There's little doubt about it, Rogue Aces is a very enjoyable game, and one of the best and most entertaining Switch games within its price range. Controls are hard to master to begin with, and impatient gamers will need to be more lenient with this game and give it time. If you do allow it time, then Rogue Aces rewards you with high-octane thrills and spills from start to finish.
Clusterpuck 99 is yet another must-have indie release on the Switch. The Nintendo eShop is rapidly building up a catalogue of affordable, quality games, with this being no exception. The combination of easy to use controls, quirky graphics, a multitude of levels, along with a course creator make Clusterpuck 99 an excellent option for fans of high-octane action.
FIFA 18 is certainly an upgrade on FIFA 17 and undoubtedly the franchise is going in the right direction, but with the same flaws still remaining it is hard to solely focus on the positives. The game needs balancing out as far too much of the game is focused on attacking, rather than the grittier and more tactical side of football. FIFA 18 is superb to look at with the slick menus, pre-match changes, vast licences, wonderfully represented stadiums, and player images, but changes to its gameplay are a necessity for me. Having played PES 2018 and FIFA 18 this year, I can comfortably say PES takes the award for being the best football game, but FIFA still has the greater depth to it, and is the more sociable game of the two.
In summary, SteamWorld Dig 2 is a stellar addition to the Switch, and it's a great throwback to the classic 2D platformers and side-scrollers of yesteryear. There's more to the game than just the main story mode, and going off the beaten track to discover side quests, relics and other secrets is very rewarding. From the unique plot to the charming visuals, SteamWorld Dig 2 excels from the off. I especially loved the Western style music, which suits the theme of the game really well. Indie titles have been flooding onto the Switch since its release, and the highly-impressive nature of them has me excited to see what comes out next.
Conga Master Party is a really fun game to play, particularly in multiplayer. It's a real throwback to the primary mobile games, a time when Smartphones were non-existent. Full 360 degree movement, colourful graphics, a quirky soundtrack, and a good progression system make this game a solid entry for indie titles on the Switch.
Not only is Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 the best football game in terms of graphics, it is the best I have experienced in terms of gameplay. The level of detail and player likenesses create a game that comes as close to you'll get to the real thing. There are still a few minor issues with presentation, and perhaps a few more changes could have been made to Master League and Become a Legend, but I'm clutching at straws here. The gameplay is near perfection, the AI and goalkeepers are improved, Konami have added further licenses to their product, and the graphics are amazing. Hopefully the servers are ready for online and with just a few minor presentation improvements to be improved on, PES really has set the bar of what a football game should be.
In summary, NBA Playgrounds is a really fun and quirky title. The lack of online play at launch is a big omission and although the game lacks replayability, the arcade aesthetics, easy to use controls and whirlwind gameplay make this game extremely enjoyable in short bursts. I found the game better on handheld rather than playing off a TV, due to its ‘on the move' vibe, and in that respect, it's undoubtedly a nice game to just unwind with and enjoy for what it is.
Human: Fall Flat is elegant in its gameplay and boasts delightful graphics. No matter how frustrated I got at not being able to solve puzzles, I kept at it because of just how enjoyable it was. The soundtrack that accompanies Human: Fall Flat works wonders also, and I loved how bright and vibrant the game was from start to finish.
Out of the Park Baseball 18 is a game that is a must for hardcore baseball fans, there's no doubt about that. But, the most pleasantly surprising aspect of this game is how it can make a fan out of someone who knows very little about baseball like myself. It feels like the ultimate simulator, with immense levels of detail, great matchday visuals, and statistics to make any tactical statistician scream with joy. This game is so immersive that it makes you wonder how they can improve on the game next year - but something makes me think they'll manage it just fine.
Outlast 2 could well be the scariest horror game I have played to date. There were a few very minor gripes, but the isolation, desolation, and desperation were noticeable throughout. The sense of fear was more impactful than in the first game, and there were parts where I played hiding behind anything I could get my hands on. I went to Temple Gate, and I did not enjoy my stay. And by that statement alone, I have to applaud Red Barrels for creating such a brilliant game.
Urban Trial Freestyle 2 is a very good game, with very few negatives, only minor gripes. The graphics look high end for the Nintendo 3DS, and the gameplay and depth to the game was more than I had expected. The ragdoll physics were as amusing as you'd expect, and the track creator was a fantastic addition. When you merge all that together, you get Urban Trial Freestyle 2 - a game that got me using my 3DS again!
In summary, 2Dark is an atmospheric experience, and while it isn't an out-and-out horror game, the game blends elements of survival horror with the main gameplay chiefly revolving around sneaking in a furtive manner through levels. The atmospherics are striking, and the cartoon-like animations work well as a contrast.
Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker is a quirky, light-hearted game that has transitioned well from mobile to console. I do feel it's better suited to being a mobile game, but this doesn't detract too much from the experience of playing the game on a console. The nice visuals, great humour and quirky gameplay all add up to create a supremely enjoyable game.
Rogue One is a brilliantly designed pinball machine and I enjoyed it so much that I'm likely to be a late arrival to the Zen Pinball series fandom. There was plenty of action on offer and I didn't find myself getting bored at any time. And I'm sorry but I have to… The force is strong with this one!