Stardew Valley is one of those games I could write about for pages and pages. Whatever the next day had in store for me whether it was harvesting, fishing, exploring the mines or simply running a quick errand for a friend, I couldn’t stop playing. The constant pull to earn money or better my relationship with the townspeople or just make my farm the best it could possibly be was a constant and something that continues to bring me back even now. Stardew Valley is a delightfully charming and deep experience and easily one of the Nintendo eShop’s best.
Neo Turf Masters is one of the better Neo Geo titles Hamster Corporation have released on Switch so far. While light on content, the game’s charming presentation and satisfying gameplay make for a one of a kind golfing experience that’s at its best when playing with someone else. A great addition to any sports fan’s Switch library.
Who would have thought that an RPG adventure based around the slow-paced sport of golf would end up being such a fun one? While Golf Story may not be the best in class in neither the sport nor role-playing genre, the game manages to combine the two into a delightfully unique and charming experience. Another winner for the Switch.
Mario Bros. hasn’t aged particularly well over the years and isn’t the big bang of a debut we wanted from Nintendo’s back catalogue on Switch. That being said, playing two-player is still a decent distraction and competing for high scores online is addictive enough to keep you coming back every now and again for another short dose of the plumbers.
I’ve seen my fair share of Picross games over the years and even with hundreds of solved puzzles already under my belt, playing Picross S felt just as addicting as it did when I first started. Despite a lack of touchscreen controls and some questionable features, Jupiter’s latest entry in the series should still satisfy puzzle solvers hungry to get their Picross fix on Switch.
Sparkle 2 doesn’t bring anything incredibly new to the puzzle genre, but that doesn’t stop it being an addictively enjoyable experience. Best played in short bursts, this connect three puzzler feels right at home on the Switch and its budget price doesn’t hurt either.
Conga Master Party! is a unique game with a lot of heart. While the single player might be a pretty forgettable experience, the multiplayer offers a surprisingly fun and frantic time. Just as with any good conga line, the more people the better. So, if you’re in the market for a quirky, silly multiplayer then Conga Master Party! might be worth a look.
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is a tough as nails roguelike experience packed full with a ridiculous amount of content. Ideal for quick 10 or 20-minute run attempts here and there, the game feels right at home on the Switch whether you play handheld or docked and while its gross-out style and frustratingly random difficulty might put some off, those that persevere will find a rewarding albeit dark experience.
Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition is a tough game to review. On the one hand, it's still a fantastically creative platformer with plenty of content to offer and an easy recommendation for anyone yet to experience this adventure. On the other though, it's yet another version of a game we've seen plenty of times already with little to offer returning players especially at its higher price point.
Sonic Mania is a true love letter to the blue hedgehog's 16-bit days, developed by a team that you can tell have put everything they have into making sure that it not only lives up to fan expectations but gamers in general. And, while there is certainly plenty to be gained here if you're a Sonic enthusiast, Sonic Mania is an excellent standalone platformer in its own right, too, and one that will hopefully open the door to more retro-inspired ventures for some of SEGA's older IPs.