Guns, Gore and Cannoli is a solid take on the run-and-gun genre. While its unique combination of zombies and gangsters is impressively illustrated through its detailed and eye-catching visuals, sadly the gameplay doesn’t feel as special. It might start out on a strong opening note, but slowly falls prone to repetition and like an infected, shambling zombie, the experience starts to rot a little the longer it’s around.
Baseball Riot is a simple, sometimes fun Angry Birds-inspired download that’s a neat enough distraction in short sessions but may lose its appeal when exposed to the player for too long. We’ve seen these kinds of games before and if you’re in the market for one on Switch then this certainly delivers just that.
Energy Cycle is a relatively forgettable puzzle experience. While the general idea is a passable one, a lack of substantial content and straightforward presentation result in a game that feels like it would be more at home on a smartphone than a games console.
Super Meat Boy is one of the toughest platformers I’ve ever played. What starts out as challenging quickly transforms into a series of nightmarish playgrounds that had me cursing with frustration but more importantly always returning for more. With the inclusion of an all-new race mode, the Switch version of Super Meat Boy is one of the best yet and even worth a try for those who might already be familiar with this demanding game.
Mom Hid My Game! is a weirdly wonderful experience that goes to some truly unpredictable places. Despite its simple presentation, there’s still a quirky layer of charm that you can’t help but gravitate toward. The fact a version of this game is free on smart devices isn’t an easy fact to ignore, however, if you’re in the market for something brief, super strange and fun for under a fiver on the Switch then Mom Hid My Game! might fill that void.
Crimsonland is a fairly forgettable experience hindered further by unattractive audio and visuals. While you have to admire its retro-style arcade feel and gameplay, sadly it’s not enough to keep you engaged for long. Survival mode has the longest legs but even then it’s not something I found myself wanting to return back to long term.
Pic-a-Pix Deluxe is another Picross-style game for Switch that plays exactly as you might expect. Unfortunately, it also lacks the same level of polish as other attempts like Picross S. If you’re hungry for more pixel shading puzzles though, Pic-a-Pix Deluxe delivers a reliable if somewhat clumsy option.
Plantera Deluxe feels like the video game equivalent of junk food – you know it’s not great but it does the job regardless. And while there is certainly something to be said for Plantera Deluxe’s surprising addictiveness in the early goings, the shallow nature of the game, unfortunately, means this effect soon starts to wear off. Simple and sometimes fun for short bursts but an average affair overall.
Arcade Archives VS. Super Mario Bros. is a rather interesting version of the much-beloved platformer thanks to its customisable options and unique line-up of levels. Veterans expecting something drastically different from this arcade adaption may leave disappointed but those seeking a chance to play some classic Mario on the go could do a lot worse.
Retro City Rampage DX is a loud, exciting and mindless open world experience that hurriedly takes you from one insane situation to another. While its humour and story might rely a little too heavily on parodies and past references, the fun had from simply causing chaos in the city of Theftropolis is enough to carry you through to the end. For those looking for their Grand Theft Auto fix on Switch this is certainly worth a look.
Gorogoa is a truly mesmerising experience from start to finish whose greatest sin is that it’s all over far too quickly. Your short time spent with the game, however, will take you on a truly memorable journey unlike any other. Beautiful, ingenious and full of mystery, Gorogoa is a game I simply couldn’t put down and one I’m eager to return to again even if just to bask in the magnificent world Jason Roberts has handcrafted one more time.
Mario Party: The Top 100 could have been so much more. The minigame assortment is a strong one and a fun nostalgia trip for fans of the series, however thanks to the game’s underwhelming selection of single and multiplayer modes that enjoyment is short-lived. A rushed release that sadly squanders its potential. Here’s hoping an inevitable Switch entry can get the series back on track.
Floor Kids is a rhythm game unlike any other, radiating style from every possible angle. Not just a joy for the eyes and ears though, Floor Kids features satisfying gameplay that helps it stand out in a well-rehearsed genre. While the beat may be a short one, it’s certainly one worth dancing to.
Star Ghost is a simple but effective game. Easy to grasp but tough to master, the fast-paced shooting action is perfect for quick return visits on the go or between bigger games. What it lacks in content it makes up for with addictive and fun gameplay.
Stick It To The Man delivers an unexpectedly dark but often funny experience that’s unlike anything currently on the Nintendo Switch. While the puzzles can sometimes border on frustration and the pacing isn’t for everyone’s taste, the journey taken is one full of witty and memorable highlights point and click fans won’t want to miss.
Nine Parchments is a perfectly fine dungeon crawler-esque experience that sadly never really manages to deliver on its true potential. While it might tick a lot of the genre checkboxes, these ideas are never expanded upon enough to help the game truly stand out. As a multiplayer adventure, there’s definitely fun to be had in working together to tackle swarms of enemies, but alone, you’ll be hard-pressed to keep engaged through to the end credits.
Snipperclips Plus is a neat little expansion that bulks out its original package with some much-needed content. While I might argue the price is a little on the high side, the thirty plus stages and modes offer enough reason to join Snip and Clip once again for some shape based puzzle solving.
It’s very easy to lose yourself in SUPERBEAT XONiC EX, its satisfying gameplay and soundtrack melding together in perfect harmony. While the initial learning curve is a tough one, once you’ve come to grips with all the rapid tapping, sliding and button pressing, you’ll discover a great rhythm game unlike anything on the Nintendo Switch right now.
The Bridge is a short but sweet experience. While it may have been the visuals that initially drew me in, the satisfying puzzles that literally revolve around… well revolving your world were what kept me playing. A little light on content, but a game that’s worth checking out especially for puzzle fans.
New Style Boutique 3: Styling Star is a prime example of how you should never judge a book (or in this case video game) by its cover. While it’s easy to pass this off as just another casual title aimed at the non-gamers of the world, give it a chance and you’ll uncover a surprisingly deep and charming experience that proves the Nintendo 3DS is still not done when it comes to putting out quality content just yet.