Scarlet Bell's Reviews
Super Mario Maker 2 is everything that made the original game great and more. Featuring an expanded toolkit, a well-paced story mode, an addicting endless challenge, and even online multiplayer, it is the definitive 2D Mario experience on the Switch and any console before it. Jump into a truly unlimited experience.
Super Neptunia RPG is a game I tried incredibly hard to like. Despite its stunning visuals and interesting ideas, the game falls short in far too many basic areas. From horrible loading times to lifeless NPCs, strange design choices, and an overall feel of a rushed release, it's something I can only recommend to the die-hard Neptunia fans out there that feel they must see it all. To you brave few, I wish you luck.
Zanki Zero is a game I never expected to enjoy as much as I did. With its diverse cast, bizarre storyline, and myriad of odd quirks aimed to kill your party, it's a brilliant experience, and one I plan to come back to in the future.
Yoshi's Crafted World is the type of game designed to take you away from the stress of modern life. Featuring gorgeous visuals, a refined control scheme, and a mountain if content to be uncovered, it's one I find myself able to recommend to almost any Switch owner.
Nelke and The Legendary Alchemists is a celebration of the Atelier series in the truest sense. Putting forward an experience both accessible to series newcomers and engaging for veterans, it does a brilliant job of captivating players despite its relatively easy to grasp gameplay loop. Though slightly let down by its RPG elements, it's a game I can recommend for anybody who enjoys careful planning and watching their efforts slowly come to fruition; your ideal town is right at your fingertips.
Ace Combat 7 is a marvel of combat flight simulation. Putting forwards a package both concise in nature and packed with features and quirks to promote replayability and exploration, it's a game I struggled to put down. If you enjoy flight simulation, air combat, or even just a mess of explosions, bullets and lasers, I encourage you to give it a shot.
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe is yet another gem to be snatched from the obscurity of the Wii U and presented to the masses thanks to the Switch's popularity. Despite not featuring much in the way of new content, the addition of Toadette alone creates an entirely fresh way to play this almost seven year old title. For a fan of Mario, a fan of platforming, or just somebody who never had a Wii U, I cannot recommend it enough.
If I had to pick a single word to describe Nippon Marathon, it would be fun. While I struggle to ascertain exactly which part of this beautiful mess calls to me so, I can recommend it for anybody looking for a wild multiplayer experience. Pick up four controllers and get ready for the marathon of your life.
Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition is without a doubt the best Warriors game I have ever played, and to see it run so well on the Switch is fantastic to see. Featuring a seemingly endless ocean of content to be conquered, alongside an army of playable characters and arsenal of unique weaponry, it's a game I can recommend to any Warriors fan with no hesitation.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate lives up to its namesake. Putting forward a refined and polished console Smash experience in a form digestible both on the go and through all-night marathon sessions, it succeeds in bringing each unique joy of the series to the Switch. Though lacking a few iconic modes, it stands as one of the best games released for the console, whether playing alone or with friends.
Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu are fine additions to the series, albeit different to what we're used to seeing. Presenting a more casual and relaxed environment to stroll through and appreciate, it offer a new Kanto. One of exploration, one of cooperation, and one of catching them all. It isn't without its faults, but as a way to bridge the gap between mobile and main series, it succeeds brilliantly.
Gal Metal is a game that is what you make of it. If you want a tall string of technical combinations, this is a game for you. If you want a satisfying and consistent beat through some brilliant metal beats, this is still a game for you. The flexibility and personal nature of the experience feels entirely unique, let down only by the limited list of 13 tracks. Pick this up if you're a fan of metal, of drumming, or of violently swinging a Joy Con; you won't regret it.
This is a game for Corpse Party fans and nobody else, and that's fine. Building on the world, lore, and characters of the first game, Book of Shadows presents an encyclopaedia of every question you never knew you wanted answering, and will keep you wanting more. This version offering HD graphics and a real point and click interaction, it stands as the best way to experience these tragic tales.
Fire Pro Wrestling World is a game for anybody that wants a good time. Though best enjoyed with friends, the progression and cast of characters seen in the single player mode kept me gripped throughout, and will likely grip me again should I come back to it in future.
Super Mario Party is where the series should have gone years ago. Gone are the cars, the mini stars, and the one player chasing down the team as Bowser. Here we have a Mario Party game for the ages, one that builds on and will hopefully be built upon, and one I'll be coming back to happily.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a fantastic game, this much I have no doubt. While I might not be able to compare it to the other games in Lara's modern trilogy, I can say with certainty this game does enough to stand proudly alone. Through great visuals, fun puzzles, and an unexpected degree of replayability, this is a game worth playing for any fan of the series, or anybody just looking for a great journey.
Senran Kagura Reflexions is no masterpiece, but it was never made to be one. It is a short and sweet adventure of discovery and love, of poking, slapping, grabbing, and ultimately, massaging.
Despite its shortcomings, I did enjoy my time with SNK Heroines. Its weak plot and lacklustre single player options did leave me wanting more, but the fun and ease of playing with friends really stood out to me. If you have a group to play with or find yourself eager to play against the masses online, it's definitely a game I can recommend. An appreciation for the partially dressed also helps.
Okami HD is a great way to experience this timeless title. As my first encounter with the game, the Switch's unique touch controls went great lengths in crafting an immersive world and combat style. Pair this with a graphical style that not only looks incredible, but stands up to modern standards, and you have a surprisingly affordable adventure you won't be able to put down.
Octopath Traveler fills a gap in the Switch's ever-growing market, putting forward a full and refined traditional JRPG experience in a way that will appeal to both experienced and new fans alike. Presenting a unique and visually enticing graphical style, alongside eight storylines and a plethora of bonus content, it is a game I unreservedly recommend for Nintendo Switch owners.