everything, but it isn’t as well executed as other dating sim visual novels.
Mario Kart World is incredible alone or with others online or offline, and it really shows off what might make Switch 2 special. It’s fantastic in more traditional modes like Grand Prix and Battle or new ones such as Knockout Tour and Free Roam. It pays tribute to past games, but feels totally different and innovative in some fun ways.
Rune Factory 4 is my favorite entry in the series, and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma feels close to being its equal in some ways.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is amazing. Yes, so much to it, and it is easy to prioritize the elements you like best.
TMNT: Tactically Takedown is a delightfully challenging game, once you get settled and accustomed to the pace.
Monster Train 2 feels as satisfying as its predecessor, with this new game building on everything good from the original and adding more strategic options
The Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny remaster is a valuable one, especially with Way of the Sword on the horizon.