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.
When all is said and done, Rocket League on Switch is a great version of the game. It manages to deliver the same addictive experience as its more powerful siblings whether playing docked or handheld and, even though graphically it may not be as strong, this is an easy recommendation for any Switch owner.
The Kirby series has been no stranger to interesting spin-off titles over the years but, unfortunately, Kirby Battle Royale is one of his weaker ventures. A batch of modes uneven in quality, fairly basic combat and a repetitive story option make for a pretty forgettable experience when played alone. With a group, however, Kirby Battle Royale can be a silly, fun time albeit a relatively shallow one.
Tumblestone is a solid puzzler, packed with content whether you’re playing alone or with a group. While the core concept may not be the best in class, there’s certainly enough fun to be had here and a cool game to come back to every now and again to tackle a couple more puzzles.
It’s tough to believe that Sonic Team has managed to take the enjoyable gameplay blueprint of Sonic Generations and turn it into this clunky mess of a sequel – a lazily told story, poor level design, and gameplay that lacks any real excitement the biggest offenders here. Sonic Mania managed to steer the hedgehog back on track and it’s disheartening to see Sonic Forces potentially undo that so soon. The game isn’t unplayable like others have been in the past, but it’s certainly clear Sonic Team are capable of better. Much better.
Monopoly for Nintendo Switch delivers a solid enough version of the famous board game that’s unfortunately held back by some frustrating issues. With a little polish, better pacing, and a more competitive price point, this version could have been a great alternative for fans of the game. As it stands though Monopoly for Nintendo Switch is perfectly playable but feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.
Spelunker Party! is the kind of game that fails to make any real lasting negative or positive impression. It’s a better experience when played in a group, however, the game’s overall mix of frustrating platforming, bland presentation and uninspired level design mean this is a party you might want to pass on.
As a single player experience, Party Golf makes for a tougher recommendation, the overly simplistic gameplay wearing thin quickly and its trials not offering enough to hold your attention. If you’re looking for a simple, pick up and play, frantic multiplayer game though, then Party Golf should offer enough laughs to keep you and your group entertained. With an insane number of customisable options and the ability to share the fun with up to eight players, Giant Margarita’s take on the golfing genre is a unique one, if somewhat simple.
The Jackbox Party Pack 4 delivers an uneven selection of games. Fibbage 3 is predictably still fun with Enough About You being an excellent addition to the formula. Survive the Internet is a major highlight and among one of the best games in the whole series. Monster Seeking Monster is overly complex but can be fun with the right people, while Civic Doodle is passable but never reaches the heights of previous drawing games. Bracketeering, however, is a straight-up dud and one I don’t wish to return to.